North Africa has some of the most exciting and exotic cultures and landscapes in the world. The region has an edgy energy - almost a breathless quality - about it: the intense, relentless heat; surreal, mystical labyrinthine souks and medinas, some of which look so unearthly they have been used in films set in space (some star wars scenes were set in Tunisia); ruins and temples scattered about the land like sweets waiting to be discovered afresh.
These places create shapes on the horizon; extraordinary landscapes that tell of a civilisation much more cultured than our own today. You will wonder if the pyramids of Giza or Abu Simbel were built by aliens as, according to the architects of today, we would have issue with creating buildings of this scale, design and quality today, even with our modern technology.
Then there's the Red Sea, rich in tropical fish and coral and WWI wrecks; a stunning other-worldly, under-the-sea kingdom, flocked to by divers wanting to learn or improve their skills while exploring the clearest, warmest and most fascinating of waters.
You don't need to read books to learn about the history of Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan and Libya - just walk among the many archaeological sites and Seventh Wonders. Stand and breathe it in, for a moment letting go of the Ipad, camera or Iphone which renders you once removed from what's in front of you. Simply look with your own eyes.
In Libya and Sudan alcohol is banned, and during Islamic holidays such as Ramadan, which is in July and/or August, it is not available in the other countries. Visas are required for Libya, Sudan and Algeria, and you are able to obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt.
Each country has made the news pages for civil war and political unrest over recent years, providing a living history for a region that has had its share of internal conflict through the ages, like a live volcano simmering. Keep this in mind when making a big trip to Northern Africa: check the government website so you are fully prepared. Explore and enjoy but tread with care, confidence and always respect.
TUNISIA
Star wars was filmed here among the rock buildings of Ksar Hadada, Ksar Ouled and Onk Jemal, which doubled as the fictitious land of Tatooine. The souks and medina of Tunis and Sousse will keep the shopaholic occupied. Take an empty suitcase for the silver jewellery, carpets, Nabeul pottery, leather slippers, copper plates, blankets and basketwork you will want to take home.
Explore the city of Carthage and the temples of Sidi Bou Said, Kairousan and Kerkuon. El Djem, Le Kaf and Dougga are like old storytellers waiting to speak to you as you walk their streets and around their walls. Go in spring and autumn when the season is mild, avoiding the heat of the summer and the cold and damp of the winter months.
What to do: Tour in the mornings before the midday heat makes sightseeing intolerable. The capital, Tunis, hosts a seventh-century medina, the Zaytuna Mosque, the perfume marker's market at Souk el-Attarine, the Tourbet el-Bay mausoleum and the Bardo Museum.
Go to Carthage just to say you've been there, although there are few remains on the site, but check out the Punic area of Byrsa, the ruins of the Antoninus Baths and the amphitheatre where the arena remains and children were sacrificed to the gods.
For time at the beach, visit Sidi Bou Said, a white-walled town with bright-blue railings and patios full of flowers by the sea, or the island of Djerba, which has good beaches and the interesting souks of Houmt.
Food and drink: Tunisian staples - couscous, harissa and baklava - have made it onto the shelves of most English supermarkets and delicatessens. Other dishes such as brik - a snack of fried egg in a pasty with tuna or vegetables - and kamounia - a thick meat stew seasoned with cumin and other spices - have yet to do so but are worth trying. Unsurprisingly the major cities have the widest range of restaurants. Try out Dar El Jeld or El Ali in Tunis, Cafe Seles or Una Storia in Sousse.
Where to party: The tourists party in Hammamet. If you want to avoid tourists, check out Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit in a suburb of Souka in Tunis, where the locals go as well as travellers in the know. The Cafe des Nattes (Sidi Bou Said) is an institution in Tunis, worth checking out.
Where to stay: Dars are the Tunisian answer to Morocco's rhiads. Originally townhouses, contact direct and bargain rates as you would in the medina. Hotel Dar Said, six miles from Tunis-Carthage airport, is a lovely little hotel with character by the sea in the charming village of Sidi Bou Said. Prices start from $199 per night. For a fraction of the price but still with charm, La Chambre Bleue in Tunis offers a studio-sized room for $70 per night.
EGYPT
Whether you believe the Egyptians built the pyramids or aliens landed and built them for us, you will marvel at the ancient sights of the Pyramids of Giza, the Temples of Luxor, Abu Simbel and the valley of the kings.
What to do: Cruise the Nile in a traditional felucca (sailing boat) to get an overview of Egypt's past on the most scenic route from Luxor to Aswan.
The Pyramids of Giza are within a stone's throw of the south-western suburbs of Cairo, one of the Steve Wonders of the World; although the first wonder most visitors experience is how close the pyramids are to the city. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the pyramids, is 139 metres tall. The head of the Great Sphinx is thought to be modelled on one of the three generations of pharaohs - Khafre, Khufu and Menkaure - all of whom are buried here.
Dive the Red Sea among the tropical fish, WW1 wrecks and colourful coral. Sharm el Skeikh, is the most touristy, Dahab and Hurghada the more bohemian. If you don't dive, it's a cost-effective place to learn to.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, the temple cave guarded by the statues of four gods, was built by Rameses II in the 13th century BC, dedicated to himself and his favourite wife (of seven) Nefertari.
The spectacular and extraordinary Valley of the kings in Luxor hosts 63 royal tombs and chambers decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology.
Food and drink: Kusahri, Egypt's national dish is made up of pasta, tomato sauce, rice, lentils, caramelised onions, garlic and chickpeas. Halawa is made from sesame paste and sometimes infused with pistachios, pine nuts and almonds. Locals love Akher Sa'a and the Fish Market Americana boat, where you can choose from the daily catch.
Where to party: Hurghada has more clubs and bars than Sharm el Sheikh - although you'll find similar names. In Sharm el Sheikh there is Pacha, Little Buddhah, and Hard Rock and Echo Temple, while in Hurghada you'll find Ministry of Sound, Kandi, Calypso, Little Buddah and Hard Rock. Bars play lounge and Arabic music, and even host live rock bands.
Where to stay: Dahab Paradise on the Red Sea offers the best diving on your doorstep. Prices start from $50 for a single room. Or Albabenshal in the Siwa Oasis is a beautiful mud brick hotel built into the walls of the town's ancient citadel. From $35 for a single room.
MOROCCO
Romancing couples make Morocco their own in April to early June, lounging on oversized cushions over the rooftop gardens of Marrakesh, Fes and Rabat. The names alone conjure images of exotic romance - Marrakesh, Fes, Tangier, Rabat and the omnipotent Casablanca where everyone goes in search of Humphrey Bogart or Ingrid Bergman, only to get their lines wrong. No one ever said, "Play it again Sam".
What to do: Visit the Jamaa el Fna in Marrakesh. Home of orange juice stalls and tables piled with snails as men shout at you and say, "Jamie came here - Sainsbury's and Tesco 'where every little helps'."
In Fes, the oldest city in the country, is Fes el-Bali (the medina), which is a world heritage site. Hire a guide to take you around. What you spend on the guide you will save in time and energy and they will show you around the maze of streets to the important sites and the important sites only (although don't get sidetracked into shops they will get commission from).
Relax in Essaouira, a favourite haunt of Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix in the past, now of surfers and yogis. It's also a fishing port and world heritage site.
Food and Drink: Tagine with chicken, lamb, dried fruit, olives, vegetables and rice and Moroccan spices and chickpeas. Try Al Fassia in Marrakesh, Restaurante le Alizes in Essaouira and the Riad ed Ghalia in Fes, but do try to eat at the stalls in the medina where the theatre of people-watching is thrown in for free.
Where to party: Gamble at the Grand Casino of the upscale Hotel La Mamoin, or dance the night away at local discos in the district of Gueliz. In Morocco, keep in mind that a disco is the word for a Western club, and club is the place to view cabarets. Many discos play UK chart Music. Also, females should go in groups, preferably with males.
Where to stay: Stay at the Rhiad Dar More, central in the Marrakesh medina: chic and excellent value with prices starting from $55 per night. Or Dar Liouba in Essaouira, a former Imam's home converted into a charming bed and breakfast. From $55 per night.
ALGERIA
Algeria is one of the highlights of North Africa but relatively unexplored compared to Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Check out the Monument of Martyrs in Algeria's atmospheric capital Algiers, delve into the winding alleys and grand boulevards of the famous Kasbah and admire stunning Roman mosaics and ancient amphitheatres. Explore the incredible Roman ruins of Tipaza and Timgad, wind down through the High Atlas Mountains, and stroll about the small oasis town of Taghit.
What to do: Wander Algiers' wide stately boulevards, admire shimmering ocean views and explore the winding narrow alleys of the Kasbah. Stroll further back through history on a visit to Tipaza, a site of ancient Roman ruins complete with an amphitheatre and basilica. Drive on to Setif, stopping off en route at the world heritage site of Beni Hammad.
Admire the exquisite Roman mosaic of Dionysos, one of the most impressive mosaics in the world, which adorns the floor of the central court. Dramatically perched high above the Oued Rhumal gorge and linked by a network of dizzying bridges, Constantine is a city perfectly suited to exploration on foot. Wander through the local Kasbah, looking out for the embroided goods for which the city is renowned, and finish the day taking in the sunset from any number of the cafe terraces boasting spectacular views.
Weave through stunning Atlas Mountain landscapes and isolated palm-lined villages to Balcon Rhoufi, where Berber dwellings are hewn into the canyon eescarpments. Travel to Ghardian and watch as the green mountainous landscape changes to the dry, desolate plains of the Sahara fringe.
Navigate the attractive red mud-brick walls and residences of Timimoun, head for its local market to browse the goods on offer and take in a striking horizon of sand dunes ringed around a motionless salt lake. Also meander about the small-town sights of Taghit, one of Algeria's most attractive towns.
Food and drink: La Maison de Couscous, brasserie des and Cafe Tontonville. Also try the Alger Bar in all Algiers and the steaming and bustling night market in Kafeng.
Where to party: In Algiers there are a couple of tourist’s hangouts - Zeralda, and Sidi Fredj - where clubs cater to party animals who want to let their hair down. Bear in mind, though, that much of Algeria's nightlife is aimed at men, with women rather les visible in the clubs and bars. Otherwise, try Rue Larbi M'Hidi, a pedestrianised area that's quite popular with tourists. If you prefer something a little more sedate, some cinemas show foreign films.
Where to stay: Ibis Oran Les Falaises and Best Western Hotel Colombe have rooms from £63 per night.
SUDAN
Travel around the towns of Karima and Morore, which have Egyptian archaeological sites. Take a trip to the town of Dongola or visit the port of Sudan for snorkelling, and go shopping at the popular open-air markets known as souks.
What to do: Khartoum forms a three-town capital, made up of Omdurman, the old national capital, Khartoum North and Khartoum. The Omdurman camel market and the Arab souk are the main attractions, as well as the National Museum which contains archaeological treasures dating all the way back to 4,000BC.
The Red Sea is one of Sudan's main tourist attractions, with the richness of its reefs and fish showing what the sea around Egypt was like pre-package tourism. The busy Port Sudan, Suakin and the Arous Tourist Village 30 miles north of Port Sudan are good bases from which to explore the coast. However, civil war and political instability prevent travellers from undertaking water sports at present, although there is normally great scope for them on the Red Sea coast.
Erkowite, nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, is a stunning resort in the coastal mountains well known for its lushness.
Just north Khartoum, the pyramids of Meroe are Sudan's most iconic site. Unlike in Egypt, these brick-built and steep-slided pyramids sprout in groups of 12 or more, and there are barely any tourists. The archaeological sites of Naga and Musawarat Es Sufra are also nearby.
In Gezira, take a trip along the Nile to the dam at Jebel Aulia, where the Nile is rich in fish and the sunset is spectacular. The main areas of archaeological interest in Sudan are beside the Nile north of Khartoum. They include Bajrawiya, El Kurru, Meroe, Musawarat, Naga and Nuri.
Food and drink: The staple diet is fool, a type of stewed bean, and dura, cooked maize or millet, both eaten with various vegetables. Black tea and coffee is drunk, and Karkaday, a tea made from hibiscus flowers, is also popular.
Where to party: Nightlife only exists in Khartoum and Omdurman, where there is a national theatre, open-air hotel entertainment, music hall and cinemas where Jackie Chan movies are screened. You can also knock at the doors of tea drinking clubs, enjoy concerts and musical shows in big hotels and entertaining displays of traditional folklore.
Where to stay: Stay at the value-for-money Assaha Hotel in Khartoum, or German Guesthouse for rooms less than $125 per night.
LIBYA
Enough has been written about Libya's troubles, less about the beauty and history of this incredible place.
Most of this country - 90% to be exact - is engulfed by the Sahara, creating vast sand masses the size of the UK. Best known for its politics and leader Muammar al-Qaddafi, there is wealth far richer than the oil it produces - it is a living outdoor museum. The Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Spaniards, the Knights of St John of Malta, the Turkish, the Italians - they have all passed through Libya and all have left their footprint here.
Tripoli, Libya's largest city and capital, hosts some of the best examples of Roman and Greek cities in the Mediterranean. It is not only the country's principal seaport but has a wealth of museums including the Natural History Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Ethnographic.
What to do: Arguably the most inspirational and exciting museums in Libya are to be found in the cities of Cyrene, Sabratha and the magnificent Leptis Magna. Each has stunning examples of Roman and Greek architecture that echo a history most of us have only seen in films or books. Towering columns, statues, temples, baths, markets, mosaics, paintings, cemeteries and awe-inspiring amphitheatres stand almost intact, while statues of gods and mythological animals look out over them.
Drive to the haunting oasis towns of Ghadarnes and Ghat, where you'll find date palms, olive and orange trees framing lakes, fringed in turn by huge sand dunes. Discover the traditional architecture, folkore and art, as well as Roman and Libyan remains, at Ghadarnes and the old city, and the Ottoman Fort and traditional architecture of Ghat. Head on to the extinct volcanoes such as Waw al-Namus where black volcanic sand borders multi-coloured lakes. Trek even deeper into the desert and you'll find one of the world's finest open-air galleries of prehistoric rock art in Jebel Acacus. A journey to Libys is a trip back in time.
Food and drink: There are four main ingredients of traditional Libyan food: olives (and olive oil), palm dates, grains and milk. In Libya people eat simple cuisines. Some popular foods include soups, such as shurba, and unsweetened cakes, like bazeen. Try Sultan Ahmet or Abiya Seafood restaurant in Tripoli.
Where to stay: Try the Fur Season 2, from $125 per night, Plasma Hotel from £110 per night, or for bargain basement, Al Naher has beds from $45 per night.