Egypt

• Although travelers have been visiting Egypt for centuries, in modern times it was the Thomas Cook company who initiated steamboat services on the Nile and the idea of luxury cruises on the mighty river.
• The arid climate of the Nile Valley has ensured the preservation of its artifacts for over 4,000 years. Man, however, has been less kind, looting and destroying many of the ancient wonders: the damage to the Sphinx was wrought not by erosion and sand, but primarily by British and French soldiers using it for target practice during colonial times.
• Cairo's most popular tourist sights are well known. The pyramids and the Sphinx are in Giza and sit just at the edge of town, startling many first time visitors who expect to see them in the middle of the desert.
• The Egyptian Museum will command a portion of any stay in Cairo. The contents of many of the pyramids are found here, including the contents of Tutankhamen's (King Tut's) tomb.
• The Coptic Quarter in Old Cairo bears witness to an ancient form of Christianity that proceeded Islam by 400 years. Here legend says Mary and Joseph lived during the infancy of Jesus. The Coptic Orthodox Church remains highly active.
• Two hours north by train from Cairo is Alexandria, the second-largest city in Egypt. The seaside retreat was once the home to old Alexandria's library, the greatest repository of books in the ancient world.
• The Khan el-Khalili market is one of the most famous shopping areas of Cairo. Bargaining is expected, and shoppers do well to be choosy. While jewelry and papyrus are popular souvenirs, the selection, and quality varies widely from shop to shop.