Egypt is one of the world’s oldest destinations, attracting visitors since the time of the ancient Greeks. Dates and facts are interesting but it’s the insight into life, both ancient and modern, that bring Egypt alive. With this in mind, we handpick all our guides and they come no better than Magdy Zayed, Audley local guide and Egyptologist. Here he tell us about his life, his interests, his views on how Cairo has changed and what the future holds for the Middle East’s most populous city.
Less
More
Articles in the 'North Africa & Arabia' Category
Download this article as a pdf (579 kilobytes)
Syria, and in particular Lebanon, have endured a turbulent recent past but as Donna Piccini discovered on her recent trip both are emerging destinations, steeped in history and full of welcoming people.
Download this article as a pdf (649 kilobytes)
If you’ve explored a destination on land, why not spend a few days exploring the underwater part of it. It’s a whole new world. If you’re not already qualified, you can choose to do an introductory course, a full PADI training course or, for the more qualified, a day or more diving and discovering some of the underwater world’s most spectacular species. A number of our destination specialists are keen divers, some are qualified instructors, and here they pick out their own favourite dives sites.
Download this article as a pdf (328 kilobytes)
Oman has not been renowned for its conservation record but, as Harry Ring discovers, the turtle project in Ras Al-Jinz is an encouraging development in the quest to protect this delicate species.
Download this article as a pdf (303 kilobytes)
The Roman Empire, at its height, extended from modern Sudan in the south, to the Scottish border in the north and from Morocco in the west to the Caspian Sea and Arabian Gulf in the east. With the exception of Oman, every country in our North Africa & Arabia brochure knew the tramp of legionary boots and rule of toga-clad governors. The Roman narrative from the early days of the republic, through to the collapse of the Empire, can be traced through the basilicas, mosaics, forums and amphitheatres still standing and demanding our attention.
Download this article as a pdf (2.3 megabytes)
The highlights of a trip to Jordan usually include: the iconic Petra, a pilgrimage to Mount Nebo, the crusader castles of Kerak, the Roman city of Jerash and maybe some time by the shores of the Dead Sea. However, this is not all that Jordan has to offer. Matthew Teller, author of the Rough Guide to Jordan, ventures to the less explored north of the country to walk the Al-Ayoun trail.
Download this article as a pdf (720 kilobytes)
Andrew Hunt, Audley’s North Africa & Arabia Programme Manager, describes why he thinks the Nile is the most famous river in the world.
Download this article as a pdf (864 kilobytes)
In October 2008, 21 people struggled over mountains and dried river basins on a five day trek to the historic site of Petra in Jordan. £7890 was raised by the trek through sponsorship which is being divided between two charities: Friends of Conservation’s project in Costa Rica and the Al-Hussein Society in Jordan.
Download this article as a pdf (408 kilobytes)
Shah Abbas was one of the formative rulers of Iran, consolidating the position of the country as one of the great powers of the day. Iranians regard his rule as a golden era in the arts and in architecture. With a new exhibition at the British Museum detailing the legacy of the Shah, Henrietta Chapman explores some of the sites associated with one of the greatest rulers of his time, as well as the other travel possibilities available in this endlessly fascinating country.
Download this article as a pdf (558 kilobytes)
Agatha Christie wasn’t the first novelist to set a murdermystery in the Middle East: she followed a noble tradition started by Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle. Harry Ring recommends some essential reading for amateur sleuths heading east.
Download this article as a pdf (516 kilobytes)
There are some immensely clear and gloriously spectacular night skies across the world, many that must be seen to be believed. Here, our specialists choose their favourites.
Download this article as a pdf (229 kilobytes)
Morocco and Tunisia may be well-known for their bustling and exciting atmospheres, but with so much to see and do, relaxation sometimes gets overlooked. Communal bathing and associated treatments have always occupied a key role in North African society, providing a time and place to gather and discuss all manner of issues. Deals are thrashed out here, friendships strengthened and problems solved. Alongside the mosques, they are amongst the most important buildings in any city. Generally, public ones are a bit earthy for most peoples’ tastes so our specialists have selected some good alternatives.
Download this article as a pdf (364 kilobytes)
Regular readers of Audley Traveller and those who have travelled with us to Jordan will already have heard about the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. Andrew Hunt, North Africa & Arabia Programme Manager, offers background and history to help explain why we are so vocal in our support of the organisation.
Download this article as a pdf (735 kilobytes)
Responsible travel is not only about minimising the environmental impact of travel, but also about improving the social and economic infrastructures of host destinations. Ultimately, we strive to ensure that a visit from Audley clients leaves a destination better rather than worse off. The nature of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of responsible travel – we use, wherever possible, locally owned accommodation options, locally managed grounds agents and local guides and drivers. One of the vital parts of our country specialists’ research trips is to unearth new initiatives. Here are a few of our favourites.
Download this article as a pdf (224 kilobytes)
Mark Patterson takes to the streets of Jordan to discover sights and sounds that escape most visitors.
Download this article as a pdf (565 kilobytes)
The march to globalisation of certain sports may seem unstoppable, but more localised pursuits are still extremely popular in certain corners of the globe. Our specialists reveal some of their favourites.
Download this article as a pdf (234 kilobytes)
Our second fundraising trip in support of the Audley Charity Portfolio is a five-day trek through Jordan’s wilderness to Petra.
Download this article as a pdf (144 kilobytes)
After a lucky find Andrew Hunt examines how visitors to Egypt would have been guided around the country 100 years ago.
Download this article as a pdf (518 kilobytes)
Mark Patterson returns to Tunisia after last visiting on his studies in 2002.
Download this article as a pdf (402 kilobytes)
Lou Mullineux experiences a destination back on the traveller’s map.
Download this article as a pdf (320 kilobytes)
Sarah Whatman’s guide to Libya’s bustling medinas, coastal plains and mountain ranges.
Download this article as a pdf (331 kilobytes)
Mount Toubkal charity climb in aid of the Audley Charity Portfolio.
Download this article as a pdf (610 kilobytes)
Katherine Goodsell falls for golden sands, cattle markets, green mountains and fort strongholds.
Download this article as a pdf (573 kilobytes)
Ten places to visit in these two ancient lands.
Download this article as a pdf (170 kilobytes)
A whistle stop tour of Morocco’s fashionable cuisine.
Download this article as a pdf (120 kilobytes)
An introduction to the fascinating destination of Jordan.
Download this article as a pdf (470 kilobytes)
How to get more out of a trip to Egypt.
Download this article as a pdf (189 kilobytes)
