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Egypt holidays

Egypt holidays

Deals from £306 per person

If you’re seeking the best of both worlds, holidays to Egypt tick all the boxes for an unforgettable escape. From its historic treasures in Cairo dating back to the Ancient Gods to its idyllic Red Sea coastline teeming with marine life. When it comes to toe-sinking beaches, bustling bazaars and a stand-out party scene, Sharm El Sheikh holidays should be your go-to.  And for world-famous coral reefs combined with lazy days in the sun, Hurghada holidays are the perfect destination. Thanks to Egypt’s year-round sizzling climate, it’s the ultimate winter warmer too! 

Things to do 

When it comes to world-renowned experiences, Egypt holidays won’t disappoint. Discover the Great Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World. Or, for millennia-old monuments of another kind, Nile River Valley is a must-visit. But no trip is complete without exploring Luxor’s temples and Pharaonic sites. Between sand dunes and dusty ruins are the bazaars of Cairo, where handmade treasures and traditional cuisine provide a glimpse into local culture. As for adventures through the desert, a camel ride is one for the bucket-list. 

With Red Sea holidays at your fingertips it’s never been so easy to uncover unique marine life. After all, Egypt is home to some of the world’s best scuba diving spots. Swim its depths to find hidden caves and famous wreckages. Simply pack your snorkel and check out Sharm El Sheikh’s renowned coral reefs or get your diving gear on and discover the marine-life rich waters of Hurghada. And if you prefer dry land but love marine wildlife then Hurghada Grand Aquarium is perfect for families and those wanting the best of both worlds! 

When you’re not in awe of the Valley of the Kings or cruising the Nile, you have Hurghada marina with its quirky stores, fine dining and endless entertainment options. Bahariya Oasis is another one for the to-do list when you want to experience nature's handy work. This oasis in the middle of the desert is made up of natural springs and adorning mountains. You may even spot a tomb or two while exploring its vast terrain.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Red Sea | El Gouna | Hurghada | Makadi Bay | Sharm el Sheikh 

 

Map of Egypt

world_map
18-33 ℃

This country is a sun-seeker’s paradise, with long, warm days throughout the year. Weather wise, there isn't a bad time to visit! 

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Five and a half hours


It takes between five and five and a half hours to fly here from the UK.

Hurghada International Airport lies approximately 8km southwest of central Hurghada; Marsa Alam International Airport lies approximately 60km north of Marsa Alam.

Types of holidays in Egypt

Egypt is best for...

Underwater explorers: With over 250km of coastal reefs, there’s plenty of opportunity for magical sea adventures. Sharks Bay will guarantee an unforgettable diving experience, whether you’re a green-gilled snorkeler or an expert deep sea swimmer, the Red Sea is renowned for its 1,200 species of fish, 120 of which are found nowhere else in the world. No wonder it’s one of the world’s top destinations for underwater explorations! 

Beach lover’s: Soaking up the sun on a powder-soft sand beach is a highlight of any holiday. While all of Egypt’s sand spots are stunning in themselves, there are a few jewels in the country’s crown: look out for the Sunken City of the Sahl Hasheesh Bay, El Nayzak in Marsa Alam, and Soma Bay, near Hurghada.

Active types: While there are plenty of watersports for you to get involved with on your holiday to Egypt, there’s even more on offer on land. Go rock-climbing in Dahab, kayak along the Nile; head over to Cairo for your history fix. Golf fanatics should check out Makadi Bay holidays for the ultimate 18-hole fairway. And did we mention you can even go skiing on an indoor slope, complete with over 7,000 tons of snow?

Fast facts for Egypt

Language: The main language spoken in Egypt is Arabic, so make sure to pack a phrasebook. But don’t worry, English is also widely spoken in many tourist areas making it easy to communicate with the locals.

Currency: The currency used here is the Egyptian pound (E£).

Local time: Egypt is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Hurghada International Airport. Transfer times to resorts are around 30 minutes. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Egypt is around 5 hours.

Tourist information: Find out more from the Egyptian Tourism Authority.

Visa / health: Before your holiday to Egypt, check the FCDO website for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Top holiday destinations in Egypt:

 

Getting around Egypt

By bus: Each resort has a good network of minibuses operating around the main towns. There are three main companies to look out for all taking you to Cairo, which are advised to be booked in advance where possible. The Upper Egypt Company route provides a scenic trip to the Nile Valley down the Red Sea coast and to El-Quseir. Those holidaying in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh will need to look out for the Middle Delta buses when you’re wanting to check out the Pyramids of Giza. And for Sinai and the Canal Zone, hop on an East Delta.

By taxi: It’s easy to flag down a taxi and it’s one of the most convenient ways to get around Egypt. It’s also an inexpensive way to travel. Metered taxis are common in big-name cities such as Cairo, but local resorts tend to have a fixed rate. It’s advised to agree on a price before your departure to avoid any confusion.

By shuttle bus: Many hotels operate shuttle buses into town or the nearest beach, simply ask reception for more details.

Events in Egypt

On the waterfront: Friday night is Marina Party night in El Gouna with live music and dancing beside the bobbing yachts, it's a party-goers paradise. 

Ramadan: The fasting month of Ramadan is marked across the country, although it won’t be as disruptive in the resorts as elsewhere in the country. Immediately afterwards, the festivals of Eid al-Fitr, and later Eid al-Adha, are holidays when Egyptian families will often travel to resorts, so these are likely to be busier.

Egypt safety and security

Do I need a passport?

You’ll need a valid passport to enter Egypt. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country, otherwise, you won’t be allowed to travel.

For more info on passports and other entry requirements, click through to the UK government's Egypt travel advice.

Do I need a visa?

Depending on where in Egypt you’re travelling to, British passport holders may require a tourist visa to travel to Egypt. If you need one, you can get it online by visiting Visa2Egypt and it will be valid for a maximum of three months.

If you’re a British national staying in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba, you’ll receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. This will be valid for up to 15 days. If you’re planning on travelling outside these areas or staying for longer than 15 days, you’ll need to get a visa.

It’s also possible to obtain a tourist visa when you arrive in Egypt. They’re available at approved bank kiosks in airport arrival halls, before you get to the immigration counter. The cost of a visa is US$25 and they’re valid for a maximum of 30 days. However, it’s strongly recommended that you get one before you travel to avoid any border issues.

Check the FCDO for more Egypt visa information and details of entry requirements to the country, head to. If you have any questions, contact the Egyptian Consulate in London.

Should I get travel health insurance?

You should always buy comprehensive travel and health insurance when you go on holiday. It means you’ll be covered for overseas medical expenses if anything happens, such as medical repatriation and legal costs. Just be sure to check what’s included in your policy before you buy it, and make sure it covers any activities you’ll be doing on holiday.

Any other tips?

It can get very hot in Egypt, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Keep bottled water with you at all times.

  • Depending on when you’re going on holiday, there may be mosquitoes around. You’ll need to wear insect repellent to ensure you don’t get bitten; it’s available to buy while you’re out there, but it’s worth bringing some along with you in case you can’t find any.
  • The political situation in the Middle East can be volatile, so please check with your hotel concierge if you want to head off on your own to go exploring. They’ll be able to give you advice on travelling safely in Egypt.

Egypt weather

Temperature: 18-33 (°C)

When’s the best time to go?

It’s hot, it’s sunny, and it’s packed full of history: Our Egypt travel advice is to put a trip to this extraordinary and unique country right at the top of your bucket-list. Egypt really is a year-round destination, temperatures often rise above 35°C in summer, and they hover around 20°C in winter. For sun-kissed beaches, Hurghada holidays are a must with waters boasting a toasty 24°C, the perfect scuba diving conditions! If you like things warm but not too hot then spring and autumn are the best times to go when temperatures are in the high 20s.

Chances are you won’t have to worry about wet weather during your trip, as it hardly ever rains here. It can get chilly when the sun goes down though, so keep this in mind when you’re packing your bags.

What should I pack?

Unless you’re heading to Egypt in winter, you’ll need to pack for hot weather. You’ll need plenty of lightweight clothes, and don’t forget your sunglasses. Bring some suncream too, and make it a high factor (30 and above) because the UV rays are pretty intense here. Things can cool down a little in the evening during the winter months, so a light jacket is worth packing to protect yourself from any night time chills.

Make sure you bring a pair of comfy walking shoes. They’ll come in handy if you’re planning on trekking through those ancient Egyptian archaeological ruins. And be prepared to cover up at any holy sites, long skirts and trousers are ideal!

Discover the best destinations to visit in Egypt

Red Sea
Red Sea
Year-round Egyptian sun in this diving paradise
Hurghada
Hurghada
A lively resort that offers the ultimate Egyptian holiday
Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh
Warm waters await in this lively Egpytian resort

Popular Egypt holiday resorts

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Egypt FAQs
FAQs
Which part of Egypt is best for a holiday?

The Red Sea Riviera has it all! Stunning beaches, blue sea, year-round swimwear weather and a fantastic choice of hotels make it one of the best destinations in Egypt for sure. Whether you’re looking for a family holiday, 5-star luxury, the ease of All Inclusive food and drink, local history, the challenge of a top-class golf course, or the peace of a spa, you’ll find it along the Red Sea coast.

And if you’re after specific recommendations, here are our favourite resorts:
1. Sharm el Sheikh: made up of a series of mini resorts on idyllic bays, Sharm has something for everyone
2. Hurghada: once a traditional fishing village, now known as the ‘Capital of the Red Sea Riviera’
3. Makadi Bay: Hurghada’s quieter neighbour, for the ultimate in downtime

Is alcohol allowed in Egypt?

You can drink alcohol in licensed bars and restaurants in Egypt, but be aware it can be hard to buy outside of the holiday resorts. You might need to show your passport, especially during Ramadan (you’ll need to check the dates before you travel as they’re different each year). It’s not ok to get drunk in public, though, so don’t plan a big session.

Booking an All Inclusive holiday? Don’t worry, alcohol is included in your package, just like in other All Inclusive hotels around the world.

If you’re up for a peppy non-alcoholic bevvy, Egypt does fantastic coffee. There’s plenty of tea too, traditionally served black with lots of sugar. And if you have the chance to try the hibiscus drink ‘karkaday’, do – it’s great hot or cold.

When is Egypt hot?

Egypt has hot weather all year. On the Red Sea Riviera, where the holidays we sell are located, you can expect average highs of 21°C in December and January. In the hottest months (June, July and August), the thermometer can hit peaks of 39 - 40°C.

What are the dos and don’ts in Egypt?

Dos:
1. Dress appropriately: Egypt is a conservative country, so it's important to dress appropriately – especially if you’re visiting religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts.
2. Respect local customs: Egyptians are generally very friendly and hospitable, but it's important to respect their customs and traditions. For example, avoid public displays of affection when you’re away from the resort (including holding hands!), and always ask permission before taking someone's picture.
3. Learn some basic Arabic phrases: Although many Egyptians speak English, it's always a good idea to learn a few local words, such as "hello" (as-salamu alaykum) and "thank you" (shukran).
4. Be prepared for the heat: Egypt can be very hot, especially during the summer months. Make sure you pack sunscreen and a hat, and keep plenty of bottled water with you.
5. Try the local cuisine: Egyptian food is delicious and varied. While you’re sure to find plenty of familiar foods at your hotel, it's definitely worth sampling some local dishes during your visit. Some popular bites include koshari (a spiced dish of lentils, rice and pasta with a tomato sauce), ful medames (stewed broad beans, a popular part of breakfast or brunch), and shawarma (the well-known kebab has been a staple of Egyptian street food way longer than we’ve been eating it in Britain).


Don'ts:
1. Don't take photos of military installations or personnel: This is strictly prohibited in Egypt, and doing so can result in serious consequences.
2. Don't drink tap water: The tap water in Egypt is going to upset your stomach, so make sure you only drink bottled water or water that has been properly purified.
3. Don't be disrespectful at religious sites: Egypt is home to many important religious sites, and it's important to be considerate when you visit them. This includes dressing appropriately (save the bare skin for the beach!), not taking photos during prayer times, and not touching or sitting on religious objects.
4. Don't hire unlicensed tour guides: While it may be a tempting way to save money, it's not recommended. Always make sure you hire a licensed tour guide or book your sightseeing trips through us.
5. Don’t forget to tip: ‘Baksheesh’ is a key part of life in Egypt, helping supplement wages. So make sure you tip everyone from the cleaner to your tour guides.

You can find out more about Egyptian laws and customs from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

What is Egypt known for?

• Beaches: Stunning golden sands lapped by the beautiful blue of the Red Sea, dotted with palm trees, and drenched in gorgeous sunshine. What’s not to love?
• The Pyramids and Sphinx: They’re quite a long way from the Red Sea resorts but you can still visit on a day trip to Cairo or Luxor. It’s a packed day out with an early start and late return to your hotel, so you’ll want to plan a quiet day on the beach afterwards. But don’t worry, it’s totally worth it!
• Scuba diving: Check out the many dive schools with courses and scuba trips for beginners and experienced divers of all ages.
• Golf: Egypt’s home to some fantastic championship courses, so pack your golf shoes and make your way to the first tee.
• Shopping: From the air-conditioned comfort of Senzo Mall to the authentic market in Old Town Sharm el Sheikh, you can pick up souvenirs like traditional Bedouin crafts (remember to haggle!), browse local boutiques, and take a break with a tasty pastry in a modern coffee shop.
• Desert adventures: Head into the Sahara for a 4x4 trek across the dunes. Have dinner in a Bedouin village. Go star gazing and see the Milky Way stretching out above you.

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