Egypt holidays: our travel guide
Egypt is the only place where you can stand before the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in the morning, sail the Nile in the afternoon and snorkel a coral reef a few days later.
Giza
The Great Pyramid is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. Photo: Osama Elsayed / Unsplash
Egypt: two trips in one
Most trips to Egypt are either a culture trip or a beach holiday, but the best combine both. Along the Nile are the pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor and Aswan and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. On the Red Sea are the resorts of Hurghada, El Gouna, Soma Bay and Sharm el-Sheikh, with some of the best coral reefs in the world.
Distances are bigger than many expect, but domestic flights and Nile cruises tie it together. In winter Egypt has sunshine and pleasant warmth, which makes it one of the most popular winter sun destinations from the UK.
Egypt lies in Africa. For flights and hotel in one package to the Red Sea, see Red Sea holidays.
Luxor
Photo: Artem Bryzgalov / Unsplash
Suggested itinerary: Egypt in two weeks
Cairo and Giza, 3 nights: the pyramids and the Sphinx, the new Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
A Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, 4 nights: Karnak and Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the temples along the river. From Aswan, take a day trip to Abu Simbel.
The Red Sea, 6-7 nights: fly to Hurghada or Marsa Alam for beaches, snorkelling and diving.
Things to do in Egypt
See the pyramids of Giza early in the morning, before the heat and the crowds.
Fly in a hot-air balloon over Luxor and the Valley of the Kings at sunrise.
Sail a felucca, the traditional sailing boat, on the Nile at Aswan.
Visit Abu Simbel, the temples moved stone by stone to save them from the rising water.
Snorkel the coral reefs of the Red Sea, often straight from the hotel beach.
See the total solar eclipse over Luxor on 2 August 2027. Read where to stay for the 2027 solar eclipse.
The Nile
Photo: Sean Wang / Unsplash
Where to stay in Egypt
Egypt has some of the most historic hotels in the world, and large beach hotels at low prices on the Red Sea. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Marriott Mena House, Giza
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Marriott Mena House: the pyramids from your balcony
The historic hotel at the foot of the pyramids in Giza, with gardens and views straight to the Great Pyramid from many rooms.
Book your stay: See rooms at Marriott Mena House
Al Moudira: a palace on the West Bank in Luxor
A distinctive hotel on Luxor's West Bank, near the Valley of the Kings, with gardens, domes and calm.
Book your stay: See rooms at Al Moudira
Old Cataract, Aswan
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Old Cataract: the legend on the Nile
The classic hotel in Aswan where Agatha Christie wrote part of Death on the Nile, with a terrace above the river and feluccas sailing past.
Book your stay: See rooms at Old Cataract
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay: the Red Sea at its best
A large beach hotel in Soma Bay south of Hurghada, with a long beach, coral reef and golf course.
Book your sun break: See rooms at Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay
Kempinski Soma Bay
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is best for culture trips, with pleasant warmth in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The Red Sea has sunshine all year, but evenings can be cool in January and February, and the sea is warmest in autumn. Summer is very hot, especially along the Nile. See also where is hot in October. Check the current entry and visa rules before you travel.
Frequently asked questions about Egypt
When is the best time to go to Egypt?
October to April is best for the pyramids, Luxor and Aswan. The Red Sea has sunshine all year, with the warmest sea in autumn. Summer is very hot.
How long should you spend in Egypt?
Two weeks gives you time for Cairo, a Nile cruise and a week on the Red Sea. One week is enough for either a culture trip or a beach holiday.
Where should you stay on the Red Sea?
Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh have the most hotels and flights. El Gouna is calmer and more modern, Soma Bay has long beaches, and Marsa Alam is best for diving.
Can you combine the pyramids and a beach holiday?
Yes. Domestic flights from Cairo to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are short, and many spend a few days in Cairo before or after the beach.
What should you wear in Egypt?
Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees are wise in the cities and at mosques. At the hotels and beaches on the Red Sea, swimwear is completely normal.