Two new tombs found near Cairo

Cultural travellers may be prompted to book family activity holidays to Egypt after archaeologists unearthed two new tombs near Cairo.

The north African nation's Supreme Council of Antiquities announced the find, which was made in the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, located to the south of the Egyptian capital.

Speaking to French news agency AFP, the organisation's chief Dr Zahi Hawass explained the particularly impressive nature of one of the discoveries.

"This is the largest tomb in Saqqara," he said. "It took me two hours to look round all of it."

The biggest of the stone-carved tombs contained relics such as pottery and skeletons in a vast cavern which branched out into a number of smaller alcoves.

Dr Hawass added: "This discovery... confirms that the Saqqara area still contains undiscovered secrets."

Anyone eager to witness the country's ancient heritage for themselves may wish to consider booking onto The Adventure Company's Ancient Egypt Explorer Family Holiday, which includes a trip to the Egyptian Museum.

If this article sparks your imagination then have a look at our Giza and the pyramids or our Family holidays to Egypt page