For embarking on a journey through time and unravelling the fascination of the land of Pharaohs and lost kings, all you need to do is consider discovering Egypt, the Red Sea and Jordan next winter. The highlights of a trip that will unveil the magnificence of these close-by destinations are Cairo, Luxor, the Red Sea islands and resort areas, Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum. Visiting during the winter months is the best period for exploring the region, as you can avoid the heavy heat of the summer with the added advantage of experiencing a summer holiday from December through to March. One way to further enhance this feeling is to choose a cruise around Egypt and Jordan in winter.

The splendours of Egypt
Egypt and its splendours need no introductions. It is a destination that harbours many of the world’s ancient secrets and enigmatic, awe-inspiring monuments that will take visitors’ breaths away. Cairo, the city of a thousand minarets, is Egypt’s capital and home to numerous landmarks that have graced it with their imposing presence for thousands of years. With the famous river Nile intersecting it, Cairo is one of those unique places offering many stimulants. Brimming with countless sites of immense cultural value that are well worth your time and colourful markets full of fragrant spices, intricate textiles and intriguing local wares, Cairo is a city that will most definitely enchant you.

River Nile Image © AXP Photography | Unsplash

The Mosque of Rifai and Sultan Hassan Image © Omar Elsharay | Unsplash

The Giza Pyramids and Sphinx are, of course, must-see sites and are excellent first items to appear on your Cairo to-do list. The collection of ancient tombs that have been the resting homes of the Pharaohs who instructed their construction around 4500 years ago is truly remarkable. For the braver ones among you, you can opt for tours that entail entering the Pyramids. Be prepared to reach the burial chamber through their passageways on all fours. It is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or have shortness of breath. However, for those who manage to explore the Pyramids from within, the experience will remain etched in their mind for years.

Egyptian art in Cairo, Egypt Image © Tom Podmore | Unsplash

Red Sea richness
The Red Sea is a relatively narrow sea strait that hides many natural treasures. It is where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet, creating an excellent marine destination. The Red Sea is a perfect place for diving and snorkelling, boasting some amazing waters with seabeds home to numerous reefs and marine life. Sharm el Sheik and Hurghada are two popular Egyptian resort areas right on the Red Sea’s east and west coast, respectively, and can offer the exotic holiday some may be seeking. Around Hurghada are various small islands of powdery sand and azure waters, such as the Giftun and Gubal islands. One visit there and you will fully comprehend why these are pretty popular with tourists and locals alike. Especially if you choose to visit during winter, you can at least avoid the crowds, as most locals tend to visit in the summer months.

Mahmya, Hurghada, Egypt Image © Kevin Et Laurianne | Unsplash

Red Sea, Egypt Image © Francesco Ungaro | Unsplash

El Gouna, Hurghada, Єгипет Image © Mykola Kolya Korzh

You can choose an inland excursion to Luxor to combine your seaside relaxation with a bit of culture. South of Hurghada, on the east side of the Nile, is where you will find this glorious stone city built on the site of Ancient Thebes. Striking and imposing, Luxor’s two towering Luxor and Karnak Temples will fill you with a sense of absolute awe. On the western side of the Nile lies the Valley of the Kings, the burial grounds of legions of Pharaohs throughout the ages.

Temple Of Khonsu, Karnak, Luxor, Egypt Image © 2H Media | Unsplash

Hot air balloon ride in Luxor Image © Pradeep Gopal

The many wonders of Jordan
Jordan is a place of diversity and wonderment that will charm you. It has vast expansions of dunes, natural reserves and seaside resorts, while it is steeped in ancient history that dates back to 300 B.C. The most famous landmark is Petra, also known as ‘Rose City’; however, it is not the only site worth visiting. Aqaba, located on the Red Sea coast in the southernmost part of Jordan, is a city of forts and fields, plus the Aqaba Marine Park, famous for its Yamanieh coral reef. No visit to Jordan is complete without a tour of the archaeological site of Petra. It is bound to enchant you with rock-engraved monuments and temples skillfully carved into the pink sandstone cliffs. The Wadi Rum desert is also a place that is awe-inspiring, and where scenes of the classic movie Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. This is a particularly striking desert, quite different from any other desert you may have visited. In appearance, it is more dramatic than most; mountains, rock formations, arches, chasms, and canyons are all part of the crimson beauty that characterises Wadi Rum.