Egypt

Shrouded in mystery and intrigue and home to some of the world’s most famous historical treasures, Egypt holidays are on most people’s must-do lists.

On a holiday to Egypt you can explore ancient wonders such as the Pyramids at Giza, the temples of Karnak and the excavated tombs located in Luxor’s haunting Valley of the Kings, including Tutankhamun’s famed burial chamber which was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. You can descend into many of the tombs and gaze in disbelief at the near-perfect condition of some of the paintings and hieroglyphics which adorn the walls of these underground treasure troves.

In the Egyptian Museum in Cairo you can marvel at the riches discovered inside the tomb of the boy king who died in his late teens and remained at rest for more than 3,300 years before he was discovered, as well as view thousands of other ancient artifacts housed there including many mummies, sarcophagi, sculptures, household items and grand statues.

Many people who take Egypt tours plan to take a panoramic cruise on the River Nile, which flows through nine countries and is the longest river in the world. Many more take in a spectacular light and sound show at the Pyramids cleverly ‘hosted’ by the Sphinx, which brings ancient Egypt back to life thanks to the use of laser technology and an atmospheric soundtrack.

The stunning natural scenery of the Sinai Peninsula and vast expanses of desert which are home to the nomadic Bedouin tribes are yet more mesmerizing sights to be admired on holidays to Egypt, and it’s easy to imagine the Pharaohs gazing at the very same landscape. Another view unchanged from ancient times is the swaying gait of the camel, which soon becomes a familiar sight. Throughout history these beasts of burden provided not only transportation to desert dwellers but also shelter, fuel and food. Now, their main purpose is to provide tourists with rides on safaris, along the beach or as perhaps the most romantic way to view the Pyramids.

Those seeking bargains and more insight into life in Egypt must make time to wander around the sprawling Khan El Khalili Bazaar – a labyrinth of bustling alleys lined with stalls and workshops where merchants who are masters at haggling sell all kinds of traditional goods. For the adventurous, the amazing marine life that thrives beneath the waters of the Red Sea at resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh is just one more sight to be devoured on an Egypt holiday that will create memories sure to last a lifetime.