Visiting Egypt is like traveling through time, with stops at some of the most remarkable milestones of history. One of the oldest civilization on the planet, this self-proclaimed "mother of the world" was first unified under one king more than 6,000 years ago. In that time, Egypt has been ruled by Pharaohs and Romans, Turkish khedives and Muslim caliphs, British and French colonizers, all of who left their unique marks on the country and its people.
Modern Egypt is a hodge podge of cultures, each bringing its own combination of art, food and tradition to the mix. Nowhere is this diversity more evident than in Cairo, where a rapidly growing population of 17 million live clustered in a sprawling strip of urban mayhem along the banks of the Nile. One of the most intense metropolises on the planet, Cairo greets newcomers with a perpetual swirl of activity, dazzling even the most jaded travelers.
But Egypt is much more than its capital, boasting spectacular Pharaonic monuments in Upper Egypt, to world-class diving in the Red Sea and Biblical landmarks in the Sinai desert. More importantly, Egyptians are friendly, generous hosts who have been entertaining tourists for centuries. So whether you opt for the archaeology tour or a relaxing beach getaway, expect to be charmed by the sights and the people.
