Secrets of Pharaons

About the destination: Cairo, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East, is the capital of Egypt. Cairo has been a centre of great importance to many civilisations, cultures and religions. From Pharaonic and Greco-Roman to Ottoman and European, and passing by Jewish, Christian, and Islamic, each of its identities has left a strong imprint on Cairo, thus making it one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The Giza Plateau, that includes the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, is the only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the country's most famous tourist attraction. The sheer mass of the pyramids is awe inspiring. Islamic Cairo, the centre of historic Cairo, is best done on foot. Located east of downtown, it is full of charming little mosques and water fountains. The most important sites to visit are the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el Khalili, the main bazaar, some historic mosques and displays of medieval architecture, as well as some of Cairo's Turkish baths or Hammams. No visit to Cairo is complete without seeing the Egyptian Museum. Exotic atmosphere, chaotic traffic, thousands of minarets, noise, charming people, Cairo is a fascinating city. Few cities in the world surpass Cairo in number of monuments or architectural styles. Cairo is not an ordinary city, Cairo is a whole world.

About the destination: Aswan is a city in the south of Egypt, some 680km south of Cairo, just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, with a population of 275,000. Aswan is far more relaxed and smaller than Cairo and Luxor. Aswan is the smallest of the three major tourist cities on the Nile. Aswan is calming and relaxing and has a laid-back feel to it. Aswan has some unique gems. Rock cut monument Abu Simbel, to the south is one of Egypt's most daring symbols of Egyptian power. The sanctuary temples of Philae and Kalabsha present excursions reminiscent of Greece. Other places worth visiting in Aswan include: The dual temples of sobek and horus at Kwam Umbu, and the well preserved temple of horus at Idfu. Aswan is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Nile.

About the destination: Sharm el-Sheikh is a renowned port and holiday resort at the southernmost point of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, popular with package holiday goers and divers. Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Arab world and one of the best diving spots globally. Sharm el Sheikh has now expanded into three distinct areas, Nabq is a new area to the North of Na'ama, Old Market and Hadaba to the South of Na'amaa Bay. Na'ama Bay part of the city is the hub of nightlife and dining: most of Sharm's clubs, cafes, restaurants and shops are located here. Nabq Bay is on a headland overlooking the Straits of Tiran at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba. The Old Town has an interesting bazaar and traditional restaurants. In the evening, Sharm el-Sheikh is lit up with lights. Restaurants, bars and Cafes are all bustling. The tourists gather to chat about the daytrips or diving experiences as they enjoy cold drinks and savour Sharm el-Sheikh international cuisine. Sharm el-Sheikh is what holidays should be about.