Egypt Travel Guide: Pyramids Nile Cruise & Red Sea

Journey to Egypt, a land where ancient wonders meet vibrant modern life along the fertile Nile River Valley. Witness the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, explore the magnificent temples of Luxor and Karnak, cruise the timeless Nile River between Luxor and Aswan, delve into Tutankhamun’s treasures in Cairo’s museums, and relax or dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea resorts. From pharaonic history to bustling bazaars and underwater beauty, Egypt offers unforgettable experiences. This guide provides essential information for UK travellers.

Important Visa Note: UK citizens **require a visa** to enter Egypt. You can obtain an eVisa online **in advance** (recommended) or often get a visa on arrival at major airports like Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh.

Safety Note: Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution. The FCDO advises against all travel to certain areas (North Sinai) and advises checking their latest advice for other regions, including the Red Sea resorts, due to terrorism risks and crime. Follow local security instructions.

Navigate this guide:

Best Time to Travel
Getting There (Flights & Visa)
Top 10 Places & Activities
Accommodation in Egypt
Why Book With Me?
FAQ About Traveling to Egypt
Plan Your Egyptian Journey

Best Time to Travel to Egypt

Egypt’s climate is hot desert, with seasonal variations:

Autumn (September to November) & Spring (February to April): Generally considered the **best times** for sightseeing along the Nile Valley (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan). Temperatures are warm and pleasant, skies usually clear. Less intense heat than summer.
Winter (December to January): Mild daytime temperatures in Cairo/Nile Valley, can be cool at night. Peak season for Nile cruises and cultural tourism due to comfortable sightseeing weather. Red Sea resorts pleasant.
Summer (June to August): Extremely hot, especially in Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) where temperatures can exceed 40¡C. Sightseeing best done very early morning. Red Sea coast remains popular due to sea breezes, but it’s very hot.

Getting There (Flights & Visa from UK)

Main entry points are Cairo (CAI), Luxor (LXR), Hurghada (HRG), Sharm El Sheikh (SSH).

Direct Flights from UK: Numerous direct flights available. British Airways and EgyptAir fly London Heathrow (LHR) to Cairo (CAI). EasyJet flies from various UK airports (LGW, MAN, BRS etc.) to Hurghada (HRG) and Sharm El Sheikh (SSH). TUI and Wizz Air also operate routes, especially to Red Sea resorts, from London and regional airports. Direct flights to Luxor (LXR) are less common, often seasonal charters.
Flight Times: Direct flights take around 4.5-5.5 hours.
Visa Requirements: UK citizens **need a visa**. Options:
- eVisa: Apply online via the official Egypt e-Visa Portal **before** travel. Recommended for smoother entry. Requires passport scan, photo, payment (USD).
- Visa On Arrival: Usually available for UK passport holders arriving at major international airports (CAI, LXR, HRG, SSH). Purchase visa sticker (currently USD $25 – check exact fee, payable in USD, EUR or GBP cash often preferred) before immigration control. Ensure your passport has 6 months validity.
Check official Egyptian embassy/consulate sources for latest visa procedures and fees.

Top 10 Places & Activities in Egypt

Giza Pyramids & Sphinx (near Cairo): The last surviving Ancient Wonder of the World. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure, and the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Consider a camel or horse ride for different perspectives.

Access: Easy half-day trip from Cairo city.
Cairo:** The sprawling, chaotic capital. Visit the Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun treasures – note Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near Giza is partially open and will eventually house main collection), explore the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar, visit the Citadel of Saladin & Mosque of Muhammad Ali, wander Islamic Cairo.

Best Hotels in Cairo: Budget (Holy Sheet Hostel £8-£15/dorm), Mid-Range (Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo £80-£140), Luxury (Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza £200+).

Cairo for Families, Solo Travellers & Wheelchair Users: Museums fascinating for all. Families enjoy felucca rides. Intense city for solos (use caution with scams/touts). Significant accessibility challenges due to traffic, crowds, uneven surfaces, lack of ramps/lifts in many places (check specific museum accessibility).

Top things to do Cairo: Egyptian Museum/GEM, Khan el-Khalili bazaar shopping, Citadel visit, Islamic Cairo exploration, felucca ride on Nile.

Where to stay Cairo: Zamalek island (quieter, upscale hotels/restaurants), Downtown/Tahrir Square (central, near museum, busy), Garden City (near embassies), Giza (near pyramids, further from centre).
Luxor:** Site of ancient Thebes, often called the ‘world’s greatest open-air museum’. Explore East Bank temples: Karnak Temple complex (vast, impressive) and Luxor Temple (beautifully lit at night). Explore West Bank sites: Valley of the Kings (pharaohs’ tombs – separate tickets for specific tombs like Tutankhamun), Valley of the Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon.

Best Hotels in Luxor: Budget (Nefertiti Hotel Luxor £20-£40), Mid-Range (Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor £70-£120), Luxury (Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor £150+ – historic).

Luxor for Families, Solo Travellers & Wheelchair Users: Ancient sites awe-inspiring. Hot air balloon rides popular. Solos find guides/taxis easily. Major temple complexes (Karnak, Luxor Temple ground level) partially accessible but involve uneven ground. Valley of Kings tombs involve stairs/ramps, difficult/impossible for wheelchairs.

Top things to do Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Hot air balloon ride (sunrise), Felucca ride.

Where to stay Luxor: East Bank (most hotels/restaurants, near temples), West Bank (quieter, guesthouses, near tombs).
Nile River Cruise:** Classic Egyptian journey, typically sailing between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) over 3, 4, or 7 nights. Stop at temples along the way like Edfu (Temple of Horus) and Kom Ombo (dual temple). Relaxing way to see riverside life and key sites.

Accommodation: Nile cruise boats range from standard to luxury.
Aswan:** Southernmost city on the cruise route. Visit Philae Temple (beautiful island temple complex – relocated), High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk. Take a felucca (sailboat) trip around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island (botanical garden).
Abu Simbel Temples:** Magnificent rock-cut temples built by Ramses II, relocated to save them from Lake Nasser’s rising waters (UNESCO site). Requires flight or long road trip (convoy often used) south from Aswan.

Access: Day trip from Aswan (flight or road), or included on Lake Nasser cruises.
Red Sea Resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam):** Popular for diving, snorkelling, watersports, and beach relaxation. Access to vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Often booked as package holidays.
Alexandria:** Mediterranean coastal city founded by Alexander the Great. Visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina (library), Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Citadel of Qaitbay (built on site of ancient lighthouse).
Siwa Oasis:** Remote oasis in the Western Desert near Libyan border (check FCDO advice for travel). Known for unique culture, Temple of the Oracle, salt lakes, desert landscapes. Requires significant travel time/planning.
White Desert & Black Desert:** Surreal desert landscapes in the Western Desert, often visited on overnight camping tours from Bahariya Oasis (check FCDO advice).

Accommodation in Egypt

Wide range available catering to different budgets and styles:

Budget: Hostels (mainly Cairo/Luxor), simple local hotels (‘funduqs’) (£10-£30 dorm/basic room).
Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels (local & international chains), Nile cruise boats (standard class), guesthouses (£40-£100).
Luxury: High-end international chains in major cities/resorts, luxury Nile cruise boats, boutique hotels (£100 – £300+). Red Sea All-Inclusive resorts very common.

Why Book With Me?

Navigating Egypt’s wonders, logistics, and safety requires expertise. Travelistry ensures a well-planned trip.

Personalised Service: Itineraries focused on ancient history (Nile cruise/tour), Red Sea relaxation, diving, or combinations, considering safety advice.
Expert Knowledge: Guidance on visas (eVisa/VoA), reliable Nile cruises/guides, booking internal flights/trains, safety precautions, managing touts/hassle.
Stress-Free Planning: We handle flights (international/domestic), accommodation, Nile cruise bookings, transfers, key tours (pyramids, temples, Abu Simbel), visa support.
Value for Money: Access to deals on cruises, tours, and packages.
Support: Assistance throughout your Egyptian journey.

FAQ About Traveling to Egypt

Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt from the UK? Yes. UK citizens need a visa. Obtainable via eVisa online before travel (recommended) or usually Visa On Arrival at major airports (pay fee in USD/EUR/GBP cash). Check official sources for current procedures/fees.
What is the currency? The currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs available in cities/resorts. Credit cards accepted in hotels/tourist shops/restaurants but cash (EGP) essential for smaller purchases, tips (baksheesh), markets. USD/EUR/GBP sometimes accepted by vendors but usually better value to pay in EGP.
Is Egypt expensive? Egypt can offer good value, especially for food and local transport. Accommodation ranges from budget to luxury. Tours, guides, and entry fees to major sites add up. Red Sea resorts vary greatly in price.
Is it safe? Check FCDO advice carefully. Terrorism risk exists – FCDO advises against travel to North Sinai and advises caution elsewhere, including at tourist sites where security is high. Petty crime/scams occur. Dress modestly outside resorts, respect local customs, especially during Ramadan. Be firm but polite with touts. Use reputable tour operators/guides.
What language is spoken? Arabic is the official language (Egyptian dialect). English is widely spoken in the tourism industry (hotels, guides, tourist sites).