April 2013
In May, Egypt celebrates Sham el-Nessim - literally, the "breath of spring". It's a day when families get together outside in parks, on boats and in the countryside to celebrate the arrival of spring and feast on some tasty traditional food.

January 2013
Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January. It's the same celebration, just a different calendar, so expect the decorations to be up and the parties to continue until mid-January.

October 2012
The all-new Senzo Piazza is now open for business - the floodlit square is dominated by a fountain with a lit glass obelisk - eight outlets, including cafés, restaurants and a big screen in addition to the full facilities of the adjacent Senzo Mall. Shuttle bus available from Hurghada.

July 2012
El Gouna, just 30km north of Hurghada, offers a range of activities, bars, restaurants and shops - all with a Mediterranean-meets-Egypt feel. A great day out for a change of scene.