Three Places to Visit in Egypt

For the European traveller Egypt presents one of the most interesting and exciting destinations in Africa. Famous for its distinct ancient culture and some of the most incredible ruins and structures on Earth, visitors can play the part of Indiana Jones while soaking up a big helping of modern hospitality. From a cruise down the River Nile to scuba diving off the coast of Sharm el Sheik, Egypt is a perfect destination for an affordable week away. Here is a guide to three of the most popular places in Egypt.

Pyramids of Giza from North East at Sunrise, Giza, Egypt Buy at AllPosters.com

The Pyramids of Giza Most holidays to Egypt start after touching down in Cairo, and the biggest must do around the city is a visit to The Pyramids. The only survivor from the original ancient line up of Wonders of the World, the Gaza Necropolis complex includes the three Pyramids of ancient Pharaohs and the mysterious Sphinx. The Great Pyramid of Cheops was the tallest structure in the world for over 1,000 years up until the 13th century, when it was surpassed by Lincoln Cathedral, and is still the most massive building in the world. These mighty structures have been pulling tourists since the time of antiquity, so be ready to face the crowds!

Luxor and Ancient Thebes Often referred to as 'the world's largest open air museum' Luxor houses the ruins of the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes. Divided by the River Nile, the city has spectacular sites on both the East and West banks. On the East side highlights include the large Temple of Luxor, with its impressive 'dromos' or procession of sphinxes leading up to it. Along with the Karnak Temple and Mummification Museum there are a host of other historical buildings on this side, ranging from Roman times to Islamic conquest. On the West side, particularly popular and famous spots are the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, further examples of the spectacular Egyptian burial rites.  Sharm el-Sheik Away from the ancient theme, sitting to the south of the Sinai Peninsula is the popular tourist city of Sharm El Sheik. With its year round dry climate and long stretches of natural beaches, the city has become grown in popularity over the last twenty years. It's particularly famous for its water sports and scuba diving, and some consider the reefs surrounding the city to be the best in the world. Coral reefs and marine life offer a dazzling display for divers with over 250 different reefs and 1,000 species of fish.

Pyramid and Sphinx, Giza, Cairo, Egypt Buy at AllPosters.com

Thomas Cook offer a wide range of Egypt holidays based in Luxor, the Red Sea or cruising the Nile.