Getting around abroad doesn’t have to be all about cars, trains, buses and bikes. From cruising Peru’s Lake Titicaca on a boat made of reeds to flying down the streets of Madeira in a wicker toboggan or taking an odd horse-drawn carriage in Pakistan, there are so many unusual types of travel to be tried – and here we’re bringing you ten of the best!

Venice – Traghetto

Along the 3.5km stretch of Venice’s Grand Canal there are just three bridges, so how do you get across? By Traghetto, of course. The unglamorous sibling of the gondola; these no-frills boats get passengers from one side of the canal to the other for a meagre fee. You can pick up a Traghetto (meaning ‘ferry’ in Italian) from any of the seven piers along the canal – just look for the yellow signs pointing you towards the landings. Each boat is rowed by two oarsmen- one at the bow and one behind the passengers, as in a gondola – if you want to ride like a Venetian, stand for the short journey.

Pakistan – Tangah

Save yourself a few bucks in Pakistan and ride on a Tangah, rather than the more commonly used rickshaws and taxis. A Tangah is a carriage, sitting atop two large wooden wheels (not exactly designed for comfort, so expect a sore bottom on a long journey!), pulled by one or two horses. They have a low-glamour, but high fun factor and have become more widely used in Pakistan for enjoyment, rather than as a functional way of getting around. Just beware that they’re not the speediest way to travel!

Cambodia – Bamboo train

Those with a strong constitution may want to ride a Cambodian bamboo train – known locally as a nori. Passengers sit on a makeshift bamboo ‘train’ (basically just a bamboo platform) powered by an electric generator engine, perched just inches above the railway tracks and travelling at up to 40km/h. The unmaintained railway tracks make for a bumpy ride and the closest you’ll get to luxury is sitting on a grass mat. But the fares are low and this is a once in a lifetime experience, as all the locals use them for getting around. Pick up a nori from Battambang station.

Madeira – Monte toboggan

Monte toboggans came to being in the 19th century, as a fast way of getting down the hill from Monte to Funchal. Today, they’re more a tourist attraction than an everyday mode of transport for the locals. Pick up a toboggan at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church. Once you’ve climbed into the wicker sledge, two drivers dressed in traditional white outfits will steer you down the narrow, winding streets to Funchal at up to 48km/h. It’s an extraordinary and exhilarating experience.

Philippines – Jeepney

Known as ‘the undisputed king of the road’ in the Philippines, the Jeepney is a mammoth vehicle. When the American troops pulled out of the Philippines at the end of World War II, surplus jeeps were gifted to the locals and this is how the original jeepneys came to being. The Filipinos stripped them down, added roofs for shade and used them to re-establish public transport in the country. Nowadays, brightly decorated jeepneys are a symbol of Philippine culture and the most popular way of getting around in the country.

Thailand – Longtail boat

Longtail boats are an icon of Thailand. Originally they were used in the canals that ran through Bangkok – and although the canals have now been filled and replaced with roads, the boats are still prolific in the country. As the name suggests, they are long and slim – the ideal shape for canal cruising – due to the long rod in the back of the boat which holds up the motor. Locals use these boats like public transport and riding one is an experience you can’t miss on a trip to the country.

Laos – Songthaew

Also known as a baht bus, this is a pickup truck adapted to transport passengers. Songthaew literally translates as ‘two rows’, taken from the two benches fitted along the sides of the truck. They run either as a shared taxi service, or in larger cities bigger trucks are adapted to run a bus-like service. With a typically Asian lax-attitude to safety, you’ll see the rear of Songthaews packed with passengers and sometimes people travel standing on a platform attached to the rear.

Alaska – dog sleds

Imagine drifting across a white canvas of snow as a troop of husky dogs pulls your sledge – it’s like something from a Christmas movie. In reality, dog sledding isn’t quite so graceful, it can be a bumpy ride and will be accompanied by your dogs’ barks, but nonetheless it’s certainly a unique journey. For most Alaskan locals this isn’t a day-to-day way of getting around, but for tourists it’s a special way to travel, and something you can’t do in many other parts of the world. The best time to go sledding in Alaska is January-March, as lack of snow in the summer means you’re likely to be pulled by the dogs on a wheeled sledge.

Peru – Barco de Totora

Totora is a reed which is grown in Peru, most notably on Lake Titicaca. The Uros are a group of people who live on the lake on floating islands fashioned from the reed. They also make Barco de Totora from bundles of the dried reeds, and these boats have become an icon of Peru. If you’re visiting Lake Titicaca, the Barco de Totora is a wonderful, unique method of getting across the vast and beautiful stretch of water.

London – DUKW

DUKW, widely pronounced ‘duck’, are amphibious trucks that were designed by the American military during World War II to transport equipment and troops over both land and water. Nowadays, you can take a trip in a DUKW in central London, on the aptly named Duck Tours. On a tour you’ll drive past famous London landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square before dramatically launching into the River Thames to get a view from the water. They’re the only way to experience the sights of central London by land and river – without leaving the comfort of your seat!

Routes through Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are known for their stunning scenery – and their somewhat overwhelming sizes. But with our run-down of routes, taking in the most fantastic experiences the countries have to offer, you won’t miss a thing.

Overland from Cairns to Sydney
Minimum duration: 2 weeks
Start: Cairns, Australia
End: Sydney, Australia

1. Cairns, Australia
Start in Cairns where underwater adventures abound – as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef it’s the perfect place for ocean exploration.

2. Magnetic Island, Australia
Continue onto Magnetic Island – famous for the effect it had on Captain Cook’s compass, this mountainous island has secluded beaches and is teeming with bush land wildlife.

3. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Explore the secluded beauty of the 74 Whitsunday Islands on a sailing trip through turquoise waters.

4. Mackay Highlands, Australia
Check out the lush rainforests and misty mountains of the Mackay Highlands – the longest stretch of subtropical forest in Australia.

5. Hervey Bay, Australia
Spot whales and dolphins, try your hand at fishing, or sit back and relax with a meal of fish and chips in the beachside town of Hervey Bay.

6. Fraser Island, Australia
Sample a slice of paradise on Fraser Island – climb sand dunes, swim in freshwater lakes and enjoy barbecues on this famous island hang-out.

7. Byron Bay, Australia
Chill-out with hippies and surfers at Byron Bay – a relaxed, beachside town with great food, friendly locals and renowned surfing spots.

8. Myall Lakes, Australia
Discover towering sand dunes, rainforest walks and the legendary view from Yacaaba Headland from your base at Myall Lakes.

9. Hunter Valley, Australia
Taste world-renowned wines at the vineyards of Hunter Valley and sample delicious local cheeses and olives – don’t forget to pick up extras for your return journey.

10. Sydney, Australia
End your trip in Sydney, Australia’s cultural capital – whether day or night, there’s plenty on offer to round off your journey in style.

Complete New Zealand
Minimum duration: 1 month
Start: Auckland, New Zealand
End: Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

1. Auckland, New Zealand
Start your trip in Auckland for a taste of Pacific Island flavour – check-out its space-age Sky Tower and numerous volcanoes.

2. Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Continue onto Coromandel Peninsula and dig a personal pool on Hot Water Beach before trekking to the remote white sands of Cathedral Cove.

3. Rotorua, New Zealand
Sample a little Maori culture with the locals in Rotorua – don’t forget to try a ‘hangi’ meal, cooked in an underground oven.

4. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Explore Lord of the Rings landscape in Tongariro National Park – follow one of the park’s many walking trails and catch a glimpse of the inspiration for Mt Doom.

5. Napier, New Zealand
Cycle through Hawkes Bay wine country from your base in Napier, where there are also many galleries, trails and art deco buildings to keep you busy.

6. Wellington, New Zealand
Take a cable car up to the Botanic Gardens in Wellington or head straight up Mt Victoria for panoramic views across the city.

7. Kaikoura, New Zealand
Follow the coast down to Kaikoura, a sleepy seaside village and nature-lover’s paradise with plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of sealife.

8. Christchurch, New Zealand
Next, head to the garden city of Christchurch – take a tram past heritage buildings and parks and check-out its great restaurants and vibrant arts scene.

9. Mt Cook, New Zealand
Discover the Southern Alps from your base at Mt Cook and be inspired by the adventures of Sir Edmund Hilary at the Alpine Centre.

10. Queenstown, New Zealand
Seek thrills in Queenstown – bungee jump or paraglide down the Remarkable Mountains surrounding Lake Wakatipu after riding the Skyline Gondola up for spectacular views.

11. Milford Sound, New Zealand
Chill-out with a kayak trip across the calm waters of Milford Sound, surrounded by impressive waterfalls.

12. Wanaka, New Zealand
Relax with a local beer and Kiwi-style barbecue in Wanaka after a day jam-packed with a variety of adventure sports.

13. Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
End your trip in a world of rock and ice on the huge Franz Josef Glacier, sandwiched between the sea and the Southern Alps.

Whatever your tastes, 2011 is filled with unmissable things to see and do. So broaden your travel horizons and get ahead of the pack with our top travellers’ picks for 2011.

Mumbai, India

This is the year of India’s financial powerhouse and centre for fashion and film, Mumbai. Made famous in Danny Boyle’s epic Slumdog Millionaire and fully recovered from the 2008 attacks, this most vibrant of Indian cities offers visitors a real taste of India, with grand colonial buildings, ancient bazaars and enormous temples. The Mumbai contemporary art scene welcomed some exciting additions in 2010, so 2011 is the year to discover the up-and-coming Colaba Art District’s galleries BMB, Volte, Project 88 and Maskara.
Find out more about Mumbai »

Berlin, Germany

Berlin secured its place alongside city break bigshots like New York, London and Paris in 2010 with the summer opening of swanky Soho House Berlin. Plus, it’s still a must-visit destination for culture and clubbing – hosting an appealing mix of top museums and galleries, experimental restaurants and guerrilla clubs. When it comes to fashion, art, design and music Berlin has something for everyone, whatever you’re into.
Find out more about Berlin »

Dunedin, New Zealand

Often overlooked in favour of better-known destinations, 2011 is the year that Dunedin shines. New Zealand’s most southern city, it’s the perfect base for adventure enthusiasts – within easy access of adrenalin-fuelled Queenstown and the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Plus, in the autumn the spotlight will be shined on Dunedin as it’s a host city of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Stockholm, Sweden

From its quaint old town and beautiful residential streets to the thriving, vibrant city centre, modern Stockholm is like two stories set in one – and a delight to explore for that very reason. In December 2011 a film remake of Stieg Larrson’s book The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, set in Stockholm, is due for release. Follow in the footsteps of stars Mikael and Lisbeth on one of Stockholm City Museum’s Millennium Tours through settings from the book.

Orkney, Scotland

The magical archipelago of Orkney is another hot tip for 2011. The second largest Island, Hoy, presents a superbly dramatic landscape, with some of the highest sea cliffs in the country. And there are suggestions that 2011 could the last chance to tackle the famous Old Man of Hoy climbing challenge, as it’s tipped that this 450ft pillar of sandstone will collapse soon.

Turku, Finland

2011 sees Turku crowned European Capital of Culture. Finland’s oldest city will be laying on a veritable feast of artistic and cultural events to celebrate the accolade, from film festivals and jazz orchestras to more Finnish events like cutting the world’s longest rag rug. After sampling this Smörgåsbord of events, you’ll deserve a relaxing dip in one of the country’s half million saunas.
Find out more about Turku »

Machu Picchu, Peru

Although already firmly established on the tourist trail, Machu Picchu is still a must-see destination in 2011 for two reasons. Firstly, 2011 marks the hundredth anniversary of the now-famous Inca ruins being rediscovered by Hiram Bingham. And secondly, because Machu Picchu has been honoured as an important ecotourism destination at the World Travel Awards, due to the positive effect tourism has had on the economic, environmental and social development in nearby communities.

Galle, Sri Lanka

A new airport is due to open in Matara, in the south of Sri Lanka, towards the end of 2011; making the seaside village of Galle far more easily accessible. Now recovered from the 2004 tsunami, it’s a perfect time to visit this reincarnated area of Sri Lanka with its beautiful beaches, boutique hotels and chic guesthouses. Plus, 2011 has been designated Visit Sri Lanka Year, so there’ll be even more reasons to take a trip to the jewel of the Indian Ocean.

Cross-Country USA

2011 sees the release of On the Road, a movie adaptation of the classic novel by Jack Kerouac.The movie charts the journey of drifter Sal Paradise as he travels by road and railway across America, from New York to Los Angeles via Chicago and San Francisco. Why not make 2011 the year you get to grips with the real America and retrace the route of Sal in the great expanses between the big cities.

Daegu, South Korea

See old and new collide in the streets of Daegu, South Korea’s third largest city. Where once the city’s traditional medicine market was its largest tourist draw, now these traditional highlights sit alongside urban shopping malls, giving rise to nicknames like ‘fashion city’. Daegu also has some of the country’s best restaurants and nightlife – competing with the likes Seoul – and is a great hub for daytrips out to the temples of Jikjisa and Haeinsa.

Egypt is one of the most fascinating destinations on the world tourist map. This extra ordinary country is today the favorite vacation spot for many, just like it was in the days of the early Greeks and Romans. The thoroughly cultured Greeks, in particular, were fascinated by this civilization that predated theirs by at least 2000 years. The biggest draw continues to be the amazing abundance of historical treasures- temples, pyramids and museums –contained in this one country. But the destination offers more than just the wonders of antiquity. Your visit to Egypt can be rounded off by a cruise down the Nile and a beach vacation at the top notch Red Sea and Sinai resorts.

The unification of the Kingdoms of Lower and Upper Egypt around BC 3180 marks the point from when Egypt became a significant power. This event is credited with Menes, who thus became the first Pharaoh. Menes went on to establish a new capital at Memphis, just to the south of where Cairo stands today. For the next 3000 years and under 30 dynasties of the Pharaohs, a dynamic and culturally sophisticated civilization flourished. It was not however smooth sailing for the descendants of Menes and power was for short periods in the hands of foreigners. Historians, who as usual want to simplify things, have divided up the reign of the Pharaohs into three periods: the Old Kingdom (2575-2134 BC), Middle Kingdom (2040-1640 BC) and New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC).

It is a curious fact that most monuments of the Pharaohs relate to death. Though moderns may view this as an unhealthy preoccupation with death, some scholars see it as an indication of the ancient Egyptians great love for life and desire for continued existence. The pyramid was the highest evolution in the practice of preparing elaborate tombs for the departed. Pyramids were the final resting place, from where the Pharaohs enjoyed the afterlife. The most famous of these edifices are the Pyramids of Giza, built in the 4th Dynasty (2575-2465 BC), when the power of these ancient kings was at its peak.

Religion was another reason for the great monuments of ancient Egypt. The deities found deserving of worship were truly diverse. And many, many temples were built in honour of these gods. Temples for the most esteemed gods were quite elaborate and were administered by high priests. Auxiliary buildings housed libraries, granaries, and what may today be considered as research laboratories for astronomers, biologists and other scientists. Most gods were linked with specific animals and to whom special powers were attributed. Some gods came and went, but the sun god was one of the most enduring. It has been suggested that the design of the pyramids had some association with practices of the sun cult. The Pharaoh was considered to be a living god.

The Greeks, in the name of Alexander the Great finally brought the Age of the Pharaohs to an end in 332 BC. He founded that city that bears his name, Alexandria. The Greeks ushered in a period of comparative prosperity and stability under descendants of Ptolemy. Ptolemy was the Macedonian general who was appointed by Alexander as governor. The Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the Great Library of Alexandria were built in this era.

As the Greeks declined, so did the Romans rise, and they too cast a covetous eye upon Egypt. The last of the Ptolomies was the notorious Cleopatra, lover to both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The Roman Empire too declined Egypt and was torn apart by foreign armies. The most significant event at this time was the invasion of the Arabs in 462 AD. Though other foreigners including Ottoman Turks, French and the British, subsequently ruled the country, it is the Arabs who brought Islam whose legacy has been the most enduring.

Egypt is today a modern vibrant nation that carries the burden of its 5,000-year history graciously. Just like in ancient times, the Nile sustains the country and up to 95% of the population live in close proximity of the river. The rest of the country is desolate desert, mitigated only by a few isolated oases and the habitable narrow strips along the African Red Sea and the Mediterranean coastlines.

According to the tourism ministry, Egypt for the visitor is best seen as six tourist super-sites. This covers the most popular destinations and excludes off-the-beaten-track locations. The six super-sites are anchored on: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada on the Red Sea and Sharm El Sheikh in Sinai. Except for Luxor, none of these destinations relies entirely on ancient monuments to attract visitors. Egypt tours and vacations are very competitively priced relative to other destinations.

Cairo is a huge, sprawling and chaotic metropolis. It has all the amenities of a modern city and is the usual gateway for the visitor to Egypt. Cairo is a young city relative to nearby Heliopolis, Giza and Memphis that are associated with the Pharaohs. The city began as a Roman trading post called Babylon- in the area now referred to as Coptic Cairo. The area was a settlement of one of the world’s first Christian communities. This predominantly Christian locale houses a museum that is a repository of religious art, manuscripts, paintings and pottery.

But it is the Arab invaders who arrived in the 7th century who can be said to have founded the city. They settled just north of the area referred to as Old Cairo. The medieval district of Islamic Cairo is densely packed with people and lots of mosques and temples. This is where many still go during the month of Ramadan to eat and spend the night after a days’ fast. Giza on the Niles’ west bank is where you find the Great Pyramids. These truly magnificent monuments were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will appreciate the achievement of the builders of these edifices when you reflect on the fact that until the 19th century they were the world’s largest buildings.

The visitor to Cairo will easily tuck in trips to see museums, mosques and monuments such as Pyramids and the Sphinx. To commemorate your visit to this unforgettable city, visit the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. The wide array of souvenirs on sale here includes jewelry, brass, silver and copperware, carpets, perfumes, alabaster and soapstone carvings. You will also find reproductions of antiquities, which you are advised to buy as opposed to anything presented as original. Such “originals” are usually counterfeit, and it is in any case illegal to export the real article.

Alexandria, monument to Alexander the Great, is located 180 km to the northwest of Cairo. The city has a Mediterranean temper and compared to the hothouse of Cairo has a cooler and more pleasant climate. The Greco-Roman Museum is within central Alexandria and has on display artifacts from the period 300 BC to AD 300. You will see mummies, sarcophaguses, pottery, tapestries and the granite sculpture of the bull god Apis. Other sights in the area include the Roman Amphitheater, the Royal Jewelry Museum and the Roman era catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa.

The island of Pharos, near the harbour is the site of the Great Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, what remains on the site is a 15th century fortress. After immersing yourself in antiquity, you can take a dip at some beach resorts within 20 km to the west of the city. At the resort of Marsa Matruh, 230 km further on, you will find some excellent beaches and an opportunity for reef diving. This area right from Alexandria along the coast is part of Egypt’s Med. It is still relatively undeveloped despite long stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

If your primary interest is ancient Egypt, bear in mind that about 80% of Egyptian antiquities are in the vicinity of Luxor. The city sits on the site of the ancient city of Thebes and together with the surrounding areas carries magnificent treasures of antiquity such as palaces, temples and royal tombs. The royals of those times whiled their afterlife at what is referred today as the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Tombs of the Nobles. The tombs contained treasure that has been plundered over the centuries. Some of the more famous tombs are those of the boy king Tutankhamen and the queen Nefertari.

On the east bank of the Nile you find the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak, packed with obelisks, wall murals and statues with heads of gods. If you overnight here, enjoy the evening sound-and-light show at the Temple of Karnak. Temples on the west bank are Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple and The Ramesseum, a once massive edifice that is today mostly a ruin. You need to spend at least two days here for your trip to be worthwhile. You are also advised to hire a guide who can explain the historical context of each artifact or monuments. Start out early each day before the day-trippers, airlifted from Cairo arrive to crowd you out.

Aswan, a scenic town by the Nile lies 680 km to the south of Cairo, in the region that was so long ago known as Lower Egypt. Though not as numerous as elsewhere, you can find temples and tombs at those two islands in the Nile- Elephantine and Kitcheners islands. You can get to the islands by sailing in a felucca. The Nubian Museum celebrates the history and culture of the Nubian people. Aswan is also important in the history of Coptic Christians and the ruins of the 7th-century Coptic monastery of St. Simeon laze in this area. In today’s Egypt, Aswan is important as the location of the High Dam that finally put an end to the annual bursting of the banks of the Nile.

The Red Sea is well known to readers of the Bible as the sea that God parted with his own hand so that Moses and his people could cross over to Sinai. So named because of its red tint mountain ranges, it is home to a number of resorts, the biggest of which is Hurghada. The underwater world of the Red Sea is alive with over 800 fish species and the deep-sea fishing is excellent. Snorkellers can explore the coral reef that is reputed to be one of the finest in the world. Hurghada aside, there are other resorts in the area that have good beaches, coral reefs and some golfing too. The modern day traveler escaping the city will empathise with the early Christian hermits who built their monasteries here as they sought to get away from it all. Hurghada lies 380 km to the southeast of Cairo.

Sinai is where Africa meets Asia. Like the Red Sea coast, it has top resorts and is great for water sports. Sharm El Sheikh, towards the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula is the most developed resort town. Here you will find entertainment in the form of casinos and nightclubs and also some good shopping malls. The marine life is abundant and the coral reefs are great. Sinai is also where the three great monotheistic religions meet. You can make an excursion to Mt. Horeb, said to be Mt. Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments. For Roman Catholics, emulate Pope John Paul II who visited nearby St. Catherine’s Monastery in 2000. The monastery is supposed to sit on the site of Moses’ burning bush.

The people of Egypt from antiquity to the present day have always built their lives around the Nile. It is no coincidence therefore, that probably the best way to see the major sites is by taking a Nile Cruise. There are several luxury cruise ships offering Nile Cruises. The longer cruise goes all the way from Cairo to Aswan in two weeks. There is however not much to see between Cairo and Luxor and you will get better value if you take the shorter cruise between Luxor and Aswan. This cruise, which normally takes six days, goes in both directions and you can embark at either Aswan or Luxor. You can get to Luxor or Aswan from Cairo by taking a flight or the overnight sleeper train. The adventurous and thrifty can also sail along the Nile by using traditional boats, feluccas.

The summer in Egypt, which falls between April and October, is hot and dry. The winters are mild with cold nights. The best time to visit is between November and March, outside the intolerable summer season. Light clothing is generally recommended though you may need a sweater and jacket for winter evenings. Remember that this is a Muslim country and dress for women in particular is expected to be modest. All the same, immodest western style holiday dress is acceptable in nightclubs, beaches and hotels in Cairo and other locations frequented by tourists.

In the cities and locations popular with tourists, you will find a wide variety of accommodation ranging from 5-star luxury to budget lodging. This in particular covers: Cairo, Alexandria and the north coast, Luxor, Aswan and at the Red Sea and Sinai resorts towns. During the popular winter season, advance booking is advised. Egypt hotels and resorts are very good value and you will find accommodation cheaper here than the equivalent in most other destinations.

For most travellers, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula means one thing: the coast. Package tourists flock to the bold and brash resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and neighbouring Na’ama Bay, while backpackers and independent travellers favour the more laid-back charms of Dahab and Nuweiba. The inviting Red Sea, sandy beaches and seemingly endless diving and snorkelling opportunities mean that relatively few people take the time to explore the interior of the Sinai Peninsula. Those who do rarely venture beyond a handful of well-worn and over-crowded camel, jeep and quad-biking ’safari’ routes.

This is a real shame, as this vast expanse boasts some of Egypt’s most dramatic scenery. The Sinai Peninsula is a stark, unforgiving place of parched mountains, waves of pale sandy dunes and rocky outcrops, all beneath an almost unnaturally blue sky. The barren landscape is interspersed with water holes, patches of vegetation, remote oases and lonely settlements.

One of the most intriguing places to visit is the site of the ruins of Serabit el-Khadim, the only pharaonic temple in the Sinai Peninsula, located between Sharm el-Sheikh and the city of Suez. The ruins, which date back to the Middle Kingdom period (around 2000 BC) lie at the summit of a craggy 755m peak and are surrounded by (now largely exhausted) turquoise mines. Although the hike up to the top can be something of a slog, en route you pass engravings, tunnels and the remains of ancient homes, before being greeted by expansive views of the region. If you head 15km north, there’s the unique – and somewhat eerie – Forest of Pillars, a collection of petrified tree stumps strung along the cliffs of Jebel el-Tih.

Desert Oasis in Egypt

Around 30km south-east of Serabit el-Khadim, is the lush Feiran Oasis, the largest oasis in the Sinai Peninsula and a welcome flash of green. This granite valley, fed by water that travels down from the surrounding mountains, is filled with tens of thousands of palm, orange and lemon trees, as well as the ruins of several churches and chapels. From here you can access the beautiful but challenging 2070m Jebel Serbal mountain.

Just south of here, and only a few hours drive from Sharm el-Sheikh, is the one destination in the interior that draws large numbers of visitors – though pilgrims outnumber tourists. The towering 2285m Mount Sinai is venerated by Christians, Muslims and Jews alike as the site of God’s unveiling of the Ten Commandments; but regardless of your religious beliefs, the red and grey granite peak is an awe-inspiring sight. Should you make it up the 3750 Steps of Repentance to the summit you’ll be rewarded with similarly impressive vistas of the area. Camping out here overnight is popular, and although you’ll have to share the experience with many other travellers, the sunrise remains impossibly beautiful.

At the base of Mount Sinai lies St Catherine’s Monastery, an imposing, fortified structure dating back to 337BC. This still-active Greek Orthodox monastery houses what is reputed to be the burning bush from which God spoke to Moses, and fragments of the 1600-year-old Codex Sinaiticus, the world’s oldest bible.

St. Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai

Heading into the interior of the Sinai Peninsula also gives you an insight into a community whose lives have changed little in hundreds of years. The word ‘Bedouin’ conjures up a romantic image, but in reality the people are marginalised to such an extent that the Egyptian government does not even collate statistics on them. Most of the staff at the Sinai Peninsula’s hotels, restaurants and tourists agencies are ‘upper Egyptians’ who have moved here from outside the region, and guiding is one of the few legal forms of employment available to the Bedouin. As a result, travelling into the interior can have a positive social impact, as well as offering the chance for exploration.

In addition to camel safaris of up to two weeks, rewarding trips can be organised to an all-night Bedouin wedding or to a zwara, a traditional meeting held during the full moon. You can even attend a camel-riding school or receive instruction in traditional desert survival skills.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of these trips is the chance to experience first-hand – if only briefly – the life of a nomad. After travelling through the day in a caravan of camels across a sparse landscape of wadis (valleys), scorched dunes and jagged peaks, you arrive in a remote oasis. A camp of tents, low tables, rugs and cushions is swiftly set up, a fire lit and sweet tea or cardamom-flavoured coffee brewed. Before long the scent of spiced kebabs and freshly baked unleavened bread wafts over, while the sun sets, the desert slowly fades away and a full cast of stars appear in the night sky.