in the race for the title of the world's top holiday destination, egypt runs with the elite ? more than 12 million tourists flock here every year. but the country has had an advantage. it's been in training for the best part of 25 centuries. the ancient greeks and romans started holidaying here as far back as the 4th century bc.today, tourists fall into two camps. on one side of the coin you?ve got the visitors who come for the sun, sea and sand. the resorts of sharm el sheikh and hurghada dip their toes in the clear waters of the red sea. expect white beaches that stretch out like party streamers, some of the world's best scuba diving sites, and every watersport you can think of.on the other side of the penny, you?ve got the history enthusiasts, who turn up here to retrace the footsteps of the pharaohs and ancient gods. in cairo's egyptian museum, you can see tutankhamun's death mask and the mummified remains of ancient kings. then, just outside the city, you can stand in the shadow of the great pyramid and the sphinx. in luxor, meanwhile, you can explore the valley of the kings and the temple of karnak, which is the largest ancient religious site in the world.
