1. Mons Porphyritis
A 40-minute drive into the desert takes you to these ancient porphyry quarries that were once a hub of activity for the Romans. Porphyry is a prized crystalline stone, purple and white in colour, and the Romans used it predominantly to decorate buildings and furnishings. Today, you can still find evidence of the quarry town’s encampments, temples and workshops.

2. St Anthony and St Paul Monasteries
Buried between the vast, arid peaks of the Eastern Desert lie the oldest Coptic monasteries in Egypt, which date back to the 4th Century. As the monasteries are about 90 minutes from each other, they make for a fantastic day trip, with English-speaking monks at both able to guide you through the buildings and the very beginnings of the Christian monastic tradition that they represent.

3. El Gouna This beautiful and unique resort town, which is just half an hour’s drive from Hurghada, was the brainchild of one of Egypt’s most successful tycoons. With a location that gives magnificent, panoramic views out to sea, and attractions including hotels, shopping malls, golf courses, a marina and even open-air amphitheatres, El Gouna is the Egyptian equivalent of Monte Carlo, Puerto Banús, Miami or Jumeirah – the playground for the rich and famous.

4. Giftun Island
The Red Sea is awash with hundreds of delightful islands to explore, conquer, relax and dive from. With a natural habitat that is protected for its importance and beauty, Giftun Island is one of the best to visit. The island is literally encircled by exceptional dive sites and the tourist resort is the ideal place to enjoy lunch, a few drinks and the warm African sun.