Egypt has been a family hotspot for years; the country is ripe with history and culture. Tourism in the country has significantly dropped due to political upheaval and the country going through a turbulent depression; however, it’s begun its fight back and is beginning to establish itself as a tourist favorite once more. Here are a few reasons why it’s so popular.

The first reason behind its popularity is its rich history. With some areas dating back over 7000 years, the abundance of temples, treasures and museums continue to astound visitors year after year. The most famous of these are the pyramids of Giza, built for each pharaoh to enjoy the afterlife when they passed away. The deep tombs containing the pharaoh’s were relished in rich gold and treasure and sealed away from the world until recently excavated by archeologists. Activities around the area aren’t hard to come by, whether it’s a camel ride across Giza, or a breathtaking hot air balloon trip across the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, there’s something for everybody to enjoy.

Secondly, it’s the sunshine, the fundamental drive behind anyone’s summer getaway. Among the most luxurious of these is Sharm-el-Sheikh. This hugely popular tourist area is the home to sumptuous 5 star hotels, crisp sandy beaches accompanied with crystal clear ocean waters. All these combined with intense sunshine (which usually soars into 40 degrees in the summer) result in the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Sharm-el-Sheikh is also excellent for diving, regarded among the best areas in the world. Egyptian waters are among the most bio-diverse in the world, with millions of species residing among the 2,000 kilometers of reef. Dive down and see it for yourself, trips are available with your very own internationally certified instructor all year round. For those after a bit of a fright, there’s even the opportunity to get up, close and personal by swimming with sharks.

The Sahara desert may seem desolate and baron, but why not try quad biking or windsurfing in the great sandy plains. These are things guaranteed to get your heart racing.

And of course, who forgets the River Nile. Flowing through 11 countries it’s regarded as the longest river in the world. Why not take yourself on a day cruise of its calm waters, giving you your own little bit of paradise.