Egypt’s diverse landscapes and rich history have given rise to a diverse range of settlements

 

 

Situated 80 km northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, the former Bedouin fishing village of Dahab is now regarded as one of the Sinai Peninsula’s loveliest beach resorts. Backed by rugged mountains, the town boasts some of Egypt’s best diving, and is a great place for organising treks and tours of Mt Sinai and the surrounding deserts.

 

Located at the foot of Mt Sinai, the Greek Orthodox monastery of St Catherine’s is believed to be the location of the Old Testament’s burning bush. Dating back to the 4th century AD, this World Heritage site houses the second-largest collection of ancient manuscripts in the world.

 

Linking the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, the Suez Canal is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Watching the never-ending parade of tankers gliding underneath the Peace Bridge is an awe-inspiring experience, and the city itself has several interesting museums.

 

Described by Winston Churchill as having the best climate in the world, El Alamein was the site of one of WWII’s most important battles. Fans of military history will be enthralled by the museums, memorials and war cemeteries of this fascinating town on the North Coast.

 

Siwa is a stunning oasis in an isolated location near the Libyan border. Surrounded by date palms, olive trees and towering sand dunes, this little town is a wonderful place to relax, swim in the crystal-clear springs, and immerse yourself in the region’s distinctive Berber culture.