Considering Egypt as a holiday destination, we had to desert - or maybe grow out of - our old style concepts about Cleopatra's neighbourhood. Of course , is it incorrect that the bulk of continentals and north americans recall their grammar school introductions to Egypt and picture pyramids, the Sphinx, hieroglyphics, and stately craft plying the Nile brook. While archaeologists continue excavating valuable Egyptian antiquities, Egypt has a large amount more to offer travellers than ancient heaps of well placed stones. These are our top picks for Egypt away from the usual pyramid tours.

Sharm El Sheikh

In fact, package vacations in Sharm el Sheikh remain one of Britain's best kept travel methods. We virtually hate to reveal this previously well guarded info. Among the most developed and most easily reached resort destinations on the Sinai spur, Sharm el Sheikh has everything aseaside resort should have : still, at heart, just another tired tiny seaside town, Sharm el-Shiekh offers every marine amusement any one ever could imagine, and it ranks among the world's very best spots for snorkelling and scuba diving. The beaches are excellent for wind surfing and catamaran sailing ; the mild waves are fun for bop boards and surfmats. Although five-star luxury resorts have erupted out of the sand, Sharm el-Shiekh has lots and heaps of intimate lodgings. Although the city rocks with decorative nightlife, some people still camp in the desert just beyond the edge of town. And though golfing courses sprawl across lavishly irrigated land, ancient monuments and rugged mountains belie centuries of hard struggle to bring life from grudging land.

Extended stays in Sharm el-Shiekh are splendidly affordable. With holidays from the UK, holidaymakers may pay as little as £350 for a week's stay at a particularly snug and well appointed four star hostels. All of the most popular net travel sites offer very attractive packages when it comes to this almost perfect seaside paradise, and some offer both last minute and all inclusive packages at very fascinating costs.

Hurghada

Hurghada is a little traveller town near to the Red known for its rich shocking underwater flora & fauna with its warm waters being full of a profusion of sea species. A substantial number of the hostels in this area run along a single stretch of beach and sport both their own swimming pools as well as non-public beaches for your privacy. This resort, like Sharm el-Shiekh, offers great water sports.

Alexandria

Aprevious trade centre established by Alexander The Great the ancient, this city is chock-full of belle poque buildings and grand squares. You won't be ready to resist it's charm no the opportunity to eat some of the amazing French pastries on offer or smoke the sheesha ( water pipe ) in one of the local coffee bars full of heated discusses.

If you do visit Alexandria one place you can't pass up the possibility to visit is Ar-Ashid ( Rosetta ). This city was made famous by the Rosetta Stone tablet discovered here in 1799 by the French that was the key to interpreting the hieroglyphics.

If you are taking an Egypt holiday this year don't forget to book your Birmingham Airport Parking & Birmingham Airport Hotels online prior to your flight to find the hottest deal and milk the online discounts available.