Colour and character
Journey to the Dawn of History Itself
Prepare to have your mind blown. Egypt is not a place you simply visit; it’s a place you experience with every fibre of your being. This is the land of pharaohs, of colossal pyramids that pierce the desert sky, and of a river that has birthed and nourished a civilisation for thousands of years. It’s a place where history isn't just written in books; it’s carved into stone on a scale that defies belief.
I’ve sailed the Nile as the sun has set, turning the water to liquid gold, I’ve delved deep into the earth to stand in the tomb of a boy king, and I’ve bartered for spices in a Cairo market that felt as ancient as the city itself. Egypt is a sensory overload in the best possible way—a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells. It’s a journey back in time, an epic adventure, and a destination that will leave an imprint on your soul.
Why Egypt?
Stand Before Legends in Stone
Let’s face it, this is why you’re here. To see them. The Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, the temples of Luxor and Karnak. No photograph or documentary can ever prepare you for the sheer, jaw-dropping scale of these monuments. You’ll spend your trip asking yourself, “How did they do that?” It’s a profound connection to a past so distant it feels like mythology, yet it's standing right in front of you.
The Timeless Magic of the River Nile
The Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt, a ribbon of shimmering blue and vibrant green cutting through the golden desert. To sail it is to witness scenes that have remained unchanged for millennia: farmers working their fields, children splashing on the banks, and graceful felucca boats gliding by. It’s the most peaceful, enchanting, and utterly captivating way to see the country.
A Kaleidoscope Beneath the Waves
Beyond the desert sands lies an entirely different world of wonder. The Red Sea is a diver’s and snorkeller’s paradise, boasting some of the most spectacular coral reefs and marine life on the planet. Imagine swimming alongside sea turtles, spotting Nemo amongst the anemones, and exploring historic shipwrecks resting on the seabed. It’s an underwater explosion of colour and life.
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Unforgettable Egyptian Experiences
Be Humbled by the Great Pyramids of Giza
This is it. The big one. The last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Standing at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Khufu is a moment that will stay with you forever. The sheer size is dizzying. Walk around the complex, marvel at the enigmatic Sphinx, and for a truly unforgettable experience, ride a camel as the sun begins to set over the plateau.
Where to do it: The Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of Cairo. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
Sail the Nile Like the Ancients
For the ultimate Nile experience, ditch the giant cruise ship and hop aboard a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat. Let the gentle winds guide you down the river from the tranquil town of Aswan, sleeping on the deck under a canopy of brilliant stars. It’s simple, it’s serene, and it's utterly magical.
Where to do it: The most popular and scenic route is the multi-day trip from Aswan to just north of Luxor. For more comfort, consider a dahabiya, a larger, more luxurious traditional boat.
Enter a Pharaoh's Final Resting Place
Cross the Nile from Luxor and venture into the Valley of the Kings, the secret burial ground of rulers like Tutankhamun and Ramesses the Great. From the outside, it’s a barren, sun-scorched valley, but descend the steps into the tombs and you’ll discover a hidden world of unbelievably vibrant and detailed hieroglyphs that look as if they were painted yesterday.
Where to do it: On the West Bank of the Nile, opposite the city of Luxor. Your entry ticket typically includes access to three tombs of your choice. Paying extra to enter Tutankhamun's tomb is well worth it!
Dive into Another Dimension in the Red Sea
Plunge into the warm, turquoise waters of the Red Sea and you'll be greeted by a breathtaking underwater spectacle. The coral reefs here are teeming with life, from shoals of rainbow-coloured parrotfish to majestic eagle rays. It’s like swimming in the world's most beautiful aquarium.
Where to do it: Ras Muhammad National Park, a short boat trip from Sharm El Sheikh, offers some of the best dive sites in the world. For a quieter vibe and the chance to see dolphins or dugongs, head further south to Marsa Alam.
Egypt Offers
Luxury Holidays
Last Minute Holidays
Essentials
Visa Requirements
Do I Need a Visa? Yes, you do. UK passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. The easiest way is to buy one on arrival at the airport before you go through immigration. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-Visa online in advance of your travel.
Average travel time
You're looking at a flight time of around 5 hours to get to Cairo. Flights to the Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are slightly longer, typically taking between 5.5 and 6 hours.
Languages
Will They Understand Me? The official language is Arabic. In all the tourist areas, hotels, and on tours, English is very widely spoken, so you’ll have no trouble communicating. However, learning a few Arabic words like Shukran (thank you) and Salaam Alaikum (a friendly greeting) will be warmly received.
Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While cards are accepted in big hotels and restaurants, Egypt is largely a cash economy. Tipping, known as baksheesh, is a way of life and is expected for almost any service. Carry a healthy supply of small notes – it will be the most useful thing in your wallet!
Weather and Climate
It’s mostly hot and sunny. Summers (June-August) are scorching, especially in Luxor and Aswan, making sightseeing a real challenge. The best time to visit for a Nile cruise is during our winter (October-April), when the days are warm, sunny, and pleasant. The Red Sea coast is a fantastic year-round destination.
Top Egyptian Destinations
Luxor: The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum
Luxor, built on the site of the ancient capital of Thebes, is simply astonishing. The sheer concentration of temples and tombs is mind-boggling. On the East Bank, you have the gigantic Karnak and Luxor temples. On the West Bank lie the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. It's the undisputed heart of ancient Egypt.
Sharm El Sheikh: Red Sea Riviera
Nestled on the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, "Sharm" is Egypt's premier beach resort. It's a world of luxurious hotels, buzzing nightlife, and, most importantly, the gateway to the phenomenal underwater world of the Red Sea. It’s the perfect place to combine ancient history with world-class relaxation and diving.
Cairo: The Glorious, Hectic Heart
Cairo is a mega-city of beautiful, organised chaos. It's loud, it's crowded, and it’s utterly exhilarating. Brave the traffic to see the staggering collection of treasures in the Egyptian Museum (including Tutankhamun's solid gold mask), get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and then escape to Giza to see the Pyramids.
Aswan: The Tranquil Southern Gem
Aswan is the perfect antidote to the chaos of Cairo. It's a relaxed, beautiful town on the most scenic stretch of the Nile. This is the place to sail on a felucca around Elephantine Island, visit the stunning Philae Temple on its island home, and meet the warm and welcoming Nubian people in their brightly coloured villages.
Top Tips for Travelling Like a Pro
Become a Master of the Haggle
In the souks and markets, the first price you are given is just a starting point. Haggling is a part of the culture and is expected. Don't be shy! Keep it friendly, have a smile on your face, and be prepared to walk away. It's all part of the fun, and you’ll get some fantastic bargains.
Dress for Sun and for Respect
Egypt is a conservative country. While it's fine to wear swimwear in your resort, when you're out and about sightseeing, it's best to dress modestly. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are not only respectful, especially when visiting mosques, but also the most comfortable option for keeping cool under the desert sun.
Water, Water, Everywhere... But Only from a Bottle!
The Egyptian sun is powerful, so you need to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated – more than you think. Crucially, only drink sealed, bottled water. Avoid tap water, ice in drinks unless you're in a high-end hotel, and salads that may have been washed in tap water, just to be on the safe side.
Relax and Go with the Flow
Things in Egypt often run on what is affectionately known as "Egyptian time." Punctuality isn't always a priority. The best advice is to take a deep breath, be patient, and embrace a more laid-back attitude. Don't let small delays frustrate you; it's all part of the unique rhythm of the country.
Ready when you are
Egypt Is Not Just a Holiday; It's an Epic
To journey through Egypt is to journey through the very story of human civilisation. It is a country that confronts you with the sheer scale of history and the breathtaking ambition of our ancestors. It’s a place of profound wonder, from the first glimpse of a pyramid on the horizon to the last golden ray of sun disappearing behind the Nile.
It will challenge you, it will mesmerise you, and it will reward you with memories that will last a lifetime. This isn't a simple fly-and-flop beach holiday; it is a true adventure for the mind and the soul. The pharaohs are waiting.
