Located in the north-east of Africa and bordering Sudan and Libya, Egypt covers an area of 390,000 square miles and has a population of nearly 82 million people. It would not be wrong to assert that everybody should visit Egypt at least once during their lifetime.

Egyptian civilization is one of the oldest in the world and proudly traces its beginnings to more than 6,000 years ago. The legendary King Menes was responsible for unifying the ‘two lands’ (Upper and Lower Egypt) and this marked the start the Pharaoh dynasties. The ancient Egyptians were sailors, astronomers and shipbuilders. They were also expert basket weavers and knew how to embalm dead bodies in order to preserve them.

Top must-see attractions begin with the Great Pyramids at Giza. The largest one is 455 feet tall and you are allowed to enter the pyramids. Then there is the majestic (and massive) Temple of Karnak with 134 columns located about 2.5 kilometres north of Luxor. If you love the sea, you might want to pay a visit to the Red Sea with its exotic marine life.

If you travel further down to the southern tip of Sinai Peninsula, you will reach Dahab, a quaint Egyptian coastal village known for scuba diving, snorkelling camel and jeep rides.

Cruise down the River Nile aboard a modern luxury cruise ship or an ancient Felucca. The cruise usually operates between Luxor and Aswan. Visitors also love exploring the ancient Valley of the Kings where you can see paintings of Egyptian mythology and Tutankhamen’s tomb.

The Temple of Abu Simbel sits in its solitary grandeur near Lake Nasser. The twin temples are characterised by four massive statues of Ramses II towering upto a height of 20 metres.

Don’t forget to ask for ‘Konafah’, a sweet made of thin noodles and nuts or ‘Mulukhiya’, a green soup made of papyrus and mixed with beef or chicken broth. Foods are usually served with Egyptian bread or rice.

Celebrate the Leylet en Nuktah on June 17^th where people stay out all night with friends and family. The Leylet en Nuktah is celebrated to mark the annual flooding of the Nile.

Tips for Egyptian Travel:

• Always confirm prices before buying goods or using services
• The local currency is the Egyptian Pound. Conversion is roughly calculated as 1 GBP = 11.90 EGP

The dark mysteries of the past, the grand arrogance of the pharaohs and infinite expanse of sand and sea make Egypt one of the most exotic destinations of the Middle-East for couples and families as well as older travellers.