For anyone that has seen ‘Death on the Nile’ it is hard not to be inspired by the incredible landscapes and beauty of this North African country. Egypt is so much more than the cheap Red Sea package deals; its history and culture are unlike anywhere else in the world.
A holiday to Egypt is an enchanting journey that transports you to one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Starting in Cairo with its Great Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the watchful Sphinx, you can stay in the Mena House, formerly a hunting lodge built in 1869 by Khedive Isma’il Pasha. Having stayed here, waking up in the morning and drawing the curtains back to see the spectacular pyramids is quite a special moment. In Cairo, you also have the Egyptian Museum to visit- a fascinating treasure trove of artefacts and home to the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world.
Beyond the pyramids, Egypt‘s treasure trove of temples awaits. A short flight will take you to Luxor where Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings offer insights into the religious and burial practices of the ancients. You could spend a couple of nights at the Winter Palace which dates back to 1886 where many historic figures have stayed, like Howard Carter who was staying (courtesy of Lord Carnarvon) when he discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. From here, I highly recommend a cruise down the Nile, time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the journey. There are smaller boats like the MS Oberoi Philae, styled to resemble a paddle steamer and with only 18 cabins and 4 suites that will give you a truly unique experience. On arrival in Aswan, you have the opportunity to stay at another historic hotel, where Agatha Christie herself was deemed to have written ‘Death on the Nile’, The Old Cataract.
Summer temperatures in Egypt can reach 50 degrees in some parts of the country and believe me, exploring the ancient temples in this heat can be unbearable. My advice would be to travel in our Spring or Autumn seasons where temperatures are between 18-34 degrees.
