Top things to do in Egypt

Modern Cairo spins on Tahrir Square (Midan al-Tahrir), a huge square on the east bank from which all distances in Egypt are measured. On the north side of Midan at-Tahrir stands the Egyptian Museum. There’s still much to see at the Egyptian Museum, including wonderful objects from the lesser-known Royal Tombs, discovered unplundered at Tanis in the northern Delta in 1939. The golden objects are simply beautiful. Crammed with Pharaonic treasures, statues, mummies and tomb goods, it’s highly recommended if you want to learn more about ancient Egypt.

One of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, on the edge of the desert plain, you’ll find the Pyramids of Giza. The most striking aspect of the pyramids is their size. But even with all the facts and figures, it is still hard to believe that these ancient structures remain in such a good state of preservation. The vision and workmanship of people 4,500 years ago in creating structures that would be the world’s tallest until the 14th century is staggering. Quite simply one of the best things to do in Egypt for sure. Looking for Egypt holiday packages? We’ve got your covered!

The temple complex of Amun-Ra at Karnak and its neighbouring buildings, 3km (1.75 miles) north of the centre of Luxor, constitute the most awe-inspiring of all the Egyptian monuments. Apart from the immense conglomeration of elements that makes up the temple itself, it also has a particularly complicated plan. Put aside two half days to see the most important monuments, one starting early in the morning to be seduced by the temple’s mystery, and one in the afternoon when the stones and carvings glow in the sun.

The beauty of the landscape and an excellent climate are obvious reasons for this region’s ever-increasing popularity, especially as a winter-sun destination. In recent years, what was a small sleepy fishing village, Hurghada (Al-Ghardaqah), has grown into a booming resort town - the largest on the Red Sea coast. The town has a large range of accommodation, from basic hotels catering for backpackers to up-market resorts. A long strip of holiday villages continues to spread further south and has now reached a long way past the airport. Many of these villages, which rival each other for splendour, the size of their pools and the number of rooms, are operated by international four- and five-star chains.

Egypt’s Red Sea coast has some of the best coral reefs in the world, offering spectacular diving for novices and experts alike. Egypt’s Red Sea coasts are a diver’s paradise, as their climate and geographical position make them ideal for the formation of coral, which grows on reefs called shaab or erg. The most common inhabitants are thousands of little orange cardinalfish, which move in great sparkling clouds. Butterfly and banner fish form a large, easily distinguishable family because of their oval shape, snub noses and deep lemon colour; they swim in pairs and stick to the same territory. Be ready for encounters with moray eel, whose size and snake-like appearance give them a vicious reputation. Simply remember an important rule: watch but don’t touch. Just admire its graceful movements and leave it gasping for oxygen-rich water.

A cruise on the Nile is still a good way both to visit the temples and ancient sites and to sample the peaceful life along the river. You’ll see local farmers, fishermen, small villages and beautiful views of the deserts and hills lining the Nile, and if you’re lucky, have clear skies for spectacular sunsets. Hundreds of ships now cruise along the Nile following more or less the same itinerary but offering a wide choice of accommodation, suitable for every budget.