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Egypt

Egypt Holidays

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Why book an Egyptian holiday?

Holidays in Egypt are where ancient history and modern resorts sit side by side. It’s a country that pairs two distinct trips in one – a deep dive into thousands of years of civilisation and a relaxing beach break on the shores of the Red Sea. With year-round sunshine, you can explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza, see the enigmatic Sphinx, and sail the famous River Nile before unwinding on a white-sand beach. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a keen diver, or just looking for a sun-drenched escape, an adventure in Egypt is one to remember.

Where to go in Egypt

From lively resorts to historic cities, Egypt’s destinations cater to every type of traveller. The main holiday hotspots are clustered along the Red Sea coast, offering easy access to sun, sea, and sand.

Sharm El Sheikh

A favourite for a reason, Sharm El Sheikh is known for its great hotels and vibrant atmosphere. Areas like Naama Bay are packed with restaurants and shops, offering a lively nightlife scene. For something a little more relaxed, the sands of Nabq Bay are quieter, while Sharks Bay is perfect for snorkelling straight from the beach.

Hurghada

Stretched along the coast, Hurghada is a bustling city with a popular beachfront and a great base for families, with plenty of waterparks and activities. You can shop for souvenirs on Sheraton Road or explore the more modern Mamsha promenade. Nearby, the purpose-built resort town of El Gouna offers pristine lagoons, while Sahl Hasheesh has a charming old town feel.

Marsa Alam

If diving and snorkelling are at the top of your list, Marsa Alam is the place to be. Quieter than the bigger resorts, it’s known for protected coral reefs and rich marine life. Marsa Alam’s also one of the best places in the Red Sea to spot sea turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Cairo & Giza

No trip to Egypt feels complete without visiting its sprawling capital, Cairo. It’s the gateway to the Giza pyramid complex, where you can see the last remaining wonder of the ancient world. The city itself is a hive of activity, home to the famous Egyptian Museum, which houses the priceless treasures of Tutankhamun.

Luxor & the Nile

Known as the world's greatest open-air museum, Luxor is a treasure trove of ancient sites. It’s the starting point for many Nile cruises and is home to the huge Karnak Temple complex and the impressive Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of pharaohs like Ramses II.

All inclusive holidays in Egypt

All inclusive holidays are a popular choice in Egypt, and it’s easy to see why. Most of the action is centred around the hotels in the Red Sea resorts, so having your meals, drinks, and entertainment sorted makes for a completely hassle-free break. It’s an especially good option for families, as many hotels include access to their own waterparks and kids’ clubs, keeping everyone happy without having to leave the resort.

Best things to do in Egypt

Beyond the sun loungers, Egypt is packed with impressive sights and activities that have fascinated travellers for centuries.

Explore the Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx

Standing on the Giza Plateau for more than 4,000 years, the Pyramids are a truly impressive sight. You can get up close to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, along with the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Nearby, the Great Sphinx watches over the complex – a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human.

Cruise the Nile & visit the Valley of the Kings

A cruise down the River Nile is a classic part of a trip to Egypt. Typically sailing between Luxor and Aswan, you’ll pass ancient temples and timeless rural scenes. A key stop is the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial ground carved into the desert rock. Here, you can descend into the decorated tombs where pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were laid to rest.

Discover the Red Sea's underwater world

The Red Sea is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam are teeming with colourful fish, which you can explore from the shore or take a boat trip further out to discover underwater gardens and historic shipwrecks.

Family holidays in Egypt

Egypt is a brilliant destination for families seeking sun and fun. Resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are particularly well-equipped for all ages. Many hotels feature large swimming pools, water slides, and organised activities. The calm, shallow waters at many beaches are perfect for little ones, while older kids will love the history and adventure of the ancient sites.

Egypt travel essentials

A little local knowledge goes a long way. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your trip:

  • Currency: The local currency is the Egyptian Pound. While cards are accepted in resorts and cities, it's useful to have small notes for tips and local markets.
  • Food: Be sure to try some local dishes. Koshari – a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta – is a popular staple, while grilled kebabs and koftas are always a tasty choice.
  • Tipping: Tipping, known as 'baksheesh', is a customary part of daily life for service workers.
  • Etiquette: When visiting mosques or religious sites, it’s respectful to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.

From famous ancient wonders to a beautiful coastline along the Red Sea, Egypt offers a holiday that is truly one of a kind. Read more on the best time to visit Egypt

Need to know

building
Capital
Cairo
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Language
Arabic
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Currency
Egyptian Pound
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Time zone
GMT +2
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Flight Time
5hrs 15mins

*Average time from London Gatwick to Hurghada

All Regions in Egypt

Cairo

Hurghada

Luxor Area

Marsa Alam

Sharm el Sheikh

Explore our map of Egypt

Why book with us?

    Your questions answered

    This depends on which part of Egypt you’re visiting. Up on the north coast, the Mediterranean winds can make it slightly cooler in the winter, so the northern cities are most popular in the summer. But Red Sea destinations like Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheik tend to be popular all year round as they stay pretty warm even in the winter months. Surprisingly, January temperatures can reach 30°C. June is normally the hottest month. But humidity in Egypt is quite low so, though it's hot, it’s still comfortable.
    Sharm El-Sheikh’s resorts are famous for their beaches. Nabq Bay and Naama Bay especially are known for their fantastic stretches of sand. One of the great things about the beaches in Sharm El-Sheikh is that most of them are privately owned by the local hotels, so they’re really well maintained. The beaches here are clean, there’s easy access to facilities, and there’s usually some hotel-hosted sports and activities, too. But there are some public beaches in the area if you want something more rustic.
    How many days you’ll need will depend on how many places you want to see. If you just wanted a quick city break, you could see the main sights in Hurghada in just a few days. But if you fancy day trips to some of the nearby towns, definitely plan for a week or more. There are a few places you could venture to from a Hurghada base, like the port town of Safaga which is an hour’s drive south. For Sharm El-Sheikh, plan for a week minimum. Those five-star hotels are like small cities with plenty going on.
    Egypt can definitely be a great family destination if you go to the right places. The obvious option is Sharm El-Sheikh, which is really well geared-up for everyone from kids to grandparents. There are tons of activities in the hotels and on the beaches. It's like you’re in your own little resort bubble, with everything you need all in one place. Hurghada is excellent for families, too. It has many family-friendly attractions like open-air museums, wildlife centres, and adrenaline-pumping water parks.
    The heart of Egypt’s resort scene is definitely Sharm El-Sheikh. But It’s difficult to pick just one resort as the best. Although Egypt’s resorts are almost always sunny, lively, and filled with fun, they each have their own thing going on. Naama Bay, for example, has a really bold nightlife, while Nabq Bay is slightly more laid-back. Habada offers lots of different water sports so it’s popular with snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. It’s worth taking a look at all the different options before booking.
    Egypt's holidays combine fixed national dates with moveable Islamic and Coptic ones. The fixed dates are Coptic Christmas (7 January), Revolution and Police Day (25 January), Sinai Liberation Day (25 April), Labour Day (1 May), 30 June Revolution Day, Revolution Day (23 July) and Armed Forces Day (6 October). Sham El-Nessim, the spring festival, falls the Monday after Coptic Easter. The Islamic holidays — Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, the Islamic New Year and the Prophet's Birthday — shift roughly 11 days earlier each year. Egypt frequently moves holidays to a Thursday or Sunday to create long weekends.
    The most famous pyramids in Egypt are located in Giza. The city is about a 20-minute drive from Cairo, and overlooks the Nile. The three main pyramids here are the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. But while they’re the most well known, they’re not the only ones. There are more than 100 in total, mostly located just south of Cairo, along the river. There are even remains of old pyramids that have been found as far south as Abydos, nearly seven hours from the city.