For over 5000 years, one of history’s greatest civilisations occupied the fertile land along the Nile River, giving rise to the tombs, temples and pyramids that have captivated travellers for centuries. But in the 2000 years since the downfall of the Pharaohs, countless empires have left their own mark on the country, leaving behind a mass of archaeological marvels unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Once you’ve experienced the best of Egypt’s ancient wonders, you can relax on the gorgeous beaches of the Sinai Peninsula or head into the rugged western region for an unforgettable desert adventure. Key Highlights A bustling mix of ancient and modern, Cairo is overlooked by the spectacular Pyramids of Giza. After exploring these iconic monuments, visitors to the Egyptian capital can lose themselves in the sprawling Khan El-Khalili bazaar, marvel at the medieval citadel or discover the city’s vast array of churches, monasteries and mosques. A must-see while in Cairo is the Egyptian Museum, which houses an immense collection of antiquities including the legendary treasures of Tutankhamen. Built around a harbour on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria dates back to 332 BC and is Egypt’s second-largest city. Once home to Cleopatra and Marc Antony, this history-steeped city exudes a charming European feel. The fascinating World War II battlegrounds of El Alamein are only a short drive away. Built around the ancient capital of Thebes, Luxor boasts a staggering array of monuments. Visitors will be dumbstruck by the massive temple complexes of Luxor and Karnak, as well as the exquisite Temple of Hatshepsut. Just across the River Nile lies the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. One of Egypt’s most impressive ancient sites, the World Heritage–listed temples of Abu Simbel were originally carved out of a mountainside in the 13th century BC. The temples were moved brick by brick to their current location in the 1960s, when the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge them in Lake Nasser. In Depth The Sinai Peninsula is home to some of Christianity’s most important sites, including the 6th-century St Catherine’s Monastery. The peninsula is surrounded by the shimmering Red Sea, where coastal resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh offer beautiful beaches, fabulous hotels and world-class scuba diving. Covering most of Egypt’s land area, the Western Desert is the perfect place to get away from the main tourist trail. Best explored by four-wheel drive, this sparsely populated region wows visitors with massive sand dunes, shady oases and remarkable geological formations.