Egypt is synonymous with Pharaohs, the pyramids, temples and antiquities from ancient civilisations. And at the centre of these great civilisations lies the Nile River that has influenced their economics, social life, politics and religion. It is the oldest travel destination on earth: Greek and Roman travellers came in 430 BC to wonder at some of the very sights that make it a modern travel destination today. The magnificence of the painted Valley of the Kings, exquisite temples and the pyramids were all sought-after subjects of admiration, and many were already 2,500 years old!

From desert landscapes and dry, rugged mountains that reach to the sea, dusty cities full of exotic sounds and smells, and green strips of agricultural land snaking along the banks of the Nile, Egypt has something to offer all travellers from all walks of life. Spectacular diving in the Red Sea; unique desert experiences, whether on the back of a camel to Mount Sinai or on a jeep safari to the inner oases; the colour and chaos of Cairo and its markets; and felucca cruises on the Nile River are just some of the exotic attractions awaiting visitors. Egypt promises an unforgettable experience of history and relaxation - a mixture of discovery and pleasure.

Khan al-Khalili

Address: Cairo

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Address: Mariette Pasha Street, Tahrir Square Cairo

Admission: Daily 9am to 4:30pm

Telephone: (0)2 578 2448 or (02) 578 2452

Pyramids of Giza

Address: Pyramid Road, 11 miles (18km) southwest of the centre Cairo

Admission: Site: LE 60. Great Pyramid: LE 100. Other pyramids: LE 30-100. Concessions available Daily 7am to 7:30pm; pyramid chambers 8am to 4pm.

Old Cairo

Address: Cairo

Western Desert Oases

Address: Cairo

Temple of Karnak

Address: The Nile Valley

Admission: 65 LE adults; 35 LE students Daily 6am to 5pm.

West Bank

Address: The Nile Valley

Admission: Daily 6am to 5pm.

Nubia Museum

Address: el Fanadek Street (Opposite Basma Hotel) The Nile Valley

Admission: Daily 9am-1pm and 6pm-10pm (summer); 9am-1pm and 5pm-9pm (winter)

Telephone: 20 9731 9333

Abu Simbel

Address: The Nile Valley

Admission: Daily 6am to 5pm (summer); 6am to 4pm (winter)

Coptic Church of St. George (Mari Girgis)

Address: Mari Girgis Street, Old Cairo Cairo

Admission: Free Open daily from 8:30am to 4pm

Telephone: (0)2 285 4509

Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)

Address: Shar'a Mari Girgis Street, Old Cairo Cairo

Admission: Free Daily 9am-4pm (except during services).

Asfour Crystal Factory

Address: Industrial Zone, end of Ahmed Oraby Bridge, Shoubra El Khema Cairo

Telephone: (0)2 4220 1032; Showroom: (0)2 4220 1670

Saladin Citadel (Al-Qalaa)

Address: al-Qala'a, Shar'a Salih Salem Cairo

Ramses II Statue

Address: Grand Egyptian Museum Cairo

Dr. Ragab's Pharaonic Village

Address: 3 Al-Bahr Al-Azam st Cairo

Admission: $15; free for kids under 4 years. Open daily 9am–6pm. Open until 9pm in summer.

Telephone: (0)2 3572 2533

Magic Galaxy

Address: 4th & 5th floor Helioplis City Stars Centre, Omar abn El khatab street Cairo

Telephone: (0)2 2415 8270

Dream Park

Address: Oasis Road Cairo

Admission: Tickets range LE 60 to LE 120 10am to 7pm in winter, 4pm to midnight in summer. 9pm to 2am during Ramadan, 12pm to midnight Fridays and holidays.

Telephone: (0)2 3855 3191

Desert Riding

Address: Gamal Abdul Nasser St, Giza Cairo

Admission: Costs depend on the itinerary of the ride as chosen by guest

Telephone: 016 507 0288

Memphis and Saqqara

Address: Cairo

Admission: Saqqara Necropolis: LE60 adults, LE30 students Saqqara Necropolis: Daily 8am-5pm

Diving

Cairo Weddings

Nile Cruise

Arabesque

Address: 6 Qasr el-Nil Street, Cairo Cairo

Food Type: Local

Abu el-Sid

Address: 157 26th of July Street Cairo

Food Type: Mediterranean

Sequoia

Address: 3 Abou Feda Street Cairo

Food Type: Mediterranean

Cortigiano

Address: 44 Michel Bakhoum Street Cairo

Food Type: Italian

Al-Fanous

Address: Riyadh Tower, 5 Shara Wissa Wassef Cairo

Food Type: Moroccan

Bua Khao

Address: 9 Road 151, Ma'adi Cairo

Food Type: Thai

The Revolving Restaurant Grand Hyatt

Address: Corniche El Nile Cairo

Food Type: International

The Fish Market

Address: 26 Shara al-Nil, Giza (on the American Boat) Cairo

Food Type: Seafood

Kandahar

Address: 3 Shara Gameat al-Dowal al-Arabiya, Mohandiseen Cairo

Food Type: Indian

Rotisserie Belvedere

Address: Nile Hilton, Maydan Tahrir Cairo

Food Type: International

Koshary Abou Tarek

Address: 16 Maarouf, Shamplion Street Cairo

Food Type: Local

Sequoia

Address: 53 Abou El Feda Street, Zamalek Cairo

Food Type: Fusion