Egypt

Founded by Alexander the Great on the Mediterranean coast in 322 BC, Alexandria is known as Egypt’s cultural and cosmopolitan capital with legendary landmarks to explore (the towering Pharos of Alexandria and the Great Library, Citadel of Qaitbay, the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and the iconic Pompey's Pillar) located alongside trendy bars, restaurants and local cafes. Other attractions include the famous Cornich, El Mamurah Beach and the lush El Montazah Park.

“The world’s largest open-air museum”, situated in the Nile Valley and the starting point for many river cruises, Luxor is a treasure-trove of must-see Egyptian palaces and ruins. The city surrounds two massive ancient monuments: the stately Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. The royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are on the river’s west bank. Taking in the sheer scale of these historical icons and others is like no experience on earth.

Hurghada is a stunning beach resort town that stretches 40km along Egypt’s Red Sea coastline with a wealth of activities. Popular scuba diving and snorkelling sites are located at Abu Ramada Island, Giftun Kebir and El Mina and Rosalie Moller with Soma Bay ideal for kite surfing, parasailing and waterskiing and Old Vic Beach and Elysees Dream beach great for swimming and sunbathing. Other attractions include desert safaris, camel rides, boat tours and golfing.

Famed for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, and spectacular coral reefs, located in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh (or Sharm) is the crowning jewel of the Gulf of Aqaba. Attractions include sunbathing, swimming and coral reef exploring at Shark Bay or Nabq Bay, snorkelling and scuba diving at The Ras Mohammed National Park, quad biking in the Sinai Desert, the nightlife in Naama Bay, shopping at The Old Market and hiking Mount Saint Catherine.

Nestled along the banks of the river Nile and the capital of one of the world’s most glorious empires, Cairo is a city filled to the brim with incredible sights. Must-see attractions include the Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Khufu, Queens Pyramids of Giza and the Pyramid of Menhaure, The Sphinx of Giza, Sakkara, Memphis, Giza Necroplis and Cairo's museum. Discover early Christian history in Coptic Cairo and shop in Khan el-Khalili, quad biking, boating and camel rides.

Known as the Land of Gold because it’s the resting place for Nubian pharaohs who were buried in golden sarcophagi, Aswan is a city with so much to offer. Take a boat trip to visit the temple of Philae on Aglika Island. Visit Abu Simbel, the architectural splendour and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Aswan’s Northern Quarry, home to the famous Unfinished Obelisk. Ride a camel to see the Tombs of Nobles and the Monastery of St. Simeon. Shop in Aswan’s souk.

Cruising between Aswan and Luxor on the River Nile is a wonderful way to take in the extraordinary scenery of the Nile Valley. Attractions include The High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna, Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsu. At night, many of the temples and monuments are lit up, and the sight of them from the water is beyond words. Daytime sights include black buffalo and farmers guiding donkeys along the riverbanks.

In a basin in the remote Western Desert lies the Siwa Oasis, Egypt’s hidden gem. Quieter and more remote, it’s the perfect destination for travellers looking for something a little different. Attractions include the ruined Fortress of Shali built in the 12th century, The Temple of the Oracle with its breathtaking oasis views, 4x4, sandboarding and horse-riding adventures in the Great Sand Sea, dips in the Cleopatra Spring, visits to the cultural House of Siwa Museum.