An introduction to the centuries-old Coptic monasteries scattered across Wadi El Natrun. The following details reflect what our guides and travel planners are asked about most often before a trip to Egypt.

The White Desert's chalk-white rock formations, sculpted by centuries of wind erosion into shapes resembling mushrooms and animals, create one of the most surreal landscapes anywhere in Egypt, best experienced on an overnight desert camping trip.

Dahab, a laid-back town on the Gulf of Aqaba, has long attracted divers and backpackers with its house-reef diving directly off the shore, avoiding the boat trips required at busier Red Sea resorts.

Fayoum Oasis, less than two hours from Cairo, offers waterfalls at Wadi El Rayan, whale fossils at Wadi El Hitan, and pottery workshops in Tunis Village, making it an easy escape from the capital's pace.

St. Catherine Monastery, at the base of Mount Sinai, is one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world, and the predawn climb to the summit remains a popular pilgrimage and sunrise-viewing tradition.

Our Egypt-based travel consultants are available to answer follow-up questions and help translate this into a booked itinerary built around off-the-beaten-path Egypt travel.