Luxor City/Region: The Nile Valley Part of the ancient city of Thebes that was the ruling seat of power for 1,350 years, Luxor is a major tourist destination, particularly for those interested in ancient Egypt, and the area boasts an exceptionally rich legacy of temples, tombs and monuments. Around these relics of ancient Egypt's celebrated history, are signs of the prosperous industry of the modern day - tourism. The town is crowded with souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants, while the Nile River carries feluccas and luxury hotel ships. The streets are filled with the
cries of shop owners, horse-drawn carriages (caleches), taxi drivers and tour guides, all offering their services to the newly arrived traveller, whether wealthy tourist or economizing backpacker. The action on the street is almost as captivating as the temples they have come to see. Whereas the impressive structures of the Temples of Luxor and of Karnak are within the town itself, the biggest attractions lie on the west bank across the Nile, where the funerary complexes of the Tombs of the Nobles, the Valley of the Kings, and Valley of the Queens relate the fascinating story of the ultimate resting places of ancient royalty.
Aswan City/Region: The Nile Valley Aswan, the most southerly city, has more of an African ambiance with its numerous Nubian inhabitants providing a difference in culture and custom. Although every bit as touristy as Luxor, the town and its inhabitants are far more laid back and pleasant. A picturesque city, its attraction lies not so much in its historical sites, but in the peacefulness of a felucca cruise at sunset, a visit to the colorful market (Sharia el-Souq), or dinner at one of the floating restaurants on the Nile. It is a perfect base to visit to the magnificent Sun Temple of Ramses II, Abu Simbel.
Sharm el-Sheikh City/Region: The Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea A world-acclaimed dive center and the most developed of the Red Sea resorts, Sharm el-Sheikh has many activities, luxury accommodation and restaurants available. Most hotels and diving centers are situated four miles (7km) from the city at Naama Bay and it has become a busy holiday resort with plenty of shopping opportunities, late night entertainment and an attractive resort atmosphere. Numerous dive sites are within reach of Sharm el-Sheikh, including the huge drop-offs at Ras Mohammed in the extreme southern part of the peninsula, the Straits of Tiran, wrecks and 28 sites located along the coast that are reached by boat. Naama Bay has a gently sloping sandy bottom, is ideal for dive classes, and provides diving and snorkeling opportunities for all levels without having to use a boat or car to get there. Besides excellent diving and snorkeling, which are the main activities, there are plenty of watersports available if one feels like doing more than just soaking up the sun. Add a vibrant nightlife with casinos, discos and nightclubs and one cannot complain of boredom.
Dahab City/Region: The Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea With more of a Bohemian feel, golden beaches and a laid back atmosphere, Dahab has both budget accommodation and excellent hotels catering for the more luxury-seeking guest. It has a fiercely competitive array of seafront restaurants for open-air dining and many souvenir shopping opportunities. Lying alongside the deepest section of the Great Rift Valley that extends down through Africa, the underwater scenery is dramatic with steep drops, valleys and canyons. Most of the diving is shore diving, and is easily accessed by taking a pick-up truck to the beaches stretching in either direction. Some of the superb dive and snorkeling sites nearby include the Blue Hole, one of the best in the Sinai region, and the Canyon, but only TEC-divers are allowed to dive the deeper sections of such formations.
El Gouna City/Region: The Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea The elite resort of El Gouna, also known as the 'Venice of the Red Sea' is 14 miles (23km) north of Hurghada International Airport and is nestled between the mountains and the shores of the Red Sea. The resort stretches along six miles (10km) of coastline and spreads onto several small nearby islands. Linked by lagoons, this luxurious resort has an air of fantasy about it. El Gouna is not only an exquisite holiday resort but also a residential area with a vast range of villas designed by world-famous architects all boasting breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. Its infrastructure caters to an active, yet relaxed and friendly lifestyle.
Taba Heights City/Region: The Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea Surrounded by picturesque crimson mountains and azure seas lies the exotic resort of Taba Heights. It is ideally situated in one the most breathtaking spots on the Sinai Peninsula and lies on the border of Israel and Egypt. It is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations on the Red Sea Riviera and a much loved holiday spot. Taba Heights offers a relaxed yet luxurious retreat thanks to its simple yet characteristic Bedouin camps boasting remarkable views of the sea and surrounding mountains as well as clear views of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. It truly is the perfect destination for a lazy beachside holiday.
Hurghada City/Region: The Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea Hurghada, known locally as Ghardaga, has grown from a small fishing village to an internationally renowned resort town on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, famous for its underwater life and diving and snorkeling opportunities. Popular as a European package holiday destination, the town boasts first class hotels and all-inclusive resorts, as well as a highly vaunted nightlife. South of Hurghada is the resort strip with hotels packed along a 12-mile (20km) stretch of beach, while within the town there are many bars, restaurants, shops and a variety of accommodation to suit all types of budget. The town's central location on Egypt's coast provides a gateway to prime diving sites throughout the Red Sea.
Makadi Bay City/Region: The Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea A relatively new purpose-built beach resort, Makadi Bay is situated just 19 miles (30km) south of Hurghada along the Red Sea Riviera. This up-and-coming resort is centered on a shopping and restaurant area, which is linked to a chain of hotels strung along the beach. Ideally suited to young families, Makadi Bay is known for its beaches, clear water, coral reefs and quality hotels that provide a perfect location for relaxation and comfort. The bay boasts superb snorkeling and diving opportunities, and most hotels offer a variety of other watersports, as well as facilities to keep the whole family entertained, like golf, volleyball and tennis, luxurious spas and a host of amenities for children. Excursions into the surrounding area are an ideal way to explore the historical sites and natural beauty nearby, while the city of Hurghada caters to those looking for a more exciting nightlife and a chance to experience a 'real' Egyptian town.
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