Hugging the shores of the Red Sea, the 5,000-year-old city gem that is El Quseir is a town steeped in historical, colonial and trading significance. Set back slightly from the beach, the town's narrow streets are lined with heaving bazaars, which have a decidedly Bedouin accent – providing a stark contrast to the bordering French and British colonial-style buildings.

Your visit to El Quseir kicks off with guided tours of two of the city's hubs of religious significance – a mosque and a church. Then it's off to explore the labyrinthine bazaars of the teeming shopping district, where you'll pick up a bargain on locally produced artisanal goods – but don't forget to haggle. It's all part of the experience!