Egypt

Egypt is a magical land, whose architectural wonders have been a source of fascination for centuries. The legendary pyramids are Egypt’s biggest draw, although there is a whole lot more to discover. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Christians and Arab dynasties have all left their mark on Egypt’s rich architectural collection. The country is also a Mecca for divers, as the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea are awash with coral and provide a rich environment for a huge variety of marine life. There are also a number of fine beaches to choose from; all offering a range of watersports, or simple relaxation if that’s what you’re after.

Getting around Egypt is pretty straightforward. There are regular buses connecting the major towns and sights, although buying tickets can be a challenge just because of the congestion and the crowds. The Nile is best explored by boat, specifically by felucca (an ancient Egyptian sailing boat). It is possible to arrange tours in any of the major towns and cities.

Cairo is a somewhat chaotic and overwhelming capital, although its medieval heart has remained unchanged over centuries.

Further up river from Cairo, Luxor is home to ancient Thebes, which boasts some of the finest monuments in all antiquity. Luxor is also where you can find Tutankhamen’s burial chamber, in the exceptional Valley of the Kings. Walking through Luxor really is like a living museum, for at every turn there are fascinating statues, temples and carvings. One of the most impressive sights is the Temples of Karnack which were built as ancient centres of worship.

No visit to Egypt would be complete without seeing the Pyramids of Giza, the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World. Over 4,000 years old, their extraordinary shapes seem to rise out of the desert. It is still not known how, or why, they were built in such a style and the sight is truly awe-inspiring.

Aswan, further south, features some incredible temples. It is rich in Nubian culture and enjoys a peaceful, picturesque riverside setting.  If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Sinai and climb the mount where God spoke to Moses. Dahab is a backpackers’ favourite for a spot of beach life.

For diving, the further south you head, the more pristine the waters, although for ease of access, both Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada are lively resorts with some fantastic diving close by, or you can book onto 'liveabord' dive boats for 2 days or more, to get out to the really special sites.

Egypt has searingly hot summers (June to August), while winters can be freezing. The best months to visit are March to May and September to November, when days are warm and the beaches are much quieter. July and August should be avoided as it is simply too hot. Divers will particularly enjoy the warm waters which the autumn brings.

Cost-wise, Egypt is a fairly economical destination. Lodging, food and internal travel are cheap – and it’s a place where haggling is the norm. It is possible to get by on around 20 US dollars a day and still see all the main sights