Egypt has long been one of the top tourist destinations in the Arab world, offering winter sun and an endless string of classical antiquity.  More than a year on since the revolutions of the Arab Spring, we take a look at getting the best out of Egypt while ensuring that you travel safely and securely.
 
Cairo
 
Unlike the other North African and Middle Eastern countries that disposed of their leaders, Mubarak merely handed control over to his cronies.  As a result the Tahrir Square area of Cairo is still fervent with on going protests.  Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean that you simply cannot travel to Cairo – however it does mean that you need to pay extra care and attention while keeping your wits about you.  Trips to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx are still easily accessible, while the locals continue to be warm and welcoming in amongst the lively activity in the bazaars and busy street life.
 
Aswan
 
Aswan is traditionally one of the three big tourist cities on the River Nile along with the much larger Cairo and Luxor.  Situated in the south of the country this great city was once the ancient Egyptians gateway to Africa and still hosts an abundance of fascinating sites and attractions today.  Explore the shrines and the tombs in the West Bank from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period; and be sure to visit the Temple of Philae – the last ancient temple built in the classical Egyptian architectural style dating all the way back to 690 BC. 
 
Sharm el-Sheikh
 
The Red Sea resorts of the Sinai Peninsula have been much calmer than the big cities making it a continued favourite among sun seekers all round.  Stretching from the Suez Canal in the north to Sudan in the south, the Red Sea is some 1,250 kilometres long and flanked with superb beaches, mountains and desert.  In fact, much of Egypt’s reputation as a winter escape stems from the likes of Sharm el-Sheikh.  The reefs of Tiran and Ras Mohammed are known as two of the best diving-spots in the world with its clear waters and impressive range of barracudas, sharks and murrays that can be seen on a daily basis. 
 
Luxor
 
Luxor – the gateway to the Valley of the Kings – has been attracting visitors for thousands of years.  Built on the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes, it is home to some of the world’s most important archaeological sights.  Since the revolution, tourism in this region has been hit hard which means that you can now explore the usually overcrowded ancient relics in complete serenity with the overall experience resembling that of a private tour.  Highlights include tomb number 62 in the Valley of the Kings, which holds Tutankhamen’s mummy, while a tranquil sunset walk among the colonnaded courtyards at the Temple of Luxor is not to be missed.
 
Round Up
 
Take advantage of the lack of visitors, crowds and queues which makes for a very different travel experience in Egypt.  Come here to find out what exclusivity really feels like.
 
 
Where To Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Stay in the heart of Cairo, with views of the Great Pyramids to enchant you and ancient zoological and botanical gardens just outside your door.  Enjoy authentic fine dining and opulent meeting spaces at Egypt’s premier address.
 
Where To Eat: Saffron Restaurant  – Sharm el-Sheikh
Nestled between the Savoy and the Sierra Hotels is Sharm El Sheikh’s best kept secret – SOHO Square.  This vibrant venue is host to a number of fine restaurants ranging from Indian to Thai, but our favourite is Saffron Restaurant for their range of Middle Eastern dishes from Lebanon to Morocco and plenty of Egyptian cuisine in between.
 
What To Do: Luxury Nile Cruise
Tour Upper Egypt’s most iconic sites on board the elegant Sanctuary Nile Adventurer.  Offering an intimate and relaxed cruising experience on the epic Nile, highlights en route include Karnak Temple, a massive temple complex built on an imperial scale, and a visit to the West Bank of Luxor, where the most powerful leaders of the era were buried.

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