The Pyramids and the Sphinx may be the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt and certainly the most famous, but you they certainly aren't the only things you can see while on Egypt holidays - despite the country being largely alcohol-free, it is possible to take a trip out to wineries in Israel or Lebanon where you can have tours of the vineyards and of course sample the produce!

It is just a short flight from Cairo to Beirut which takes a little under an hour and a half, so anyone wanting to take a trip to Lebanon whilst staying in Egypt will certainly be able to do this. If you can coordinate good flights you may be able to take a day-trip to Lebanon, or else you could of course stop over in a hotel and make a bigger trip of it. Lebanon is one of the oldest wine producers in the world - in fact it is thought that the country has been producing wine for 5000 years! Today Bekaa Valley is the country's wine growing centre, and most vines are grown in Baalbek, an ancient Greek city in the Valley. The average temperature in the region is 25 degrees Celsius, with long mild summers and rainy winters; this makes for frost free and almost always disease free crops. In around 150 AD the Romans built a temple to Bacchus, God of wine, and the temple still stands in the Valley today, making it a popular tourist attraction for those taking holidays in the area or for people taking longer excursions from Egypt holidays. There is a French influence to the grape varieties grown here - which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Grenache - which dates back to when the French took control of Lebanon after WWI.

Another excellent winery that will please all wine-lovers can be found not too far from Egypt at Golan Heights in Israel, which can also be visited by those taking Egypt holidays. The winery here was founded in 1983 and combines state of the art technology with traditional techniques to produce award-winning delicious wine. Grape varieties here include Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and those wanting a taster might like to take a tour of the vineyard. The tour lasts for approximately one hour and it is advisable to book in advance. The vineyard is open Sunday-Thursday from 8.30am-5pm and Friday 8.30am-1.30pm. Hours can vary around holidays so it's always best to phone in advance to check timings and tour availability. It is also advisable to enquire about English-speaking tours. The tour includes a visit to the oak barrel cellar, viewing the bottling line if the production schedule fits with your visit, and of course the all-important wine tasting.

Hurghada holidays are becoming increasingly popular for those travelling to Egypt due to the sandy beaches and warm sea that is home to stunning coral reefs. Anyone planning a holiday to Egypt may wish to look into the excursions to vineyards in neighbouring regions to really make the most of your time away.