Where is it?
Part of the African continent, Egypt is situated between Libya and Israel.
Where should I be heading for?
Luxor (for temples and tombs including Tutankhamun), Giza (for the pyramids) and Cairo (the capital).
Entry requirements:
British travellers need to obtain a visa from the Egyptian Consulate General before entering Egypt.  Alternatively, visitors from the UK, US, Canada, EU and GCC countries can get one from immigration on arrival at Luxor airport but the queue is HUGE!  I'd advise you to get one before you go.
Health:
Egypt is densely populated and largely unhygienic.  That means avoiding tap water and trying to find a clean loo.  Click here for details on what to be vaccinated against. 
Top 5 things to do:
1.  Visit the pyramids of course!
2.  See King Tutankhamun's tomb and the mummies in the Cairo museum.
3.  Ride a camel.
4.  Haggle in the bazaar.
5.  Watch the sunset on the Nile.
Is it expensive?
No it’s dirt cheap, you can have a meal in the swankiest hotels for £5 -10 (including drinks).
What's the food like?
Quite good, western food is available at all the hotels and there is a MacDonald's in the centre of town, Cairo is full of western fast food joints, but we were warned away form the local restaurants on hygiene issues.  We were also told that there is quite a lot of camel met in the cheaper local eateries.
Is it safe to drink the water?
No, it's best stick to bottled.
What are the toilets like?
Best to stick to hotels and fast food restaurants, 'cos elsewhere they can vary from UUUUUGH!!!!! (like on the train from Luxor to Cairo) to a hole in the ground.
Best time to visit:
Winter or spring, according to Lonely Planet.  Anywhere south of Cairo is just too hot in the summer.
Don't miss:
Sailing on the Nile on a felucca sailboat.
Most overrated thing:
Riding a camel.  It's not scary at all!
(5/5)

Photos: Helen Shipley

Lonely Planet: Egypt  Opodo