In this Egypt travel guide, you’ll learn how to float down the Nile at sunrise, dive the coral gardens of the Red Sea at noon, and watch the pyramids glow gold at sunset, all in one African trip.
*Updated July 22, 2025 – researched and road‑tested by the *VayCay Couple
Why visit Egypt?
- Ancient icons: Giza pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel—4 000 + years of history.
- Nile life: Cruise past palm groves, feluccas, and temple skyline at golden hour.
- Red Sea reefs: World‑class dive sites with 30 m visibility and vibrant corals.
- Desert drama: White Desert chalk mushrooms, Sinai granite peaks, star‑littered night skies.
- Warm welcome: Hospitable locals, fragrant street food, and prices that stretch your budget.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
| Month | Cairo Day °C | Red Sea Water °C | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | 14–22 | 22 | Medium | Sightseeing in cool air |
| Mar–Apr | 18–29 | 23 | Low | Desert trips, snorkeling |
| May–Jun | 22–34 | 25 | Low | Diving, fewer tourists |
| Jul–Aug | 26–38 + | 28 | Low | Resort deals, night tours |
| Sep–Oct | 24–33 | 27 | Medium | Nile cruises, trekking |
| Nov | 18–27 | 24 | High | Peak perfect weather |
Tip: Ramadan shifts yearly (next in Feb 2026). Expect shorter attraction hours but festive nights.
Top 9 Attractions in Egypt
- Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx – Sunrise camel ride, enter Khufu’s pyramid (limited tickets).
- Nile Cruise (Luxor ↔ Aswan) – 3–4 nights; highlights: Temple of Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo crocodile mummies.
- Luxor Temples – Karnak sound‑and‑light show; Luxor Temple lit at night.
- Abu Simbel – Ramses II colossi relocated from flood zone; fly or pre‑dawn convoy from Aswan.
- Red Sea Riviera (Hurghada & Sharm el‑Sheikh) – Dive Ras Mohammed walls, snorkel Giftun Island.
- White Desert National Park – Chalk spires and mushroom rocks; overnight 4×4 camp under stars.
- Cairo Museum (Grand Egyptian Museum opening 2025) – Tutankhamun treasures in new state‑of‑the‑art halls.
- Siwa Oasis – Salt lakes, Cleopatra’s spring, ancient Oracle Temple.
- Mount Sinai Dawn Hike – Biblical sunrise, St Catherine’s monastery icons.
7‑Day Classic Egypt Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Night |
| 1 – Cairo | Arrive, check‑in downtown | Giza pyramids & Sphinx | Sound‑and‑light show at pyramids |
| 2 – Cairo → Aswan | Egyptian Museum (GEM) | Flight to Aswan | Sunset felucca sail |
| 3 – Nile Cruise | Philae Temple | Sail to Kom Ombo | Galabeya party on deck |
| 4 – Nile Cruise | Edfu Temple by horse carriage | Sail to Luxor | Karnak by night |
| 5 – Luxor | Valley of the Kings (enter 3 tombs) | Luxor Temple | Train/flight to Hurghada |
| 6 – Red Sea | Dive or snorkel Giftun reefs | Beach downtime | Marina seafood dinner |
| 7 – Cairo | Fly back | Khan el‑Khalili bazaar shopping | Departure |
| Extend to 10 days by adding Abu Simbel, White Desert, or Siwa Oasis. |
Red Sea & Desert Adventures
| Activity | Where | Cost (€/pp) | Need to Know |
| PADI Open Water Course | Hurghada | 350 | 4 days, includes gear & certification |
| Intro Dive | Sharm el‑Sheikh | 60 | 30 min underwater with instructor |
| Snorkel Ras Mohammed | Sinai | 25 | National‑park fee extra (5 €) |
| White Desert Overnight | Bahariya Oasis | 120 | 4×4, camp gear & meals included |
| Quad Safari Sahara Dunes | Hurghada | 40 | 3 h sunset ride, scarf advised |
| Camel Trek Giza Plateau | Cairo | 20 | Bargain; agree price before mounting |
Culture & Cuisine
| Item | What to Expect | VayCay Tip |
| Music & Dance | Nubian drums, Sufi whirling dervishes, pop shaabi | Cairo’s Wekalet El‑Ghoury has free Sufi shows Mon/Wed/Sat |
| Street Food | Koshari (lentil‑pasta mix), falafel made from fava beans, fresh sugarcane juice | Eat where locals queue; dishes under 1 € |
| Traditional Dishes | Molokhia soup, grilled pigeon stuffed with rice, baklava desserts | Ask for half portions to sample more |
| Souvenirs | Alabaster statues, papyrus art, Sinai Bedouin scarves | Haggle 30 % off starting price |
Travel Basics
- Visa: UK & EU tourists can buy e‑visa or VOA (~25 USD). Passport ≥ 6 months validity.
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs widespread; cash needed for markets.
- Plugs & Power: Type C & F, 220 V. UK travelers need adapter.
- Language: Arabic official; English widely spoken in tourism.
- Local SIM: Vodafone Egypt 10 GB for 10 €.
- Time Zone: GMT + 2 (no daylight saving).
- Health: Drink bottled water; pack rehydration salts and high SPF.
Budget Snapshot (Mid‑Range, 7 Days)
| Item | Cost € | Notes |
| Hotels | 420 | Cairo 3 ★ + Nile cruise cabin + Red Sea resort |
| Domestic transport | 230 | 2 flights + train + taxis |
| Food & drinks | 150 | Street eats + 3 restaurant dinners |
| Tours & entries | 250 | Pyramids, 4 site tickets, White Desert camp |
| Misc (SIM, tips) | 50 | Egypt runs on small tips baksheesh |
| Total | ≈ 1 100 € | Luxury cruises & dives add extra |
Shoestring backpackers can do <600 €; 5 ★ Nile cruise buffs >2 000 €.
From pharaoh tombs to technicolor reefs, Egypt layers history over adventure. Let this guide chart your route, then roam: sip mint tea by the Nile, barter in bazaars, dive deep, a new chapter begins with every bend of the river. If you spy the VayCay Couple on a Luxor rooftop at sunset, stop by; stories flow as endlessly as the Nile.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, e‑visa online or visa on arrival (~£25). Apply 3 days ahead.
Is Egypt safe for solo travellers?
Tourist areas are heavily policed. Avoid isolated desert roads after dark; use licensed guides.
Can I enter the pyramids?
Yes, limited tickets daily (Khufu 400 EGP, Khafre 100 EGP). Inside is narrow & hot.
What should I wear?
Light cotton, cover shoulders & knees in mosques. Resorts are more relaxed.
Is tipping expected?
Yes. 5–10 % in restaurants; 10 EGP to hotel porters; round‑up taxi fares.
How far is Egypt from the UK?
London → Cairo ~4 h 45 m flight (1 826 mi). Manchester add 1 h.
Do I need a dive license to snorkel?
No, snorkelling only requires fins, mask, buoyancy vest; hire on site.
