Things to do in Egypt

The story begins at Giza, where the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx stand on the desert edge of Cairo, a sprawling capital of medieval mosques, bazaars and great museums of ancient art. Upstream, Luxor holds the temples of Karnak and Luxor and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and Aswan, serene among granite islands, is the base for Philae and Abu Simbel.

Between the two, Nile cruises glide past villages and palm groves, stopping at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, while feluccas sail at sunset. On the Red Sea, Hurghada on the mainland coast and Sharm el Sheikh at the tip of the Sinai are known for coral reefs, diving and long beach days, with Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery inland.

Koshari, ful medames, falafel, grilled fish and sweet mint tea are generous, comforting staples. The cooler months from autumn to spring are the best for sightseeing, while summer is very hot, especially in the south. The desert oases, the White Desert and the Mediterranean city of Alexandria offer still more to explore.