When people think of one of the most fascinating countries on Earth to visit, Egypt is one that often springs to mind. With one of the most intriguing ancient civilizations known to man, this African country has been a popular tourist destination for many years, and continues to be today.

For anyone thinking of traveling to this country it is important to do your research before you visit. With such a rich history and culture, it is critical to plan well in order to get the most out of your trip. Whether you are booking a boutique tour or one of the many reasonably priced Egypt package holidays available, a well thought out itinerary will help you make the most of your trip.

Top on everybody’s list should be the pyramids situated near Cairo. Consisting of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the smallest Pyramid of Khafre and the medium-sized Pyramid of Menkaure, it will make for a truly fascinating visit. Situated nearby is the Great Sphinx, another famous attraction and one that you certainly should not miss.

Thankfully, all these sites are situated just nearby Cairo, making them very easy to visit. They therefore offer the perfect starting point for anyone traveling to the country via Cairo, leaving the rest of the vacation free to discover some of the other gems that the country has to offer.

Another place that absolutely must be visited is the city of Luxor, which features the Valley of the Kings with its multitude of fascinating ancient tombs that housed mummies of pharaohs including Tutankhamun, Amenhotep II, Ramses II and Seti I. There is also the famous temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Temple of Karnak to explore.

Luxor itself is situated on the ancient city of Thebes, which in and of itself is a fascinating place to visit for those interested in the history and culture of Egypt. Considered by many as one of the world’s greatest ‘open-air museums’, there is plenty to discover in the city itself and not only in the nearby Valley of the Kings.

Museums in the city include the Luxor Museum, Karnak open-air museum, and a number of fascinating sights including the Temple of Amun, Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Nobles, the Valley of the Artisans and the Avenue of Sphinxes. It is possible to travel between Cairo and Luxor by train or plane, with the train providing an exciting overnight experience with bed and breakfast included.

Abu Simbel is another must-see site. This famous archaeological spot consists of two massive temples on the edge of Lake Nasser, carved out of the mountainside over 800 years ago. They have been relocated to their current position however, yet they remain intact and therefore make a fascinating visit.

To reach Lake Nasser, in the south of the country, it is advised to travel via Aswan. This town on the Nile is particularly stunning, and there is a drive between the two destinations of around three hours in total. Many Egypt package holidays will include a trip to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Lake Nasser. This will ensure that you do not miss a thing on your vacation.

Other Egypt package holidays even include a trip on the Nile. Often, it is possible to take a cruise from the city of Luxor and travel down to Aswan. Going south to Lake Nasser is often popular as it allows all traveler to the country to thoroughly explore the best of what Egypt has to offer in a logical order.

These are just a few of the main attractions in Egypt. From the famous pyramids and the Great Sphinx near Cairo, right through to Abu Simbel on Lake Nasser in the south, the whole of Egypt makes a fascinating trip for everyone interested in the history and culture of the country. Speak to your tour operator to design a trip that will suit you and allow you to discover the best of the country.