Cruise the Nile & dive the Red Sea reefs

For centuries, the Nile has been at the heart of Egyptian life and this vast, shimmering highway is the best vantage point from which to see the country's varied history. Hop aboard one of the many luxury cruisers (in Luxor or Aswan) and set sail... Along the way, you'll stop to marvel at the Valley of the Kings, examine the ancient temples of Aswan, or soar overhead in a hot air balloon. While you're on the move, find a lounger on the deck and something cool to sip on as the tranquil river scenes slide by. Bliss.

Sprawling, consuming and bursting with life, there are many facets to Cairo. Most famous for the iconic pyramids of Giza, standing like mysterious sentinels just beyond the city limits, you'll almost certainly want to visit either on a walking or horseback tour, before ending with private dinner under the stars. Back in the city, dive into the religious history on a stroll amongst Coptic churches and grand mosques, including the oldest in Africa, Ibn Tulum, and get to know Pharaonic Egypt at the Great Egyptian Museum: it houses over 120,000 exhibits including Tutankhamun's famous gold mask. As for souvenirs, the Khan el-Khalili souq has everything you could possibly hope to squeeze into your suitcase.

Located where the Sinai Peninsula reaches out into the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is the definition of a beach resort. The number one reason for a visit is diving, thanks to the stellar water clarity and pleasant ocean temperature, and there are dozens of sites to choose from including wrecks left behind from WWII. Look out for dolphins, turtles and plenty more. If your preference lies above the water, there's waterskiing, parasailing and windsurfing too, as well as scenic sails in glass-bottomed boats. Otherwise, head inland to marvel at - or hike to the top of - Mount Sinai, visit the historic Saint Catherine's Monastery, and explore the desert by camel.