Egyptian camel shade © waterwin

Egypt Travel Guide

Egypt is the world's premier tourist destination for historical sightseeing. From the mysterious and awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, to the Nile's West Bank, to the 3,000-year-old temples of Abu Simbel and the beguilingly beautiful Coptic Cairo, those with an interest in ancient civilisation will find themselves in seventh heaven while on holiday in Egypt.

However, tourists who take a less highbrow approach to holiday-making will not be disappointed by the Land of the Pharaohs, either. Egypt abounds with fun activities - such as diving and snorkelling along coral reefs, cruises along the Nile and camel treks into the Sahara - and often, as is the case with the magnificent Sinai Peninsula, tourists can combine these adventures with experiences of real cultural significance.

Egypt also has a world-class array of holiday resorts. From the bohemian charm of Dahab, to the ritzy elegance of El Gouna (known as the 'Venice of the Red Sea') and the creaturely kicks offered by Sharm el-Sheikh, those looking for a top-quality holiday resort in Egypt will find themselves spoilt for choice.

With an astounding amount of things to see and do, great weather, a healthy and delicious national diet and wonderful souk (open-air market) shopping opportunities, it is plain to see why Egypt is one of the world's favourite holiday destinations.

Best time to visit

Egypt experiences hot and dry weather all year round - although things are marginally cooler and wetter in areas adjacent to the coastline. The sun can get uncomfortably fierce during summer (May to October), and so tourists to Egypt are advised to travel between November and April. You are also strongly advised to assess the political situation in Egypt before you finalise your travel plans, as the region has been volatile in recent times. Read more on Egypt's Climate and Weather.

Top things to see in Egypt

-Be awe-struck by the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining ancient wonder of the world.

- Take a cruise down the Nile, and savour the incredible sights, including the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.

- Don't miss the 3,000-year-old temples of Abu Simbel: mind-blowing structures carved into the surrounding sandstone cliffs.

- Do a little souvenir shopping at the Asfour Crystal Factory. Read more about Egypt Attractions.

Top things to do in Egypt

- Head to the Sinai Peninsula, where you can see St Catherine's Monastery before snorkelling in the Red Sea's beautiful coral reefs.

- Get lost in the narrow streets of Coptic Cairo, the oldest part of the city, once known as the Roman stronghold of Babylon.

- Send your senses into overdrive while shopping at Khan al-Khalili, one of the largest, most vibrant markets in the world. Read more about Egypt Activities.

Holiday resorts in Egypt

Egypt has many popular resorts for sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach holiday. Each resort has its own character, varying from lively nightlife to laidback and secluded, from single's heaven to family-friendly holiday. Find your perfect Egypt holiday resort here.

Getting to Egypt

There are direct cheap flights to Egypt available from the UK, landing at Egypt's Luxor International or Cairo International airports. The flight duration from London to Egypt is approximately 4 to 5 hours. There are no direct cheap flights to Egypt available from the USA - but there are plenty of indirect flights available. Get more information on Egypt Airports.

Read

The Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell, Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie, The Yacoubian Building by Alaa-Al-Aswany, and Beer in the Snooker Club by Waguih Ghali.

Listen

Mohamed Mounir, Amr Diab, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Umm Kulthum.

Watch

The Yacoubian Building (2006), Anthony and Cleopatra (1963), The Mummy (1999), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Drink

Karkaday is a ruby-red, hibiscus flower-infused non-alcoholic drink, served in tea shops right across Egypt. Wonderfully refreshing and cooling, it is also - apparently - a good hangover tonic.

Eat

Taamiya is a falafel made from green beans and spices, usually served in a pita with baba ghanoush (puréed aubergine spread). Shwarmas are pita bread typically filled with marinated lamb and hummus (puréed chickpeas).

What to buy

Be on the look-out for perfumes, brass and silver ornaments, blown-glass and clay figurines and, pick of the lot, rich Egyptian cotton products with Bedouin embroidery.

What to pack

Lightweight (but not overly-revealing) clothing, plenty of sunscreen, good walking shoes as well as sandals, and a swimming costume or two. Cairo is also a famously noisy city, and many travellers recommend taking a pair of ear-plugs.

What's on in Egypt

Held each year in February and October, the Abu Simbel Festival celebrates Ramses II's birthday. In October each year, the Cairo Opera House produces an outdoor performance of Verdi's Aida, a tragic tale of thwarted love set in Ancient Egypt set against the Great Pyramid of Giza. The Cairo International Film Festival (November) is one of the longest-running film festivals on the African continent. More information on Events in Egypt.

Did you know?

-Beer was invented in Ancient Egypt.

-Africa's only subway is found in Cairo.

-Egypt is home to about 30 percent of the Arab world's bloggers.

A final word

A favourite tourist destination, visitors to Egypt can look forward to unique sights, exciting activities and plenty of hours of relaxing on one of the sunniest coastlines in the world.