Sharm El Sheikh

The Red Sea around Sharm El Sheikh has a well-deserved reputation as one of the snorkelling and scuba hotspots of the world. The colourful and diverse sea life and reefs along Sharm’s 60 kilometres of coastline endlessly impress. Come here and learn to dive, or just let loose if you're a more experienced diver. People who don’t fancy getting in among the fish will appreciate the clear waters as they admire the sea from the white sand beach.

The Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh is a good place to pick up some local trinkets and souvenirs. This bazaar is crammed full of stalls selling glass, pottery and leather and has a wonderfully local feel to it. Don’t forget to barter though - it’s part of the fun. You can sample traditional local food at the Old Market, too, try the Egyptian soup molokhia, or koshary for an authentic taste of this part of Egypt.

After a day of sunbathing, snorkelling and shopping, the enormous nightlife of the town along a classic tourist strip of Na’ama Bay with its lively bars and nightclubs is tempting for some. Alternatively, make your way out to the waterfront for a lower-key evening with the gently lapping waves as your soundtrack instead. Many of the hotels in Sharm El Sheikh are packed with facilities, restaurants and entertainment of their own, so you won't have to go far at all if you don’t want to.

A holiday to Egypt wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of its most illustrious and celebrated sights in Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum are all found here. There are plenty of tour operators running excursions to the pyramids, taking care of the driving for you, although this involves a six to seven hour journey and you should bear this in mind when planning your holiday. You don't want to miss these sights.

For something extra special, visit Luxor by air for the day to visit the Valley of the Kings.