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

Buzzing with the activities of buying and selling, Khan al-Khalili is one of the largest markets in the world. It is situated within Islamic Cairo, a World Heritage Site that attracts travellers and locals alike. This is the best place to soak up the colour of Cairo and to people-watch. Traders have been bargaining in these alleys since the 14th century and it is possible to buy almost anything, from exotic perfume bottles to everyday Arabic clothing. On the northern corner of the bazaar is the Mosque of Sayyidna al-Hussein, one of the holiest Islamic sites in Egypt.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Address: Mariette Pasha Street, Tahrir Square Cairo

Admission: LE 20 (adults); LE10 (children). Concessions available Daily 9am to 6pm

Telephone: (0)2 579 6974 or 579 6948

With over 100,000 artefacts in 107 halls, the Egyptian Museum provides days of exploration. Inside are treasures from ancient Egypt, including priceless finery taken from ancient royal tombs, and one of the museum's masterpieces, the statue of Khafre (Chephren). The most popular attraction is the Tutankhamun Gallery where exquisite treasures from the tomb of the Boy King are displayed, including the famous solid gold death mask. Another top attraction is the Royal Mummy Room containing mummies of some of the most powerful Pharaohs in Egypt dating from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties.

Pyramids of Giza

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

Admission: Site: LE 50. Great Pyramid: LE 100. Other pyramids: LE 30-100. Concessions available Daily 7am to 7.30pm; pyramid chambers 8am to 4pm

The pyramids are the earth's oldest tourist attraction and the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the only remainder of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Throughout their history, they have fired human imagination, with much speculation as to their origin and purpose, but most evidence supports the theory that they were built by the ancient civilisation as tombs or great monuments in which to bury their kings and nobles, a place to start their mystic journey to the afterlife. The oldest and largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid, is thought to have taken 20 years to build and is made of about two million blocks of limestone. No one knows how the two-ton blocks were moved into place, but it was known to be the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 40 centuries. The Sphinx, known as the Abu al-Hol (Father of Terror), stands in front of the Great Pyramid and is thought to be older than the pyramids themselves.

Old Cairo

Address: Cairo

The small and enclosed area, also known as Coptic Cairo, is the oldest part of the city and was once known as the Roman stronghold of Babylon; some of the old walls still exist. It is the ancient heart of the Coptic Christian community and although only five of the original 20 churches remain they are interesting to visit, along with the first mosque built in Egypt and the oldest synagogue, a representation of three of the major religions of the modern world. It is a peaceful place to wander around and a respite from the busy city centre. Churches of interest are the Al-Muallaqa (Hanging Church), the oldest Christian place of worship in the city, and St Sergius where the Holy Family reputedly sheltered during their flight to Egypt.

Western Desert Oases

Address: Cairo

From Cairo it is possible to experience Egypt's finest journey on offer, the Great Desert Circuit. It runs for over 621 miles (1,000km) through spectacular desert landscape and is punctuated by four oases situated in a depression: Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla and Kharga. The first two have hot springs and palm groves, Farafra being the more traditional and rural of the two. To experience the remoteness of the desert travellers can spend an unforgettable night in the White Desert between oases. Dakhla and Kharga are surrounded by old ruins and villages from the times of the ancient caravan routes to Sudan.

Temple of Karnak

Address: The Nile Valley

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

The main place of worship in Theban times and built over a period of 1,300 years, the massive Temple of Karnak in Luxor is an incredibly impressive structure. One of the world's great architectural achievements, the Hypostyle Hall, is filled with immense stone pillars still bearing the engraved and painted inscriptions from the 12th Dynasty, and covers an area of 64,583 square feet (6,000 sq metres). The complex also contains the Avenue of the Sphinxes, the Sacred Lake, and many huge statues, halls, ornate wall murals, obelisks and colonnades.

West Bank

Address: The Nile Valley

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

The West Bank is an area of limestone hills and valleys riddled with tombs and temples across the river from Luxor. Goats roam freely among the ruins, and the tiny settlements on the slopes provide a splash of colour in an otherwise desert-like barrenness. The 59ft (18m) high pair of enthroned statues of the Colossi of Memnon are the first things most visitors will see on the West Bank, the only remaining part of the mortuary temple of Amenophis III. Most travellers come to visit the Valley of the Kings where the secretive tombs of the Pharaohs were built to immortalise their mummies and treasures for eternity. In an attempt to thwart tomb robbers, traps and deceptions were part of the architectural planning. Dramatic descents, spectacular murals on the passage and chamber walls and a replica of the original sarcophagus at the end of the tunnel create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Highlights include the Tomb of Tutankhamun and Ramses II. The country's finest tomb, however, lies in the Valley of the Queens, the Tomb of Nefertari, which has exceptional painted murals, but is at present closed to the public. Also worth a visit is Hatshepsut's Temple, mortuary temple of Egypt's only female Pharaoh.

Nubian Museum

Address: The Nile Valley

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

This museum in Aswan is an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the Nubians. It contains a collection of artefacts from Nubia (the region approximately between Aswan and Khartoum in Sudan) and an exhibition of Nubian culture and crafts. It also portrays the history and people of the Nile Valley from ancient times until the present, the project of UNESCO to move monuments like Abu Simbel endangered by the High Dam on lake Nasser to higher ground, and a hall containing impressive statues and tombstones from the region.

Abu Simbel

Address: The Nile Valley

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

The two temples of Abu Simbel, the Temple of Ramses II and the temple of Hathor (the Sun God) dedicated to his wife Nefertari, were cut out of the sandstone cliffs more than 3,000 years ago. Not only are these temples among the most magnificent in the world, but also their removal and reconstruction are recorded as a major historical feat during the construction of the High Dam on Lake Nasser. The monuments were threatened with submersion, and after an appeal by UNESCO in co-operation with the Egyptian Government they were dismantled and reassembled exactly, about 197ft (60m) higher up. The intimidating sight that first greets the visitor is that of the four colossal statues guarding the entrance to the Grand Hall of the Temple of Ramses. The interior is highly decorated with relief paintings and is supported by eight statues of Ramses acting as giant pillars. Leading off the hall are painted sanctuaries and chambers. The Temple of Hathor is smaller and simpler, also with statues guarding the entrance and a manifestation of the Sun God portrayed above. It is aligned in such a way that the sun's rays reach inside to illuminate the statues of Ptah, Amun-Re, Ramesses II, and Re- Horakhty twice a year.

Coptic Church of St. George (Mari Girgis)

Address: Mari Girgis Street, Old Cairo Cairo

Admission: Open daily from 9am to 4pm

Telephone: (0)2 285 4509

One of the few round churches still in existence in the East, the Greek Church of St. George features a long set of steps that lead up to the church where visitors will find a relief of St. George and the dragon wrapped around the outer brickwork of the tower. For centuries, the church alternated between Copt and Greek ownership, but since the 15th century it has remained Greek Orthodox, and the adjoining monastery of St. George is now the seat of the Greek patriarch. The St George Church is most famous for its beautiful wedding hall, (Qaat el Irsan) which dates back to the 14th century.

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

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

The Hanging Church derives its name from its location on top of the southern tower gate of the old Babylon fortress with its nave suspended over a passage. It's the most famous Coptic Church in Cairo with the earliest mention of the church being a statement in the biography of the patriarch Joseph (831AD - 849AD). It went on to become known to travellers as the 'staircase church' during the 14th and 15th centuries, because of the twenty-nine steps that lead to the entrance. The visual impact of the church's elevated position has been reduced due to the rise of land surface by around 20ft (6metres) since the Roman period. The Roman tower remains mostly buried below ground.

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

The Egyptians were the first people to develop the art technology of manufacturing glass and cutting it into beautiful shapes and began doing this 5,000 years ago. Established in 1961 and located in Shobra, the Asfour Crystal Factory Showroom is the largest crystal factory in Egypt and provides crystals to many countries across the globe. Products range from jewellery, 3D laser gifts, figurines and a selection of chandeliers and other light fittings. The jewellery is not of the same standard as Swarovski crystal. But some lovely pieces can be picked up at an affordable price.

Saladin Citadel (Al-Qalaa)

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

This massive stone fortress set in a beautiful tropical location with magnificent views, was built by Salah ad-Din in the 12th century. Visitors have the freedom to roam the castle, which remains in pristine condition, including the execution room. Two other mosques are located at the Citadel, the 13th/14th century Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad and the 16th century Mosque of Suleyman Pasha. The Al-Gawhara Palace, National Military Museum and Police Museum can also be found inside the Citadel.

Ramses II Statue

Address: Grand Egyptian Museum Cairo

Discovered in 1882 during excavations, the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II was cut into six pieces in the 1950s and moved to Ramses Square in central Cairo where it stood for a further 50 years. In 2006 the statue moved to a new home near the Pyramids and the Museum of Antiquities, as there were growing concerns that heavy pollution was damaging the 3,200-year-old statue, which weighs 83 ton and stands 36 feet (11 metres) high. Ramses II, who ruled Egypt for more than 60 years during the 19th dynasty of pharaohs, was one of ancient Egypt's most prolific builders.

Dr. Ragab's Pharaonic Village

Address: 3 Al-Bahr Al-Azam st Cairo

Admission: Fees vary depending on choice of tour Open daily from 9am – 6pm. During summer months 9am – 9pm

Telephone: 02 571 8675/6/7

This living museum is a fabulous attraction for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors sail down a network of canals in motorized barges where a cast of actors and actresses work to recreate ancient Egypt. All the characters from pharaohs and fishermen to slaves and potters are represented and even moments in history are recreated. Facilities include a cafeteria, playground, restaurant and boat hire.

Magic Galaxy

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

Telephone: 02 48 02 031

This indoor amusement park spans two floors and features 10 big rides, over 100 games and rides, and even a Baby Zone section for the very young visitors. Kids can enjoy rides such as the Moon Buggy or Falling Star, or even let off some steam in the Soft Play Room or jump on family rides such as the Comet Coaster or Demolition Derby. This is a fantastic attraction for the whole family.

Dream Park

Address: Oasis Road Cairo

Telephone: 02 3855 3191

A trip to Dream Park is a must for children of all ages and makes a great day out for the whole family. Featuring rides, shops and simulators, Dream Park is also encircled by a train, making access easy. Visitors can enjoy stomach-turning rides, or mellow family rides as well as one of the largest concert areas in Cairo. Several restaurants provide refueling stops.

Sindbad

Address: Terminal of el-Nozha Metro Cairo

Telephone: 02 296 9550

This theme park guarantees children of all ages a fantastic fun-filled day out. Featuring a variety of games, children can ride a flying carpet, take a spin on the carousel, explore a House of Ghosts and even a get a different perspective on themselves in the mirror house.

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

Viewing the Pyramids by Arabian horseback is a great experience and an unforgettable way to take in one of the world's most famous sights. There is of course, the slightly smellier option of camel riding, a real 'Egyptian experience' and a popular activity with tourists, especially children. Sunrise and full-moon rides are available and after a day out on the sand, head back to the riding headquarters and relax on their deck with refreshments and barbeque while taking in the spectacular views over the Pyramids and Sphinx for the evening laser show.

Diving

The Egyptian Red Sea offers some of the world's best scuba diving with superb visibility, countless varieties of hard and soft coral, and incredibly diverse underwater topography, with spectacular wall and shipwreck dive destinations. The Red Sea has an abundant and diverse fish life including various types of grouper, stingray, parrotfish, angelfish, butterfly fish and turtles. The comfortable water temperature (64-79°F/18-26°C) means that diving is popular year-round, however visitors should note that outside temperatures can reach 104°F (40°C) in July and August. The Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab are popular bases for divers, situated near the southern tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and offering easy access to some of the best dive locations including Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran. Other resorts popular with divers and snorkellers are Hurghada, El Gouna, Taba Heights and Makadi Bay.

Cairo Weddings

A wedding in Egypt can be extraordinary, steeped in romance, culture and history. Legal marriage was born in Ancient Egypt and is a tradition that has stood the test of time, making this historic land a wonderful location for weddings today. In Egyptian tradition the marital couple is met before the wedding ceremony by a Zaffa, which is a group of singing drummers and belly dancers. The marriage rites take place while the couple are seated in throne-like chairs facing their guests; all very regal! When contemplating a wedding in Egypt, imagine a couple exchanging their vows with the pyramids, the Sphinx or the Nile River in the background... Egyptian Wedding AttractionsWhile in Egypt for the wedding, sightseeing and diving are two splendid ways to spend quality time together; visit the Pyramids of Giza and the West Bank in this beguiling land of the Pharaohs to see artefacts of ancient history, or go diving in the Red Sea and experience an entirely different yet equally phenomenal underwater world. Egyptian Wedding FormalitiesThe legal procedure for foreign weddings in Egypt is quite complicated and couples are advised to consult a lawyer or notary, well in advance, for requirement details and other necessary information. About.com also has some useful advice.

Nile Cruise

There is no better way to discover Egypt than aboard a Nile cruise as nearly all the country's attractions are situated along the river. Cruises take visitors past ancient Egyptian sites such as the Temple of Karnak, the main place of worship in Theban times, and the West Bank's Valley of the Kings, home to the Tomb of Tutankhamun and Ramses II, Colossi of Memnon and Hatshepsut's Temple. A Nile cruise is a truly unique and luxurious way to discover and explore the land of the Pharaohs.On-board most cruise liners, guests will find fantastic amenities in the way of opulent cabins, banqueting halls, lounge bars and swimming pools. Exquisite food and outstanding service come standard on these river vessels, reminiscent of 'moving hotels', and visitors will find it easy to sit back and enjoy this unique sightseeing experience.Most voyages are between Aswan and Luxor, where disembarking passengers can explore local markets, visit the papyrus museum and traditional perfume shops of Luxor, or dine on the exotic cuisine of Egyptian restaurants. There are also opportunities to witness rural Egyptian lifestyle while the boat is moving between tourist destinations.There are various Nile cruise operators offering top-class trips through Upper Egypt, as well as package deals including flights, hotel accommodation, guided tours and, of course, the cruise. A smaller sail boat, known as a Felucca, is another option if looking for a cheaper way to traverse the Nile River. The best time to cruise is from October to May when the weather is a bit cooler.

Arabesque

Address: 6 Qasr el-Nil Street, Cairo Cairo

Food Type: Local

This popular tourist haunt may be a bit pricey, yet the Oriental décor is stunning. A bubbling fountain, contemporary art exhibits and tapestries adorning the walls create a wonderful dining environment. The Egyptian-Middle Eastern food focuses mainly on grilled meats so stick to local dishes like bamia (stewed okra). Arabesque is popular for business lunches. Alcohol is served. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations essential.

Abu el-Sid

Address: 157 26th of July Street Cairo

Food Type: Mediterranean

This unusual restaurant is a mix of heavy ottoman ornaments in a richly decorated haunt. The food too is a mix and the more unusual sounding dishes are most likely to be the best. Traditional home cooking like molokhiyya stew are favourites although the restaurant blends dishes from several backgrounds with a Lebanese flair. Rersvations are advisable.

Sequoia

Address: 3 Abou Feda Street Cairo

Food Type: Mediterranean

This tent restaurant has become a popular relaxation spot with trendy locals and expats and for good reason. On the high banks of the Nile the restaurant has a commanding spot atop the city. Perfect to relax with flavoured tobaccos and traditional Egyptian and Lebanese mezze food although there are other options for light western dining. More of a lounge during the day, the place becomes a club when the sun sets.

Cortigiano

Address: 44 Michel Bakhoum Street Cairo

Food Type: Italian

Delicious food and an inviting, cosy atmosphere have made this restaurant one of Cairo's favourite eateries. Soft lighting and tasteful décor create the perfect atmosphere to dine on such dishes as creamy onion soup, veal cordon bleu stuffed with mushrooms and topped with cheese and tomatoes or thick crust pizzas loaded with toppings of your choice. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations essential.

Al-Fanous

Address: Riyadh Tower, 5 Shara Wissa Wassef Cairo

Food Type: Moroccan

Colourful mosaic and carvings adorn the almost every inch of this Moroccan restaurant where Middle-Eastern pigeon meat, colloquially known as the squab, makes a name for itself in the pie pastilla, a semi-sweet Egyptian dish laced with spices and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The chicken tagine, a stew made with dates served in a colonial ceramic dish comes highly recommended. Alcohol is not served. Reservations advisable.

Bua Khao

Address: 9 Road 151, Ma'adi Cairo

Food Type: Thai

With authentic ingredients flown in from Bangkok and a highly skilled Thai woman at the helm, it's no wonder the food at Bua Khao keeps guests coming back for more. Renowned for serving the best Thai food in Egypt, the massaman and penang curries are to-die-for and the tom kar gai (chicken and coconut milk soup) is a great way to start things off. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations advisable.

The Revolving Restaurant Grand Hyatt

Address: Corniche El Nile Cairo

Food Type: International

Towering above the city 41 floors high, diners can enjoy truly panoramic views of the city below as the scenery circles by. Besides taking in the Nile, the city and the pyramids an open kitchen in the centre of the restaurant puts on a show serving up an eclectic range of multi-national menu choices. A slightly formal setting is perfect for romantic evenings and a reprieve from the congestion 41 floors below. Reservations are advised.

The Fish Market

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

Food Type: Seafood

Gone are the days of travelling to Alexandria for good fresh fish. Nowadays, those looking for decent sea fare can book a table at the Fish Market, situated on the upper deck of a boat permanently moored on the west bank of the Nile. With no menu and just a display of some of the freshest fish Cairo has to offer, diners pay by weight and choose their own fish, shrimp, calamari, crabs and shellfish which is beautifully prepared by the kitchen as you like. Couple that with a slew of Middle Eastern salads and deliciously home baked bread and you have a recipe for success! Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations advisable.

Kandahar

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

Food Type: Indian

Overlooking Maydan Sphinx and complete with exquisite woodwork detailing, the lavish dining area in Kandahar features authentic Indian furnishings. The food tastes as good as the restaurant looks - amazing! The Baingan Bharta (creamy smoked eggplant baked in a clay oven and perfect for dipping fluffy Naan bread in) is an absolute must and Murgh Tikka (spiced chicken kebabs marinated in yoghurt) is a firm favourite. Service is excellent. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations advisable.

Rotisserie Belvedere

Address: Nile Hilton, Maydan Tahrir Cairo

Food Type: International

Marble lines the floors, alabaster lamps adorn the walls and a piano tinkles in the background inviting diners to twirl across the marble dance floor. Couple that with an amazing panoramic view over the city and an inspired menu and you've got a winner. The mushroom and potato pyramids topped with tomato-mango chutney are delicious, but the classic meat and seafood grills take the cake. Desserts are mind blowing and it is advisable to leave a little room for something sweet. Reservations essential.