Egypt Holidays

Yes it is safe to travel to most parts of Egypt. Since the turmoil of recent years tensions are easing and tourism is returning to Egypt. Visiting the classic sites including Cairo and the pyramids and a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan is easy to do and although not as busy as they once were, these sites are safe to visit and you will have the privilege of seeing them with few other tourists. The FCO still currently advises against travel to the Western Desert and the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of Sharm el-Sheikh) and south of Aswan on Lake Nasser and beyond.

From the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor to the peaks of Mount Sinai and the stunning diving areas of the Red Sea, there really is so much on offer in Egypt. Choose to cruise down the Nile in a small luxury cruise boat or a traditional dahabiya, or visit the imposing temples at Abu Simbel, located at the southern tip of Lake Nasser.

You will be fortunate enough to sample the food of many cultures whilst in Egypt, given the mixture of different civilisations that have passed through the country. Kushari is considered to be the national dish, a vegetarian delight that is a lunchtime favourite. Another commonly eaten dish is Ful Medames, a mixture of lava beans, garlic and lemon juice. For those with a sweet tooth, Halawa is also a must-try.

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE) although most foreign currencies including USD$, euro and sterling are accepted or can be changed locally.

Egypt is a year-round destination. The most popular time to visit the classic sites in Cairo or a cruise on the Nile is from October through to March when the weather should be warm and dry without being too hot. From June to August daytime temperatures can reach 40 degrees centigrade and higher.

The Red Sea is renowned for its excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities with thriving reefs and some wonderful wreck dives. The beaches in and around Hurghada shelve gently into the sea so it is possible to walk out and snorkel from the beach. In Sharm el-Sheikh it is necessary to enter the water from a pontoon into deeper water – worth noting if travelling with families or those less experienced in the water.

A visa is required for most nationalities when travelling to Egypt. This can be obtained on arrival in Egypt for a fee of USD$25 (payable in sterling, euros or dollars) per person and is valid for visits of up to 30 days. The process is very easy and our local partners will even meet guests airside to assist with formalities. The visa kiosks are located in the arrivals hall before reaching immigration.

Tipping is a part of the culture in Egypt – wages are not high so many people rely on tips. We send everyone travelling with us an information document before departure which details suggested tipping amounts which can range from USD$4 to USD$20 per couple depending on who you are tipping. Cruise ships tend to encourage tipping at the end of a cruise and the total amount is then split among all the staff on board. As always it is at the guest’s discretion.

Egypt is known for its hot summers, and it can take only 15 minutes in the sun for the skin to burn. Even on cloudy days, the suns rays are still very strong and protection will be needed. Make sure you bring a high factor, water-resistant sun cream, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and some form of cover-up. We always advise avoiding the sun during the middle of the day when it is at its most intense, and making sure you drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.

Not really. When cruising the Nile during the day the movement of the boat and the breeze means mosquitos don’t tend to cause a problem. During the evening if sat outside when the boat is stationary it is probably a good idea to cover up or apply some insect repellent.