Tailor-made Egypt: Introduction

For 4,000 years Egypt has been drawing visitors to marvel at the temples and funerary monuments of its ancient culture, lining the banks of the Nile, crammed into the narrow strip of fertile land amidst the desert that forms the bulk of the country.

From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the temples of Abu Simbel, there is a spectacular array of Pharaonic sights that form the core of Egypt’s appeal. There is more to Egypt than just the ancient Egyptians, and Cairo is the perfect example of this, where layer upon layer of medieval history competes for space with Fatimid citadels, Mamluke souqs and Ottoman mosques, overlaid by a vibrant modern city.

Outside the green margins of the Nile, the Red Sea’s stunning coral reefs are fringed by sandy beaches blessed with year-round sun. In the desert remarkable rock formations, jagged mountains and seas of sand shelter and hide lonely oases and remote monasteries. At El Alamein, ranks of war graves pay testament to heroism and a history much younger than that of the Ancient Egyptians. Whilst many of Egypt's historic attractions are still in situ, a wonderful array of artefacts can also be found in her museums: Alexandria and Luxor both have excellent little museums, and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is one of the most famous in the world.

Selected Highlights

Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”. Click here for more highlights

Visit the Pyramids of Giza and Sakkara

No visit to Egypt would be complete without time spent at the famous Pyramids of Giza. These awe-inspiring tombs attract thousands of visitors every day, but...  [more]

Cruise down to Abu Simbel

The four colossi of Ramses II, each 20m high, dominate the facade of his temple at Abu Simbel. The huge Temple of Ramses dominates the surrounding area, a...  [more]

Take a stroll around Karnak Temple

With a Hypostyle Hall big enough to contain Notre Dame and construction that spanned over 1,300 years, Karnak Temple is the largest and most complex of all...  [more]