Egypt

However, Egypt has so much more besides, from the remote oases of the Western Desert and the stark beauty of the Sinai, to luxurious resorts and world-class diving on the Red Sea, and the most remarkable landscape imaginable.

Alexandria is Egypt’s oldest city. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332BC, it became a great centre of learning, culture and trade, and one of the most important citys in the world. Sadly, little remains from ancient times, but the city still retains some of its legendary appeal and has some interesting sights.

Cairo, once the most important Islamic city of medieval times, is a vibrant and exciting metropolis. From the Great Pyramids at Giza, to the mosques and palaces of the Islamic and Medieval city, the winding alleyways of the Khan el Khalili bazaar and the astonishing treasures in the Museum of Antiquities, the city is a fascinating showcase of Egyptian history across the ages.

The River Nile is without doubt Egypt’s lifeblood. Not only does it irrigate the fertile lands along its banks, but it has also become the most important artery for travellers exploring Upper Egypt. Here, the celebrated towns of Luxor and Aswan, and some of the country’s finest archaeological remains are to be found - the great Temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens to name but a few.

Above Aswan lies the vast expanse of Lake Nasser, formed after construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. This in turn led to a staggering feat of engineering by UNESCO, when most of the temples of ancient Nubia were moved stone by stone to higher ground to avoid destruction by the rising waters. Thanks to this effort, temples such as the magnificent Abu Simbel, with its haunting statues gazing over the lake, were saved for posterity.

Beyond its antiquities, Egypt has much else to offer. The remote oases and startling landscapes of the Western Desert are far from the usual traveller’s path. Journey west of Alexandria to reach El Alamein, testament to the British Eighth Army’s critical victory in the North Africa campaign of 1940/43. Explore the Sinai Peninsula, which has some of the most magnificent scenery imaginable. Last but not least, the beaches of the Red Sea offer luxurious resort hotels and some of the best diving in the world.