In November, we were so tired of the darkness and cold at home. In Sweden, everyone falls into a depression during winter, and we felt it was time to get some new energy. We thought Egypt was the perfect destination as it wasn’t too far to travel. It was also very warm, and we could plan a trip where we started at a fast pace to explore the history and culture of this exciting country. Afterward, we could take it easy and enjoy the beautiful Red Sea and warm weather for a few days. It was the perfect mix, especially with only a week to spare.
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Quick list for each day when you travel Egypt
- A full day in Cairo
- Travel to Luxor and visit the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- See more temples and ancient tombs in Luxor
- Travel to Hurghada
- Go on a diving or snorkeling trip
- Relax by the pool or beach and enjoy the vacation
- One last day by the pool/beach, then head home
Planning a trip soon? We’ve put together a list of our top travel resources and must-have accessories to ensure you’re all set for your adventure!
– Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com or Hotels.com
– Discover amazing tours on Get Your Guide
– Compare and rent a car for your journey on Discovercars.com
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– Secure travel insurance Onshorekare.com
– Check out our favorite travel gear HERE
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– Get some great deals on tickets to tourist attractions check out Klook.com
– We love the detailed travel guides from Lonely Planet! Use this LINK or code “JESPEREDMAN10” at checkout to get 10% off
Best time of year to travel Egypt
The best time to visit Egypt depends on what you want to do. If you want to enjoy the beach and water, the best months are from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny. If you want to see the sights and avoid crowds, the best months are from November to March, when the weather is cooler.
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How long should you stay?
To see and experience the main attractions when you travel Egypt, like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, we recommend a 4-day trip. But if you want more time to explore the country and relax on the beach, we suggest at least a 7-day trip. If you want to include a Nile cruise, we recommend a 10-day trip.
Accommodation
If you have limited time in Cairo, we recommend staying near the airport. This way, it won’t matter if your flight is delayed or your flight to Luxor departs early in the morning.
In Luxor, we recommend staying centrally near the Nile. We stayed close to Luxor Temple and had a beautiful view of both the temple and the Nile.
In Hurghada, there are several hotels and resorts with all-inclusive options. There are many different choices, so we recommend browsing various hotels to find one that suits your needs and budget.
We stayed at Susanna Hotel Luxor, the rooms was nothing special but the rooftop pool and view over the Nile and Luxor Temple was amazing.
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Transport when you travel Egypt
The best way to travel between Cairo and Luxor is by domestic flight. There are several flights daily, and the flight takes about an hour. Buses run between Luxor and Hurghada, and the bus ride takes less than five hours, with a stop halfway. Taxi rides are very cheap, but remember to haggle! The drivers will always give you a very high price, and you should negotiate it down by about 50-70%.
Map
Packing
We always travel with hand luggage to make the trip as cheap and efficient as possible. Here’s an example of what our packing lists for when we travel Egypt looks like:
- Light clothing – Egypt is hot during the day but can be cool in the evening. Bring thin long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, and pants/shorts.
- A warm sweater/jacket – Airplanes, evenings and mornings can be chilly, especially in the desert.
- Comfortable shoes – You will likely walk a lot, so good walking shoes are essential.
- Sun protection – Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF.
- Swimwear – If you plan to swim in the Red Sea or your hotel pool.
- Travel adapter – Egypt uses European outlets (220V), so you might need an adapter depending on where you’re traveling from.
- Medications and first aid – Bring your prescription medications and possibly medicines for stomach issues, as Egyptian food can be different.
- Scarf or shawl – Handy for covering shoulders or head when visiting religious sites.
- Water bottle – It’s essential to stay hydrated in the heat.
- Travel documents – Passport, visa, copies of important documents, and travel insurance.
Remember to stay comfortable and protected from the sun and the climate!
For travel clothes, shoes and backpacks we really recommend products from Tropic Feel that have some cool and environmentally friendly travel products:
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1 – Trip to the pyramids
With limited time in Cairo, you need to focus on what you want to see. A private guided tour is invaluable for this. You can avoid the crowds and tailor the experience to your interests. Book in advance to secure your spot.
Start the day by visiting the Giza Plateau. Admire the majestic pyramids, including Cheops, Khafre, and
Menkaure, and don’t miss the enigmatic Sphinx. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the lives of the
pharaohs and ancient Egyptian civilization.
In the afternoon, head to one of Cairo’s many museums. The Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square is an excellent choice, with an unrivaled collection of Egyptian artifacts, including Tutankhamun’s golden treasure. If you have time, visit the Coptic Museum to learn about early Christianity in Egypt. Keep an eye out for the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is set to open in mid-2024. This future mega-museum will house the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities and will become the world’s largest archaeological museum.
Day 2 – To Luxor
Start your day with a short flight to Luxor, the jewel of the Nile. Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, you can easily take a taxi to your hotel in central Luxor. The journey takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Remember to haggle over the price to get a good deal – we managed to lower the cost to 200 EGP for two people.
In the afternoon, head to the Karnak Temple, one of the world’s largest temple complexes. Experience the majestic architecture and colossal statues, and admire the detailed hieroglyphs that adorn the temple walls. A short taxi ride for about 30-50 EGP will get you there and back.
As the sun sets, Luxor Temple transforms into a magical place. Enjoy the unique atmosphere as the temple is bathed in light. Stroll through the illuminated colonnades and admire the beautiful lighting of obelisks and statues.
If you’re staying near Luxor Temple, wait until the large tourist buses have left and visit after the rush hour for a much better experience.
Day 3 – Temple tour
Avoid stress with a pre-booked guided tour of temples and tombs. Avoid intense salespeople and enjoy a comfortable and informative full day with a pre-booked guided tour. If you book with the same operator as in Cairo, you may even get a discount.
Visit the Valley of the Kings, the famous site where Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs were buried. Admire the magnificent temples and tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb, where the pharaoh rests mummified. Be prepared for crowds and queues to enter the most popular tombs.
For a more peaceful experience, head to the Valley of the Queens, where the pharaohs’ wives and children were buried. The highlight for us was Nefertari’s tomb, with its beautiful wall paintings. Being able to walk around the tomb alone was an unforgettable experience.
Be prepared for heat, as temperatures in Luxor can be high, especially during summer. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothing.
In the evening, head out and try a camel burger—its taste is quite similar to beef, so don’t be hesitant to give it a try! Afterward, dress up and visit the renowned Winter Palace, a historic hotel where famous figures such as Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill, and Howard Carter have stayed.
Check out some tours for Luxor here:
Day 4 – From Luxor to Hurghada’s sunny coast
Take advantage of your last morning in Luxor to visit one of the city’s fascinating museums. The Mummification Museum offers insight into ancient Egyptian burial culture and the mummification
process. Other interesting options include the Luxor Museum and the Coptic Museum.
In the afternoon, take a bus to Hurghada, one of the best cities on the Red Sea for relaxing at a large resort. Book the bus in advance, especially during peak season, as buses can be fully booked. It’s a good idea to buy drinks and snacks for the bus ride since the prices at the stop can be very high.
Swap temples and pharaohs for sun, swimming, and relaxation on the beautiful sandy beaches. Enjoy the hotel’s amenities, try watersports, or simply relax in the sun.
Days 5-7 – Hurghada
Many people come to Hurghada for a sun-and-beach holiday. Charter planes fly here, and hotel complexes and resorts line the beach. Honestly, Hurghada isn’t a very exciting city, and we came here only for the sun and warmth in November to escape the cold in Sweden.
Relax on the soft sand, swim in the crystal-clear water, and enjoy the hotel’s amenities. Read a book, grab a drink at the pool bar, or try one of the many watersports.
The Red Sea is famous for its unique underwater world, full of colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs. Join a full-day boat tour and experience this fantastic marine life. A diving certification is required for diving, but snorkeling is a perfect option for everyone. The crew on the boat will take you to the best snorkeling spots.
In addition to the beach and diving, there are many other activities to choose from. Visit one of the local markets, take a desert tour on a quad bike, or try traditional Egyptian cooking.
Other options
If you haven’t had enough culture and want to experience more of Egypt, we recommend taking a Nile cruise instead of going to Hurghada. These cruises take about 3-4 days and can start from either Luxor or Aswan, depending on what suits your travel plan best. You will stay on a nice small cruise ship, and during the day, the ship stops at historical sites along the Nile. It’s a very cool experience!
Outro
Our trip to Egypt was an unforgettable adventure, blending the perfect mix of culture, history, and relaxation. From the awe-inspiring pyramids in Cairo to the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea, every day was a new experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or someone simply looking to escape the winter chill, Egypt has something for everyone. Don’t forget to plan ahead, negotiate prices, and pack light for a smooth and enjoyable trip. We hope our journey inspires your own Egyptian adventure!
Happy travels!
Do you have any questions or would you like more information about anything specific?
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Youtube video for inspiration
Check out our travel film from Egypt – get inspired for your own adventure when you travel in Egypt!
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