Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world, and the most densely populated. Because Egypt’s only livable land is bordered by the Nile and the coasts of the Mediterranean and Red Sea, the people are forced to live close together. Egypt has an average of 3,820 persons per square mile in its populated areas. Conversely, the country as a whole has an average population density of just 181 persons per square mile.

The religion in Egypt is predominantly Islam. It is estimated that between 80% and 90% of the population is Muslim. The remaining Egyptians mostly follow Christianity. Because religion plays such an important role in Egyptian lives, their businesses, media and entertainment all revolve around it. Five times a day the Islamic call to prayer is made, and most activity breaks for a short time. Egypt also only officially recognizes Islam, Christianity, and Judaism as true religions.

Cultural Crossroads Tours of Egypt at a Glance

• Educational and Cultural Expedition to Egypt - 12 nights*
  

  Egypt is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It has a wealth of temples and monuments – and a history of peoples such as the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders and Turks who left their mark on the many sites left behind. Cultural Crossroads will explore the rich cultural heritage of this country through the great sites and the people who have passed on varied traditions. Travelers will get to meet artisans and craftspeople and hear first-hand how their craft was handed down within their family. We will visit the famous sites such as the Pyramids and Sphinx, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Queens and much more. Cultural Crossroads tour participants will also enjoy a private evening with Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities for all of Egypt. He will share with us what is presently happening in the archeological digs today, and why it is important, and also tell us about recent finds. Join Cultural Crossroads for this extraordinary opportunity to have a wonderful educational and cultural journey to Egypt.

• Educational and Cultural Expedition to Egypt with VPR. Host: Christopher Wren
  

  Join the Vermont Public Radio in this exclusive trip to Egypt. This tour is hosted by Christopher Wren, the former New York Times Chief Bureau for Cairo, book author and an expert on Egypt.

  Cultural Crossroads invites you to experience the rich history, wonderful antiquities and cultural heritage from the ancient world, including the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, and amazing temples. We explore Old Islamic and Coptic Egypt and the life and archaeological sites along Nile River. Travelers will visit the major monuments and museums as well as the lesser-known ones. We will have many opportunities to meet and talk with locals about the traditions that they have handed-down through the generations. An example of this is a third generation glass blower in his narrow one-room factory and storefront. It is believed that he has the last surviving glass-blowing workshop in Cairo. Finally, a trip to Egypt isn’t complete without visiting Luxor’s east and west banks and Aswan, the capital of the south

  Some special visits include a visit the Nubian Museum where the Director will give us a private tour and a talk about the history and heritage of the Nubian region. Nubia sits between Aswan in Egypt and Khartoum in Sudan. The Director will escort us for a visit to a Nubian village where we will meet the villagers and enjoy tea in one of their homes.

  At the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, our small group size will allow us to visit several small factories and workshops, (often one room), to see and learn about Egyptian handiwork and crafts directly from the artisans.

  In Cairo we will visit the galleries of famous Egyptian artists including painters, sculpture and photographers.

  The tour is for 8-16 travelers only, so you can enjoy the company of others, or fill the trip with your friends and/or family. Our small group size provides you with special opportunities and private access for unique cultural experiences.

  Cultural Crossroads is proud to support the Integrated Care Society. It was founded in 1978 by Suzanne Mubarak, and was intended to establish libraries and help with literacy. The project has now turned into a model to help communities work to improve themselves: http://www.ics.org.eg/