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.
Cairo
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.
Exploring Egypt
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.
Egypt's museums
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.
Ancient Civilisations
The Ancient Egyptians have attracted more interest and attention than almost any other ancient civilisation. Their feats of engineering, and the details of their lives we can glean from tomb and temple walls make them seem very alive; similarly their obsession with death also fascinates us.
Ancient Ruins
From the temples of Upper Egypt, to the numerous fantastic pyramids near Cairo, Egypt is probably best known for its ancient ruins. Even once away from the ever-popular Nile Valley, there are oasis tombs, and remnants of Roman Alexandria to uncover.
Beaches
The shores of the Red Sea are rightly famous the world over. The water is a stunning clear blue and the coral reefs are simply amazing. Year-round, the sun shines, and there are excursions into the mountainous interior to tempt you away from the sand and lapping waves.
Cruises
Gliding serenely past lush green fields, farmed by ox-drawn ploughshares, admiring the sleek form of a egret is one of the great pleasures of a visit to Egypt. The fact that this glimpse of unchanged rural life also links together some of the greatest historical monuments in Egypt makes a Nile cruise a must!
Museums
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is one of the world's great treasure troves, crammed with artefacts from the country's illustrious past. Other, much smaller museums are more than worthy of your time: Luxor museum is especially noteworthy.
Souqs & Shopping
As you twist and turn deeper into the Khan El Khalili, passing under Mamluke arches and admiring Ottoman 'mashrabiya' window screens, you're drawn into a traditional world where charismatic vendors try to persuade you to purchase handicrafts and goods manufactured in a tiny workshop behind the shop front.
