Egypt holidays
Egypt is the oldest tourist destination on earth. Ancient Greeks and Romans started the trend, coming to marvel at the cyclopean scale of the Pyramids and the Colossi of Thebes. At the onset of colonial times, Napoleon and the British in turn looted Egypt's treasures to fill their national museums, sparking off a trickle of Grand Tourists that eventually became a flood of travellers.
Today, the attractions of the country are not only the monuments of the Nile Valley and the souks, mosques and madrassas of Islamic Cairo, but the natural wonders of the Red Sea, Sinai, and the Eastern and Western deserts: fantastic coral reefs and tropical fish, dunes and rockscapes – plus ancient fortresses, monasteries and rock art.
Egypt’s culture is multi-layered, which seems to accord equal respect to ancient and modern customs. The peasants of the Nile and Bedouin tribes of the desert live much as their ancestors did a thousand years ago. Other communities include the Nubians of the far south, and the Coptic Christians, who can trace their ancestry back to pharaonic times. What unites them is a love of their homeland, extended family ties, dignity, warmth and hospitality towards strangers.
Egypt holiday highlights
- Known as the ‘City of Minarets’, Cairo is a must for many visitors attracted by the famous Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx and the myriad of treasures including relics from the tomb of Tutankhamen at the Egyptian Museum.
- Luxor offers truly amazing sightseeing on the open-air stage of the west bank of the Nile. Explore the famous temples of Karnak and Luxor, wander down the wide corniche that borders the Nile as it flows through the city or bargain in the bazaars.
- Situated on the first cataract of the Nile is Aswan with its striking views, busy market, long promenade and beautiful river islands that can be reached under the billowing sails of the feluccas. It is from here that you can journey to the magnificent Abu Simbel.
- Abu Simbel, painstakingly moved rock by rock to higher ground to avoid the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
- You may choose to see the best of the Nile from one of our Nile Cruise vessels, glide down this mighty river as many have done for centuries.
- If it is relaxation you are after then look no further than the Red Sea with its blue water, white sand, colourful coral and laid back lifestyle. The diving here is outstanding.
