Cairo, Egypt’s vast and chaotic capital city is home to the iconic Sphinx, the pyramids of Giza, great Islamic architecture, bustling souks and one of the world’s great museums and is essential for experiencing the real Egypt.

The Nile could well be said to be Egypt, and a visit to the Upper Egypt of antiquity is to step back across the Millenia. There is no better way to experience this than on a Nile cruise.

Along this stretch of the Nile in the south of modern Egypt is the world’s most intensive concentration of temples, tombs and palaces constructed over the span of 4,000 years; Abydos, Dendara, Karnak, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and Abu Simbel.

Across the river from Luxor lies the Valley of the Kings – the great Theban necropolis and a must-see on any tour of Egypt.

Egypt’s Red Sea coast lures visitors with winter sunshine and fabulous island reefs near the resort of Hurghada, making for a great add on to a Nile Cruise or tour of Egypt.