Egypt

Land of the pyramids, glitzy capital Cairo, endless deserts, and fertile flood plains which line the Nile river’s winding banks, Egypt is a destination which has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. Set between the Middle East and northeast Africa, it has a rich, unique culture which stretches back to the age of the pharaohs. Ancient monuments such as the pyramids and the Sphinx are the main draw, but there’s plenty to discover besides.

Built some 4,000 years ago, the magnificent Pyramids of Giza are the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, and their weatherbeaten edifices tower over the surrounding desert. Exactly how they were created is still uncertain, and theories abound that they were constructed by aliens or supernatural beings due to their sheer size, perfect geometry, and alleged mystical powers.

Head to Luxor for spectacular Ancient Egyptian monuments, including the extraordinary grandeur of the 63 royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and majestic Luxor Temple. The high necropolis of Saqqara is Egypt’s largest archaeological site and contains tombs which span a period of 3,500 years. The elemental, swelling dunes of the country’s Western Desert are a sight to behold, in particular, the shimmering White Desert, sprinkled with surreal rock formations, and the gigantic sweep of the Great Sand Sea. Head to the country’s Red Sea Coast for diving, resorts, a majestic Ottoman fortress, rugged coastline and reefs at Marsa Alam.