A travel destination home to one of the greatest ancient civilisations

It is no secret that Egypt has one of the greatest ancient civilizations to have ever existed. The Nile River, the lifeblood of the country, has shaped Egypt’s character and development since prehistoric times. The Great Pyramids stand as testament to the earliest days of Egypt’s grandeur. Beyond the arches, temples and statues of the ancient world lie the country’s glorious Pharaonic, Christian and Islamic legacies. Today Egypt is a medley of these great and diverse eras, living in an unusual synchronization. The modern reality of the country encompasses the awe-inspiring legacies of its eons of history but it also includes the complexities and contradictions of a major player in 21st-century Middle East politics.

The country’s allure extends far beyond its famous capital. The desert offers encounters with sites of biblical renown (like Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments) and modern Bedouins (many trekking adventures include visits with the desert tribes). Alexandria, on the Mediterranean coast, holds more former glory than any contemporary cachet, but its cultural landmarks are irresistible. Luxor, in the south, is home to a rich array of ancient temples, tombs and ruins, as well as exotic local cuisine.

Egypt is also a popular destination for sun-worshippers, diving and water sports enthusiasts as the Red Sea in the east boasts some of the world’s best snorkelling opportunities, scuba diving sites, night spots, luxury hotels and great restaurants. The resort town of Hurghada is the launching point for both sea and Sahara desert excursions.

UNSECO World Heritage sites in Egypt

Abu Mena
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
Historic Cairo
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Saint Catherine Area
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)