Hurghada
This seaside resort provides its visitors with a total of 20 kilometres of sandy beach. With its snow-white sand and coconut palm trees, Magawish Beach is especially paradisical and almost makes you believe that you have accidentally gone on a trip to the Caribbean, instead of Egypt.
We also recommend a visit to the lagoon city of El Gouna and the dream beaches on Mahmya Island, which belongs to the Giftun Island National Park. Hurghada is a true Mecca for water sports enthusiasts. Here, you can do just about any water-based activity you can think of: From wind and kite surfing to deep sea fishing, sailing, pedal boating, snorkelling and aqua parks, everything is possible!
The Red Sea’s fascinating underwater world is a true diver’s paradise. Discover a stunning variety of fish and colourful coral reefs while taking a half-day diving course in Hurghada. For only €8 per person, the course includes two dives, the diving equipment, the transfer and the accompanying instructions you will receive from experienced diving guides. During the boat trip, a free lunch and drinks are also served on board. An unforgettable experience – for both beginner and advanced divers.
If you need a change of scenery, we recommend going on a quad bike desert safari: For only €7 per person, you will be picked up by a jeep in Hurghada and be taken out into the desert. Once there, you will receive a short instruction from the tour guide and, afterwards, you can ride your quad bike over the seemingly endless sand dunes – it is pure adrenalin! The tour also includes a camel ride and a visit to a traditional Bedouin village. Spending the night in a four-bed dorm will cost you only €6.
Luxor
Your trip now takes you to Luxor. With its countless tombs, monuments, temples and museums, the old kingdom’s capital is an absolute must-see on any trip to Egypt.
Explore numerous ancient buildings, such as the world's largest open-air museum, by taking part in a day tour. Visit the eastern and western banks of the Nile as well as the Valley of the Kings with an Egyptologist. Highlights of the trip include a visit to the huge Colossi of Memnon, the tombs of the Pharaohs and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
Also don’t forget to explore the oldest religious building in the world, the Karnak Temple complex. This excursion only costs €14 per person and includes the transfer, a guide and lunch.
Back in Luxor, you can stay in a 4-bed dorm at a hostel for around €4 per night.
Aswan
Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost metropolis. Aswan is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile and in the middle of a river landscape. This scenery was formed by heavy granite rocks and is now comprised of numerous islands. Aswan’s city centre has numerous traditional buildings for you to admire.
The most impressive building, however, is located outside the city: the Aswan Dam. It was built in the 1960s and separates the Nile from Lake Nasser. The dam’s construction caused the Nile’s water level to rise. As a result, the well-known Philae temple had to be moved to a new location. It is now located on an island in the middle of the Nile and is one of the city’s most popular sights.
Another famous attraction in Aswan is the unfinished obelisk. At one point in time, it was supposed to become the largest one in all of Egypt. You should definitely also visit the island called Elephantine. This is the place where the Aswan Museum as well as an antique Nilometer are located. For thousands of years, the latter was used to measure the river’s water level by using 90 steps. Sleeping in a private room at a hotel will cost you €16 per night.
Cairo
Cairo is the biggest city on the African continent. In addition to impressive ancient art works, there are also sacred historical buildings of Islamic and Coptic tradition. The Egyptian Museum is located in Cairo’s city centre and houses not only real mummies but also the gold mask of Tutankhamun.
The pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly the country’s most famous attraction. Our recommended day trip lets you journey back in time and straight to ancient Egypt. You will not only be able to enjoy a great view of the legendary Cheops Pyramid, the Khafre Pyramid and the Menkaure Pyramid but also have the opportunity to directly explore the Great Sphinx. Walk in the footprints of ancient Egyptians and visit both the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara and the historic pyramid and cemetery in Dahshur. This excursion only costs €6 per person and includes lunch, the transfer and an Egyptologist working as a guide.
We also recommend going on a Nile cruise that takes you from Old Cairo to New Cairo. Enjoy a delicious traditional dinner, a belly dance show, Arabic music and a Tanoura show. The night-time view on the illuminated city makes the two-hour cruise a truly special experience. The evening will only cost you €14 per person and the transfer, buffet and live entertainment are all already included in the price. In Kairo, you can stay in a 4-bed dorm at a hostel for around €8 per night.
Alexandria
The Mediterranean metropolis was named after Alexander the Great and, even until today, is the country’s most important commercial centre.
The detailed graphic reconstruction of the Pharos of Alexandria is a highlight on any trip to the city. Not only was it the largest lighthouse in ancient times but it was also one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World before it was destroyed by a large earthquake.
The port city has several buildings and sites well worth seeing. There are, for example, Tahrir Square, the Royal Palace and Mansheya Square. Visit one of the numerous museums, stroll through the “Passage Menasce” shopping mall or simply relax in one of the many seaside resorts. Also consider heading to one of the beautiful beaches that can be found in the city’s eastern districts.
Another extraordinary experience that you can have in Alexandria is that of archaeological diving. As earthquakes caused the city’s ancient centre to become partially flooded, special diving tours are now the only way to look at, for example, the remains of the city’s famous lighthouse or Cleopatra's palace. You can also take part in tours that allow you to see shipwrecks and what remains of Napoleon's fleet.
For only €11 per night, you can sleep in a private room. From Alexandria, you can travel through Cairo and once again back to Hurghada.
