Egypt –
Ancient Wonders & Red Sea.

Why Egypt?

5,000 Years of History, Crystal-Clear Water.

Egypt is one of the world's most versatile holiday destinations – a place where you can spend the morning snorkelling above a coral reef teeming with fish, the afternoon in an air-conditioned all-inclusive resort, and the evening watching the sun set over the desert. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are the two main beach resort areas: reliable sun, warm Red Sea water year-round, and well-developed hotel infrastructure that suits families, couples and divers alike.

But Egypt's real draw is its ancient past. The Pyramids of Giza, built over 4,500 years ago, still rank among the most astonishing human achievements on earth. The Sphinx stands guard in front of them. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo holds treasures accumulated over millennia, including the complete burial collection of Tutankhamun. A half-day excursion from Hurghada can include both – most tour operators offer comfortable day trips by air.

Further south along the Nile, Luxor is an open-air museum on a scale that is almost incomprehensible. The Karnak Temple complex, built and expanded over 1,300 years, covers two square kilometres. The Valley of the Kings, across the river, holds the decorated rock-cut tombs of pharaohs including Ramesses II and Tutankhamun. Luxor is best reached by a Nile cruise from Aswan – one of the most rewarding journeys in African travel.

The Red Sea coast itself is world-class for diving and snorkelling. Ras Mohammed National Park near Sharm el-Sheikh is regarded as one of the world's top dive sites, with walls dropping hundreds of metres into crystal-blue water and an extraordinary density of reef fish, sharks, rays and turtles. Dive courses are readily available and affordable for beginners.

Tips for Your Egypt Trip

• 01Best season: October to April – comfortable temperatures, avoids the extreme summer heat.
• 02Sun protection: The Egyptian sun is intense year-round. High-factor sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable at archaeological sites.
• 03Dress code: Conservative dress is expected outside resort areas, particularly at mosques and rural sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
• 04Nile cruise tip: Book a 4- or 7-night cruise between Aswan and Luxor for the most rewarding cultural experience Egypt offers.