Cairo is a chaotic, dirty, crazy place where it's easy to be overwhelmed and overstimulated.

Aswan is the jewel of the Nile, a lazy place with a beautiful corniche and boats plying the tranquil waters.

Only 40km from Sudan, Abu Simbel isn't easy to get to but most tourists make it. The four colossal statues of Ramses the II are beyond impressive, leaving a deep impression on any visitor.

Luxor is an archaeological playground, an Egyptologist's dream. Dozens of sites could keep visitors here for weeks or months. The Nile makes for some great views, but the constant hassle makes it hard to be truly relaxed.

Alexandria is Egypt's window on the Med. Not much remains of the city founded by Alexander the Great, but it's more cosmopolitan than Cairo and worth a visit.

Siwa used to be pretty much off the map for visitors, and has only recently really opened up to tourism. It's a beautiful spot on the edge of the Great Sand Sea, one of the most spectacular stretches of desert in the world.

Dahab means "gold" in Arabic, and it's a pretty good name for this chilled-out spot in beautiful Sinai. With the craggy, barren mountains behind and the blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba in front, Dahab is amazing. The atmosphere, influenced by the Bedouin village that used to be here, is chilled out and easy-going.