Traveller's notes

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Clockwise from top: a tablet engraved at the entrance of the ancient church saying "this church of Virgin Mary was establishd by Empress Saint Helena, mother of King Constantine the Great at Gabal Al-Teir in 328AD, year 44 of Martyrs. It was renovated under the auspices of Bishop Sawiris of Minya and Ashmonein in 1938, year 1654 of Martyrs"; steps leading to the Monastery of Gabal Al-Teir; inside the ancient church

Travelling to Minya by train is a good option. First-class tickets cost between LE27 and LE31, depending on the type of train. The best choice is the non-stop "Spanish" train, leaving Cairo at 7.30am and 8.00am. The journey to Minya takes three hours. The return train leaves Minya at 5.30pm and 6.00pm. Tickets cannot be reserved beforehand, however, and travellers should go to the station an hour before departure to buy a ticket.

The second option is to drive along the 400-kilometre eastern Desert Road from Cairo to Assiut. The narrow agricultural road is much more scenic, although it is often congested.

With the opening of the military airport to civil aviation, reaching the city by air will become the most convenient option of all.

Minya has a wide range of hotels, costing between LE50 and LE120 on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

The newest, and most luxurious, is the Armed Forces Hotel (+20 86 366 283). This is the only hotel on the east bank of the Nile, next to Minya's Nile bridge. In addition to the magnificent scenery, the hotel has tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, as well as a bowling centre. Conference facilities are available.

Other four-star hotels located on the Corniche are Mercure Nefertiti (+20 86 341 516) or 341 515) and Aton (+20 86 342 993/4/5), the only hotel with chalets built on the Nile.

The three and two-star hotels are located off the Nile, yet still offer a Nile view. They are clean and comfortable. Cleopatra on Taha Hussein Street (+2086 357 222), and Lotus on Port Said Street (+2086 364 500 or 364 541) are two good options.

Some travel agents organise weekly trips to Minya, two of which are Misr Travel (+202 393 0010) and Eagle Travel (+202 574 4615).

The only international fast food chain in the city is KFC (+2086 375 002/3) on the Corniche. However, there are two floating restaurants which provide not only good food, but also a magnificent view of the Nile. A two-hour trip from Minya to Beni Hassan and a meal on board the Hamis or Nefert boats (+2086 360 150) cost LE50.

Many restaurants in Minya serve traditional Egyptian food such as fuul and tamiyya, while some serve kebab and kofta.

Minya is more fortunate than other Upper Egyptian governorates with regard to healthcare services. Minya's University Hospital (+20 86 366 743) is the largest healthcare provider to Minya residents as well as to the surrounding villages.

Other hospitals are: Al-Mabarah Hospital (+20 86 363 077) and the Public Hospital (+20 86 364 098).

There are also a number of health centres and private clinics.