Walk with the author among pillars and pyramids, or laze on deck as the Nile drifts past. 650 words. PHOTOS To read more, order this free article using the email order form

Now is a perfect time to visit Egypt, long since a popular destination for its balance of sightseeing and climate. A Nile cruise offers the best of both: the chance to laze in the sun on deck, watching the charming scenery pass by, and opportunities to visit the most famous temples and tombs. It is probably the nearest destination where you can be guaranteed sunshine, and it is amazingly cheap.

You will feel safe. Not only are the people genuinely friendly, but there are tourist police everywhere. In fact travel by road involves moving in convoy with guards on every coach. Getting there is easy – there are daily flights to Cairo from London. I travelled with my 16 year old daughter and 21 year old son, a difficult duo to please, but they both gave this holiday full marks.

You will feel welcome. You only have to spend minutes with the local people to feel their warmth. Try a meal in a Nubian village at Aswan, or take a boat to ancient Philae at sunset, where carvings 5,000 years old are embraced by oleander plants: the boatman will probably burst into song to entertain you. If there’s a wedding going on, you will be invited to join in the dancing to heady music. The singer never seems to stop for breath, nor the dancers for a rest.


Price: £0.00       # Egypt