The region outlying this town in Middle Egypt, some 250 kms south of Cairo, is rich in archaeological interest: the tombs of Beni Hassan portray in dazzlingly vivid colors scenes of daily life in Ancient Egyptian times; Tel El Amama is the site of the capital built by Akhen Aton out of which he hoped his new monotheistic creed would radiate and convert the world; Tonna'l Gebel is the ancient Hermopolis; and El Ashmounein (Greater Hermopoles) still boasts relics of temples and shrines from the 19th Dynasty to the Christian era.

Where to stay: Nefertiti Lotus Hotel - El Shatek Hot