the core of Egypt's appeal. There is more toEgypt than just the Ancient Egyptiansthough, and Cairo is the perfect example,where layer upon layer of medieval historycompetes for space with Fatimid citadels,Mamluke souqs, Ottoman mosques and thetrappings of a modern city. Beyond the Nile,the Red Sea's stunning coral reefs are fringedby sandy beaches which enjoy year-round sun.Deserts are filled with remarkable rockformations and sand seas which shelterisolated oases and remote monasteries. Whilemany of Egypt's historic attractions are stillin situ, a wonderful selection of artefacts can also be found in the country's museums.Chief amongst them is the Museum ofEgyptian Antiquities in Cairo, one of themost famous museums in the world.For centuries, Egypt has been drawingvisitors to marvel at the temples andfunerary monuments of its ancientcivilisation. Lining the banks of the Nile,they are crammed into the narrow strip offertile land within the desert which makesup most of the country. From the iconicPyramids of Giza to the temples of AbuSimbel, there is an array of sites that form8Egypt

Audley in EgyptWith most of Egypt's places of interest lyingalong the line of the Nile, travelling from oneto another is straightforward. Travel acrosslarger distances is by air, while local traveland sightseeing are easiest with a privatedriver and guide. Nile cruises are the mostpopular way to visit Egypt's greatestarchaeological treasures around Luxor andAswan, and include guided excursions. Theseare in groups of around 20, with professional,English-speaking guides. For the moreadventurous, desert excursions with 4x4vehicles on a private basis can allow you todiscover lesser-known sites and attractions.Certain dates, such as the holy month ofRamadan, when most of the country fastsduring daylight hours, may affect your travelplans. We will always ensure such factors are taken into account.AccommodationThere is a good range of accommodationavailable in Egypt with some hotels offeringgood value, others providing a characterfulplace to stay and others offering luxuriouscomfort. The country is blessed with somewonderful historic hotels, rich in charm andcharacter. Many of these have played host tohistorical events or visiting dignitaries throughthe ages. Other properties tend to beinternational chain hotels that are verycomfortable and have higher levels of service,but offer less in the way of character. Manyhotels in Egypt are set near the Nile or the sea, and where possible we wouldsuggest upgrading to rooms which make themost of the views as the supplements areseldom prohibitive.Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Egypt, please seepages 28-29.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Egyptspecialists 01993 838 410?The PyramidsEgypt's most iconic site, located on the outskirts ofCairo, the Pyramids areamongst the world's greatestancient monuments.CairoBelow the surface of whatseems an ordinary, busy andmodern city, you will find layerupon layer of history.Karnak TempleJust one of Ancient Egypt'sextraordinary monuments,Karnak is the largest ancientreligious complex in the world.Valley of the KingsThe location of the pharaohs'tombs, which are exquisitelydecorated with frescoes tellingof ancient legends.4321The NileLifeblood of the Egyptians,ancient and modern, the Nile isa spectacular river. A journeyalong its course is an essentialpart of your trip.Abu SimbelAbu Simbel is the mostsoutherly of the AncientEgyptian monuments, but whatmakes it so impressive is thefact that the temples weremoved from their originalposition following the creationof Lake Nasser.56The Red SeaCairo's underwater treasuresmatch the ancient ones foundon land. The reefs of the RedSea are home to a myriad offish and coral species.7The desert oasesIsolated by miles of desert fromone another and from the Nile,the desert oases havedeveloped their own cultures.Heritage hotelsThe Mena House Oberoi Hotelin Cairo, the Old Winter Palacein Luxor and the Old Cataractin Aswan are three of thecountry's venerable hotels, eachwith period character andexcellent locations.Egypt91243567Felucca on the NileUnderwater life, Red SeaThe Pyramids of GizaKarnak Temple