Steeped in rich, mysterious history, Egypt is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the world. Step back in time and be surrounded by the antiquity, grandeur and atmosphere this country has to offer.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

Uncover the secrets of the ancient Great Pyramid of Giza, the only one to remain largely intact. You will be captivated by its overwhelming size. It was built in around 2,600 BC as a tomb for the ancient Pharaoh, Khufu and sits beside two smaller pyramids. If you are feeling brave, take a walk down the dusty chambers of the pyramids where you will find beautifully preserved hieroglyphs.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

The Sphinx, a creature built in limestone, with the haunches of a lion and the head of a human, proudly guards the tombs on the Giza Plateau, situated on the West bank of the Nile. It was believed that if someone passed by the Sphinx, it would ask them a riddle. If the person failed to answer the riddle, the Sphinx would eat them. If they answered correctly, they would be allowed to pass.

The Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings, built around the ancient site of Thebes, is the burial ground of a number of major royal figures and privileged nobles, including Tutankhamun. Tourists have been visiting this site since Roman times to observe the magnificent scale of each statue, and the detail of reliefs, frescos and inscriptions. Surprisingly, some of the original colours have been preserved due to the lack of rain.

The Nile

Take a glistening cruise down the longest river in the world, the River Nile, where most of the population and cities of Egypt lie. Keep a look out for the many cultural and historical sites on the way, as most of these are positioned along the riverside.

Cairo

The hot, hazy Capital of Egypt, Cairo, possesses a strong contrast of medieval citadels and modern skyscrapers. Here you can witness the real essence of present day life in this ancient city, with busy, bustling bazaars, where you can haggle for shiny souvenirs and a colourful array of spices and woven carpets. In Cairo, you are more than likely to discover a unique shop, street, meal or image to photograph, so you will have plenty of memories to take back home.

Egyptis home to many fantastic places to visit on your holiday and this is just a small selection. You can read many articles and guide books about a country, but the only true way to discover the wonders of a country like this is to visit it yourself.