Touring in Egypt

There are few historical civilisations that capture the imagination quite like the Ancient Egyptians. The remarkable treasures that they left behind are by far the biggest draw for visitors to Egypt, and this remains one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Channel your inner Indiana Jones and explore the pyramids of Giza, the temples of Abu Simbel and the magnificent Valley of the Kings. Just the names of these extraordinary places are enough to conjure up images of dimly lit burial chambers, mysterious hieroglyphics etched into stone, and the gilded mask of Tutankhamun.

Of course there is more to this complex country than the pyramids, and Egypt is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in contemporary politics and the changing face of the Arab world. The colourful and often chaotic capital, Cairo, may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you really want to get under the skin of Egypt then this is the place to start. Beyond the narrow strip of greenery that hugs the Nile are the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert, one of the world’s most starkly beautiful landscapes, while the Red Sea coast is a magnet for snorkellers and scuba divers.

Touring Highlights of Egypt

• The Great Pyramid of Giza, built nearly 4,000 years ago, is the last of the seven wonders of the ancient world still standing.
• Standing guard next to the Great Pyramid is the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza, an enigmatic mythical creature with the head of a man and the body of a lion.
• Cairo, Egypt’s cacophonous capital, is home to some 22 million people. Far more than just a stepping stone to the pyramids, Cairo has been at the heart of Egypt’s turbulent history since Roman times, and there’s nowhere else quite like it.  A cruise along the river Nile takes you into the heart of Egypt, with options ranging from day trips on a traditional felucca to longer voyages between Aswan and Cairo.
• Luxor, known as Thebes in antiquity, was once the capital of Egypt, and is home to some of its most important archaeological sites, including the Temple of Karnak, the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Queens.
• The Valley of the Kings, sculpted from the rock of the Theban Hills, served as the last resting place of the pharaohs for five centuries, and the 63 royal tombs remain one of Egypt’s most extraordinary sights.
• The southern city of Aswan, situated next to the First Cataract of the Nile, is a delightfully chilled out place to spend some time, particularly when compared to Luxor and Cairo.

• The waters off the Red Sea coast offer superb snorkelling and diving, accessible via the resort towns of Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab.
• The sleepy town of Abu Simbel is famous for its towering rock-hewn temples, and it’s also an important centre of Nubian culture.
• The lesser-known temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to the gods Horus and Sobek, and is also home to the quirky Crocodile Museum.