World / Africa / Egypt

The ancient Greeks and Romans would take holidays to Egypt as far back as 430BC to marvel at the spectacular monuments of this ancient civilisation, surely making Egypt tourism the oldest in the world. Much of this North African country bordered by Libya, Israel and Sudan is desert, and just as in ancient times, most of the population lives within the Nile Valley relying on the life-giving Nile River for the water that rarely falls as rain. Nile cruises are a popular way to view the myriad ancient temples that have been built along the river. Famous sights include Luxor's Karnak and Luxor Temples, the hidden tombs within the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, and the two temples of Abu Simbel.

Egypt also borders the Red Sea, another huge draw for leisure travellers, with its stunning coral reefs and ship wrecks attracting snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The bustling Red Sea holiday resorts also benefit from an excellent year-round climate. Capital Cairo is home to around 16 million, making it a dynamic business hub, which now boasts a fledgling IT sector and developing energy market. Leisure visitors head for Cairo Museum to see the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb, and the iconic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza that now lie within the growing city boundary.