NEW city break packages have been launched by TUI – to a destination set to be even bigger this year.
The new packages, on sale now, will connect Brits to the city of Cairo in Egypt.
The latest in its city break packages, flights will operate from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
Passengers will travel on British Airways, easyJet or Egyptair flights.
Five night holidays start from £696pp, which includes return flights, transfers, luggage and stays at Nile Sky Suites Hotel with breakfast.
TUI’s Commercial Director Chris Logan said: “With winter sun, world-famous sights and great value all in one trip, it’s ideal for customers who are after sunshine but want more than a beach holiday.
“Egypt is one of the best-value winter sun destinations. You get brilliant hotels, unforgettable experiences and fantastic value for money, especially during the winter months” added Logan.”
The city of Cairo’s nickname, especially by locals, is ‘mother of the world’ for many believing it is the centre of civilisation.
Its main attraction is the Pyramids of Giza – the only remaining ancient wonder of the world – as well as the Great Sphinx.
There is also the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest of its kind in the world.
The Sun’s Dean Agius visited soon after it opened.
He explained: “The enormous building, covering an area of 470,000 square metres, houses more than 50,000 artefacts — and the centrepiece of its collection will bring all 5,000-plus treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb together for the first time.
“Stepping through its pyramid-shaped entrance, the 3,200-year-old, 83-ton statue of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II sits in GEM’s soaring central atrium.”
TUI also said there are “lesser-known hidden gems” in Cairo too, including the green oasis Al-Azhar Park, which has amazing city views.
Cairo remains around 20C in winter, although is hitting highs of 26c this week – making it an ideal winter sun holiday destination around five hours from the UK.
Summer temperatures can hit around 36C.
Brits can also explore the rest of Egypt, with other popular experiences including Nile River cruises.
There is the city of Luxor, home to Luxor Temple and the famous Valley of the Kings.
Otherwise popular beach resorts include Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, including the nearby El Gouna.
TUI has restarted flights to Sharm el Sheikh from East Midlands, taking off later this year.
Egypt has long been a popular, affordable holiday destination for Brits.
However, its affordability is seeing it boom even more this year, according to experts.
Jet2 boss Steve Heapy said earlier this week: “North Africa is performing well, with […] Egypt standing out.”
The airline will restart flights to two destinations in Egypt in 2027.
After scrapping routes back in 2011, the new flights will connect to both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.