Discover an incredible world steeped in history with a holiday to Egypt. Nowhere captures the imagination quite like the ‘Land of the Pharaohs’ – home to royal tombs, towering pyramids and deep-water dives.
In Cairo you can take a tour of the unforgettable Pyramids of Giza, just on the outskirts of the capital. The halls of the Egyptian Museum, meanwhile, reveal more about Egypt's fascinating past.
Make your way to Khan al Khalili bazaar to savour a refreshing cup of mint tea before putting your haggling skills to the test.
Further along the Nile at Luxor you’ll encounter mystery and magnificence in the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of ancient rulers can be found.
Further afield, the coastlines of Alexandria are home to an underwater world of colourful reefs and timeless ruins. Alternatively, head east to soak up the luxury resorts of the Red Sea, where warm sands, crystal-clear waters and fantastic dining await.
Whether you’re embarking on an archaeological adventure or planning a sunny escape, Egypt holidays offer something for everyone.
With a frenetic energy unlike any other, Cairo is not to be missed on your holiday to Egypt.
After you’ve explored the maze of streets that make up the bazaar of Khan Al Khalili, try a delicious lunch of koshari – a comforting local pasta dish, packed with flavour.
Walk off your meal in Old Cairo, home to impressive, colourful churches and the ruins of Roman gate towers.
Then make your way to the shade of the date palms in Al-Azhar Park, a perfect place to scroll through photos of your day and enjoy a refreshing juice.
The Great Pyramids are perhaps the most iconic symbols of Egyptian heritage. Explore the tombs of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, the three largest and most famous of the Giza pyramids.
Make sure you’re dressed comfortably, as you’ll enter Khufu’s monument through ancient tight and twisting passageways that lead to the royal ruler’s resting place, concealed within.
Resting elegantly in the shadow of the pyramids, you’ll find the Great Sphinx, a 240-foot statue with the body of a lion and a woman’s head. Debated by archaeologists to this day, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the grandeur of this incredible piece of history – it’s one of the world’s largest sculptures.
Giza is also home to some of Egypt’s famous light shows. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of the pyramids, as the sun sets and the iconic structures come to life with stories, secrets and music.
Delve further into the history of this fascinating nation with a trip to the Valley of the Kings.
The ancient burial grounds of the Egyptian Pharaohs are home to 63 breathtaking royal tombs.
With plenty of ground to cover, you can easily spend a day exploring the stunning murals and stone structures of this impressive necropolis.
The most impressive of the tombs in the valley is that of the iconic child king, Tutankhamun. Not only was the resting place of this young monarch found nearly intact, more than 5,000 artefacts have been recovered from within it.
Wherever you base yourself for your holiday in Egypt, you can reach the Valley of the Kings by booking a tour from Cairo or from Luxor.
If you’re heading to Luxor, you can also take a chartered tour to see the sights of Karnak.
The temple complex here is a feast for the senses, with enormous pillars and vast halls dedicated to ancient deities of Egyptian culture.
The Hypostyle Hall is perhaps the most impressive, with 134 pillars each over 60 foot (20 metres) high.
The columns feature engravings and murals and are said to be dedicated to the “hidden-god” Amun. It’s well worth joining a guided tour to hear the full story behind this magnificent building project.
You’ll see a deeper side to Egypt with a visit to Alexandria, where you can uncover an underwater city. Adventurous divers will come face-to-face with mighty sphinx, Roman temples and crumbling palaces off the coast of this historic city.
The underwater ruins are those of Antirhodos, an island that sank into the sea during an earthquake and was thought to be a favourite of Cleopatra.
When you’ve had your fill of underwater history, the warm waters of the Mediterranean are a haven for wildlife, home to graceful eagle rays and reef sharks.
If you're visiting the Egyptian capital of Cairo, there are plenty of hotel options available by the Nile.
Enjoy breakfast accompanied by views of the famous river at the Ramses Hilton. This five-star, modern hotel is on Cairo’s Corniche, and perfectly placed for an evening stroll.
With four restaurants offering a variety of global dishes to suit every taste, the Ramses Hilton is a great option for a family-friendly holiday in Egypt.
The five-star Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano is the perfect place for a luxury holiday in Egypt.
The opulent interiors are designed with splendour in mind and the hotel has access to a private beach on the Alexandrian coast.
Enjoy tranquil outdoor and indoor swimming pools, elegant dining rooms and stunning sunset views.
For a holiday of sun, sea and serenity, visit Hurghada. Located by the Red Sea, it’s home to some of the best snorkelling spots in the country.
Stay in luxurious resorts like the Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay and spend your days on the soft white sands of Soma Bay – perfect if you're looking to enjoy a honeymoon in Egypt.
The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). ATMs are available in larger cities, and many shops and restaurants will accept credit cards.
Egypt is a year-round destination. However, the drier, cooler weather of October to May makes these typically the most popular months.
Egyptian Arabic is the most widely spoken language in Egypt. Sa’idi Arabic is also popular. English is commonly spoken in the cities and tourist areas.
Getting around in Egypt is relatively straightforward. Take trains for cross-country trips, while for cities, taxis, metros and river buses are available.
Experience authentic cuisine on your Egypt holiday with a bowl of ful medames.
This fava bean-based breakfast dish is usually served with eggs, cheese and bread and is enjoyed across the country.
If you want to fill up before sightseeing, indulge in koshari. Laden with rice, lentils, chickpeas and macaroni, this high-carb treat is a favourite among Cairo locals.
Afterwards, satisfy your sweet tooth with konafa, thinly shredded pastry, filled with cream or cheese. It's then baked in a sugary syrup and topped with pistachio nuts.
Very few places on Earth rival Egypt for its richness of history. The ancient Pharaonic civilisation began here nearly 7,000 years ago.
The Kingdom of Egypt was ruled over by powerful Pharaohs, revered by their subjects as intermediaries between the people and the gods.
Ancient Egyptian culture was centred around the fertile valleys of the River Nile, where large cities and vast tombs were constructed.
The Pharaohs ruled from 3150 BCE to 30 BCE, when the kingdom was annexed by the Roman Empire.
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, though other faiths are practised in the nation.
When you're on holiday in Egypt, it’s important to be mindful of local customs and dress codes.
It’s best to cover your shoulders and knees when out in public, though resort areas tend to be more relaxed.
Ramadan is observed across the country and during the holy month, some local attractions and restaurants may only open after sunset.
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