Travelers have come to Egypt ever since the time of the Pharaohs, when great pyramids were built. The country is known as 'the gift of the Nile', which is true in a sense, without the mighty river, live would be impossible in the arid desert that surrounds it.

Egypt is known for its ancient treasures, which include the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and thousands of temples, scattered all over the country. The most important temple complexes are those of Abu Simbel, Idfu, Luxor and Karnak. The last two are not far from the striking Valley if the Kings.

Apart from the Pharaohs, Egypt has been ruled by the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Turks and the British. They all have left their distinctive legacies and modern Egypt is an amalgam of these legacies, the influences of Islam and the 20th century, which brought modern styles and habits, as well as independence.

Egypt is a country of great contrasts as well. Bedouins live in goatskin tents and farmers till the earth with the simple tools of their ancestors, while modern office buildings of steel, stone and glass tower over the center of Cairo, the country's capital and largest metropolis. In Cairo one can visit the National Museum, which holds the countless treasures that were discovered in the great pyramids, as well as in other temples and ruins. Cairo is a somewhat chaotic city and the traffic problems are amazing.

The best time to visit Egypt is between half-April to mid-May, when temperatures hover around a bearable 25°C (78°F). During the summer temperatures can soar up to 50°C (122°F) and in the winter it can be just too chilly.

Egypt is a marvelous place with countless monuments, temples and other ancient sights. Activities that are available range from scuba diving in the Red Sea, to camel trips through the Sahara Desert and cruises on the Nile River. A trip to Egypt is an unforgettable experience and one you will most likely repeat.

Click on the images to learn more about this interesting destination. A map of Egypt will open full-screen. Just click on towns and places you want to know more about.