Busy, bustling, and bursting at its seams with history, Cairo has seen the rise and fall of civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians to the more modern Arab Spring. Nevertheless, this metropolis in the middle of the desert has endured. With all of its history, art and culture, Cairo is definitely a must-see.

Here is a round-up of some of Cairo’s top sites and activities, along with some advice about how to stay safe and make your trip more pleasant.

The Pyramids at Giza

The main draw for most visitors are the spectacular Pyramids of Giza, which are located among the sand dunes to the west of the city. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids have inspired visitors for thousands of years. You will also see the majestic Sphinx, sans nose, sitting in front as a stately guardian. Tourists can also go inside the Great Pyramid via a secret passageway into a central chamber to see what the pyramid looks like inside. Or if you’re up for it, you can also take a short camel ride or hire horses and explore the nearby desert.

Saqqara

At Saqqara, not far from Giza, you will find the Pyramid of Zoser, a step pyramid that is recognized as the first Pyramid built in ancient Egypt and predates the Pyramids at Giza by around 1000 years.

The Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square

After you get tired of pyramid-spotting, you can take a taxi to Tahrir Square, which is directly in the center of Cairo and the location where Cairo’s Revolution began. Have a look around and then cross the street to the Egyptian Museum, a dark red building overlooking the Nile River. Inside you will find countless treasures and artefacts from ancient Egypt, such as the Narmer Palete, which symbolises the unification of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms into the Old Kingdom and contains some of the oldest hieroglyphic inscriptions ever found, dating back to the 31^st century BC. And don’t miss the shadowy, temperature-controlled room upstairs where they store the mummies!

Bargain Like a Pro at Khan al-Khalili

If you’re in the mood for a bit of shopping, you can check out Cairo’s open-air market Khan al-Khalili, where you can find anything from toy camels to necklace charms with your name written in hieroglyphs. Just make sure to bargain, as it’s a way of life in Egypt.

Cruise the Nile on a Felucca

Once the sun has begun to set, head down to the port on the Nile and hire a felucca, a traditional boat with one sail. Here you can sit back and watch the sun set while taking in the views of the city from the Nile.

Tips for Staying Safe

To keep your trip pleasant and avoid illness, remember to take care of yourself. Sometimes the standard of hygiene may not be what you’re used to, and food-borne illness is common. Make sure to eat in reputable, clean establishments and only drink bottled water. You don’t want to have to spend all your time filing holiday claims for holiday compensation. Instead, take steps to care for yourself, but don’t let that stop you from exploring all of Cairo’s ancient and modern wonders.

Hurghada is one of Egypt’s premier beach resorts, but the golden sands aren’t the only draw for visitors to the area. I’ve done some research and compiled a list of the top attractions and experiences not to miss on a holiday to Hurghada in Egypt – read on to find out more.

Taking a desert safari

Something I’d love to do on an Egyptian getaway is ride a camel through the desert, but it’s possible to combine this with a number of other activities as part of a single experience. First, you can climb aboard a 4×4 vehicle and enjoy a thrilling ride through over the dunes, before disembarking and swapping your vehicle for a camel. Make your way across the sand as the sun sets and stop off at a traditional Bedouin desert camp, where you may be greeted by the local people and have the chance to see how they have lived since ancient times.

During your visit, you could be invited into a Bedouin tent, where you can smoke a traditional water pipe called a Narhileh and enjoy some Bedouin tea or a cup of Arabian coffee. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a tasty barbecued meal in the middle of the desert before being taken back to the main resort by jeep as the sun goes down.

Viewing coral reefs up close

There are few places better to explore the world beneath the waves than Egypt – home to the Red Sea – and the waters around Giftun Island are renowned for their beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine species. Take a boat out to the isle and you’ll arrive at the white powder beach, which is akin to paradise on Earth.

Utmost care has been taken to preserve the island’s natural environment, so even the parasols are made from local products – in this case, palm trees! As part of a half-day excursion to the island, you’ll strap on some snorkelling gear and head into the water to admire the beauty within. As well as the fascinating coral reefs, there are hundreds of colourful fish, eels, stingrays and turtles to spot, while you might also get a glimpse of the area’s native dolphins.

Afterwards, you can lie back on the idyllic white sand and enjoy a refreshing drink, or visit the buffet bar for lunch, which is usually included in the price of the excursion.

Exploring the Red Sea by submarine

For those who aren’t confident delving deep into the water, a trip aboard a submarine might be a more appealing option, and it’s definitely something I’d do, as the vessel can plunge much deeper than you or I could with a snorkel.

The submarine will be manned by two pilots who will guide it approximately 22 m beneath the surface so passengers can take in the enchanting seascapes. This far under the water you’ll find a wide variety of corals and other marine flora and fauna, including cuttlefish, sharks, starfish and octopus. In fact, you can catch sight of some of the more than 1,000 species of fish and hundreds of types of coral as you glide through the water.

Your exploration of the Great Rift Valley will be narrated by a specialist, who will point out the different creatures and provide you with some facts about these interesting marine species.

To find out more about booking a holiday in Hurghada, click here.

Dubai is an Arabian delight dotted with long stretches of beaches leading to the crystal blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, spectacular desert and mountain landscapes, excellent souks and shopping malls and champion golf courses.  It is a bustling city where East meets West in a fantastic melange of old and new.  Dubai has become the ultimate tourist destination in the Middle East, and its luxury hotels that grace the city’s skyline are fit for any king.

The Burj Al Arab

Nestled just a short distance from the stunning Jumeirah Beach, the Burj Al Arab hotel is one of the world’s most opulent hotels.  Towering with 321 meters of billowing architecture, its interior is just as impressive with spectacular choreography on display.  With floor to ceiling windows, each posh suite offers panoramic seaside vistas of the Arabian Gulf and has rain showers and Jacuzzis.  Guests enjoy the amenities of the chauffeured Rolls-Royce fleet, butlers on call and dining under the stars and sea.

Other amenities include oriental massages at the lavish Assawan Spa and Health Club, dining at one of the six award-winning signature restaurants and swimming in the sparkling infinity pools.  Flanked by golden columns, the Al Iwan serves up the finest of Arabian cuisine, and the Bab Al Yam offers culinary delights with a poolside view.  Guests can book a helicopter tour for an aerial view of Dubai’s dramatic landscape and are given unlimited access to the fun Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

The Jumeirah Emirates Towers is just a short drive from pristine beaches and set in the heart of Dubai.  Decked with five-star luxury, this impressive hotel has 400 expansive suites equipped with luxurious settings and cutting-edge technology.  Guests have privy to 15 world-class restaurants and bars, private beach access, the Talise Spa and an open sky swimming pool with panoramic terraces.  Guests are also treated with a complementary shuttle service to downtown Dubai for a day of shopping at the famed Boulevard.

A stay at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers is a treat of indulgence.  The Rib Room tempts the taste buds with delicious steaks in a sophisticated setting, and the Ivy serves up a savory brasserie-style menu.  The Talise Spa offers a signature spa experience with five treatment rooms, a flotation pool and relaxing bar.  It is the ultimate for relaxation and well-being.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Designed in the shape of a breaking wave, this luxury beach hotel offers up all the pleasures of life.  This gorgeous boutique hotel features plush suites and private beachside villas.  Welcomed in luxury, guests are provided with soft bathrobes, slippers, private toiletries, mini-bars, Internet access, separate showers and much more.  The beachside villas offer stunning sunsets and breathtaking views of the water.

With over 15 restaurants and bars, guests can enjoy either casual or signature dining.  Set amid lush landscaped gardens by the pool, the Ocean Blue Bar beach butlers serve up a mix of healthy foods, fresh juices and cocktails.  For more formal dining, the La Parrilla serves up excellent cuisine with live tango dancers.

Dubai is an exciting adventure well-known for its opulent hotels.  Getting there is easy; there are many flights to Dubai that will lead you to these oases of paradise.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv was founded by the Jewish community in the year 1909 and has gradually emerged as one of the most popular cities in Israel.As an international tourist destination, Tel Aviv is often referred as a ‘city that never sleeps’. It’s blooming nightlife, energetic atmosphere and beautiful beaches make it a party capital. It has also been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO for its Bauhaus structural design. Its rich cultural heritage and modern outlook give a real cosmopolitan flair to the city.  Here are some ideas of how to make the most your time in this wonderful place:

Guided Bicycle Tour
The guided bicycle tour in Tel Aviv is a perfect way to experience its colorful and joyful atmosphere. The comfortable bike tracks run along the beaches, through Yarkon Park, around White City, and past the Old Train Station, the Old flour mill and other landmarks of the city. These tours are often accompanied by mesmerizing stories to make the experience that little bit more remarkable!

Jaffna – Museum of Tel Aviv
Located in the former Ottoman administrative centre, this museum displays the work of art of the empires that ruled the city in that era. The museum is lined up with Arabic coins belonging to the Ottoman period to the 5th century pottery shards. The presence of Jews in Jaffna has also been specially documented.

Manshia Train Station
This is one of the newest attractions, having been  abandoned for almost 60 years and recently revived. The Mansia train station was built in Jaffna in 1892 to connect Jerusalem with the ancient port. The elegant structure of the Ottoman era has been thrown open for the public as a four acre attraction housing galleries, a leisure complex, cafes, restaurants, boutiques and a weekly farmer market.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art specializes in contemporary and modern art and is looked upon as one of the most exhilarating and diverse cultural organizations in Israel. The museum consists of the biggest collection of Israeli art in the world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in any form of art including architecture, painting, sculpture, graphics, cinema, dance and music.

Tel Aviv Port

Tel Aviv Port really comes alive at night!

The historical Tel Aviv port was the most popular and striking junction between the Mediterranean and the city. This first Israeli port is a prosperous hang out spot with bars, restaurants and shops. These are accessible by a huge wooden deck inspired by the shape of sand dunes of Tel Aviv.

Guided Tour of White City

The guide tour of White City is one of the best ways to experience the past and present life of Tel Aviv. It is home almost 5000 structures built in the modernist style and inspired by Le Corbusier and the Bauhaus school.

Enjoy the Beach

Jerusalem Beach, a stunning place to relax after a busy day of sight-seeing!

Tel Aviv is a much admired destination for beach lovers and it is easy to see why! There are eight major beaches within the town that makes it a popular tourist spot, packed with people of all ages and nationalities. The Jerusalem beach is especially popular among the hippies and hipsters.