EGYPT
The Ultimate Independent Travel Guide
Welcome
to Near and Far Adventures
We’re passionate about exploring the world, discovering new places and sharing our real travel experiences to help inspire your next adventure.
Here you’ll find our Egypt travel guides, including the 14-day Egypt itinerary we travelled ourselves, along with interactive maps, practical travel tips, things to do, road trip ideas and plenty of inspiration to help you plan your own unforgettable journey.
We visit every destination ourselves and only recommend hotels we'd happily book with our own money. Every recommendation is based on location, value, and overall experience.
14 day Itinerary Egypt
Planning a trip to Egypt?
Our suggested independant 14-day Egypt itinerary takes you on an unforgettable adventure, from the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the ancient temples of Luxor to the stunning Red Sea coast. Packed with practical tips, must-see sights and advice from our own experience, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Egypt.
Click to watch our 14-day Egypt itinerary and start planning your own adventure!
Day 1 - 4 Cairo - Pyramids, Saqqara, Grand Egyptian Museum. Coptic Cairo, Saladin Citadel, Bent & Red Pyramid.
Day 5 - 8 Marsa Alam / Hurghada (optional) - Swimming with turtles, Snorkling, Diving, Dolphin House.
Day 9 - 12 Luxor - Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut temple, Valley of the Queens, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Hot air balloon ride. Day 13 -14 Cairo Travel back to Cairo & fly home.
Aswan (optional) - Abu Simbel Temple (we ran out of time to visit this location, you could potentially swap the red sea location and do this instead, or stay for longer.)
Our Egypt Travel Planner Is Coming Soon!
Planning a trip to Egypt can feel overwhelming, so we’re creating an in-depth Egypt Travel itinerary planner designed to make organising your adventure much easier. Packed with practical information, destination guides, in depth itineraries, travel tips, maps and advice based on our own experiences, it will help you plan your trip with confidence.
Sign up now to be the first to know when our Egypt Travel Planner launches and get access to this new resource as soon as it’s available.
Top Sights - Giza / Cairo
Explore Cairo
- with our interactive maps
Hotels - Giza / Cairo
Egypt Hotel Ratings
Hotel star ratings in Egypt don’t always match the standards you might expect from European hotels. To help you choose where to stay, we’ve created our own Bronze, Silver and Gold hotel ratings, based on our personal experiences and what we found during our travels. Whether you’re looking for the best hotels in Egypt, affordable accommodation or luxury hotels, our reviews can help you make a more informed choice. Always check the most recent hotel reviews before booking, as standards, facilities and service can change over time.
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Nestled near the Grand Egyptian Museum and overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza, Marriott Mena House, Cairo is surrounded by 40 acres of lush gardens. This 5-star luxury hotel features a spa, fitness center, and a pool.
Exclusive direct access to the pyramids complex via Mena House for in house guests only via golf cart. You will need to book with the concierge.
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Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo in Giza offers a 5-star experience with a garden, restaurant, bar, and a year-round outdoor swimming pool.
Located 2.7 mi from the Giza Pyramids and 17 mi from Sphinx International Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as The Grand Egyptian Museum and Cairo Tower
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Saray Pyramids & Museum View Hotel in Giza - Cairo offers good quality budget family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities.
Located Located 1.5 mi from the Giza Pyramids, the hotel is near attractions such as The Grand Egyptian Museum and Cairo Tower.
- how to get there
Hurghada / Marsa Alam
Fly - Fast & Easy (1hr 15min flight) often from $35 - $100 one way from Cairo to Hurghada. From Cairo to Marsa Alam the flight is around 1hr 25 min, often around $60 - $130 one way.
Go Bus - This is a safe and a budget way to travel, but it can be uncomfortable, especially for this five hour journey to Hurghada. Marsa Alam is eleven hours from Cairo!. If you book business class, the seats are a bit nicer.
Indrive - Might be worth looking into, a driver can take you in a private car, often cheaper than expected. $50 - $80 Cairo to Hurghada, depending on fuel costs at the time. It would cost more to Marsa Alam from Cairo around $120 - $200. fuel costs are increasing so this may change quickly. You can also book a private driver, which may be more.
Drive - We hired a car in Giza at Sphinx International Airport, but would only recommend you do so if you are used to driving abroad and in busy cities. You can watch our driving tour here, to get a sense of the roads. We paid $44.53 per day, for us it was worth it as we have four children. It took us eight and a half hours to drive to Marsa Alam from our hotel in Giza.
Top Sights - Marsa Alam
Snorkelling with Turtles at Abu Dabbab Beach
One of the reasons we booked to go to Marsa Alam was to swim and snorkle alongside the large turtles and marine life.
We chose to visit Abu Dabbab Beach near Marsa Alam. The shallow, clear waters make it a fantastic place to explore the Red Sea, and we were lucky enough to get close to these incredible creatures in their natural environment. We took our own snorkle equipment, but there was an excellent hire shop on site, serving both divers and snorklers.
This is a private beach, you can pay for daily access, or if you are staying in the Hilton, Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, this will be included.
It was definitely one of our favourite experiences during our Egypt road trip.
- with our interactive maps
Explore Marsa Alam
Hotels - Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is an ideal red sea destination for travelers seeking world class diving and snorkling experiences, with pristine coral reefs, turtles, and a chance to see the sea cow (dugongs). This area is less crowded than Hurghada, offering a tranquil retreat. Here are our recomendations for hotels in the Marsa Alam area.
$$$ All Inclusive
JAZ Elite Riviera in Port Ghalib offers a 5-star luxurious experience with a swimming pool with a view, lush gardens, and a terrace. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a modern restaurant, and a bar.
It is nestled along the pristine coastline of Marsa Mares Bay, where you can swimg amongst the turtles and dugong. A fantastic place to snorkle.
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Marsa Alam Nubian Resort has elegant bedrooms with contemporary décor, four swimming pools and a variety of bars and resturants.
This resort sits right on Abu Dabab bay on the red sea coast, giving guests direct pedestrian access to an incredible reef with turtles. The hotel offers a shuttle down to the beach with private loungers. The visability is amazing and great for snorkling.
$$ - All Inclusive
Located along its own private beach, Gemma Resort offers views over the Red Sea. It features indoor and outdoor pools and a wellness centre. Several restaurants and bars are also available.
Activities available at the Gemma Resort include horse riding, diving, and snorkelling. Its well-equipped spa includes a Turkish bath, sauna, and a variety of soothing treatments.
- how to get there
Luxor
Fly - Fast & Easy (1hr 10min flight) often from $200 return from Cairo, If you are traveling from Marsa Alam or Hurghada to Luxor, a private transfer is best.
Train - Overnight Upper Egypt train station, takes 9-10 hours (Cairo - Luxor) - book through Abela train services. Around $90 one way. (not recommended due to frequent delays, but ok if you are on a budget). If you are traveling from Marsa Alam / Hurghada to Luxor there is no train train service.
Go Bus - This is a safe and a good budget way to travel, but can be uncomfortable. If you book business class, the seats are a bit nicer. Hurghada - Luxor $8+, Marsa Alam $9 - $15. (prices may change & Luggage fee is extra).
Private Transfer - A driver can take you in a private car. From Cairo - Luxor it can cost around $230+, but this will fluctuate with fuel costs which are constantly rising. Hurghada to Luxor around $150, Marsa Alam - Luxor $160. This is all dependant on type of car and service.
Self Drive - We hired a car so drove 6hrs from our hotel in Marsa Alam to Luxor, with a short fuel stop. We would only recommend you do so, if you are used to driving abroad and in busy cities. More on our driving tour here.
Top 9 things to see in Luxor
Luxor is one of the best places to visit in Egypt if you want to experience the country’s incredible ancient history. Often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor is home to some of Egypt’s most famous ancient sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
But Luxor is more than just temples and tombs. Take a relaxing boat trip along the Nile, explore the city at your own pace, or experience the unforgettable sight of the ancient monuments from above on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Whether you’re interested in Egyptian history, photography, culture or simply want to experience somewhere truly spectacular, Luxor should be high on your Egypt itinerary.
We've put together our top 9 must see locations in Luxor, which you can watch here.
- with our interactive maps
Explore Luxor
Hotels - Luxor
Staying in Luxor gives you the perfect base for exploring some of Egypt’s most famous ancient sites. Rather than rushing through the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in a single day, spending a few nights allows you to take your time and experience more of what the city has to offer. Be aware that hotels can provide their own star ratings, so they dont always match up to European ratings. Here are our top hotel recommendations in Luxor.
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Nestled on the banks of the Nile, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers stylish rooms with uninterrupted views from the water’s edge, luxurious spa facilities and stunning infinity pools. Guests can enjoy the tranquil environment and attentive service at Hilton Luxor Resort. Guests may choose from classic Hilton rooms to upgraded suites with Nile views.
Located in a quieter position on the outskirts of central Luxor.
Situated in the heart of Luxor, Steigenberger Nile Palace hotel provides modern 5 star accommodation with stunning views of the Nile.
The spacious rooms are air conditioned and feature satellite TV. Upgraded rooms have balcony views, and all are filled with natural light. Conveniently located within a short walk of Luxor's large shopping district. Luxor Temple is 1 km away.
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Jolie Ville Hotel & Spa Kings Island is a luxurious resort situated on a private island. Surrounded by 165 acres of landscaped gardens, it overlooks the Nile and features 3 outdoor swimming pools. Each room offers a private terrace overlooking the lush gardens. All benefit from air conditioning, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. It boasts an infinity-edge swimming pool with Nile views and a water cannon. Guests can also enjoy various leisure facilities including 4 tennis courts and a gym.
13 Things You Need to Know Before You Go
In this video we share 13 essential things to know before visiting Egypt,
We cover:
Is Egypt Safe?
visa on arrival vs online evisa
money & tipping culture
What to wear,
transport,
Scams to avoid,
Hotel tips, and much more.
Practical Egypt Travel Tips
Planning a trip to Egypt? These practical Egypt travel tips cover some of the things we found useful during our own travels, from money and visas to mobile data, what to pack and the best apps to have on your phone.
Tourist Visa: Many visitors to Egypt require a tourist visa. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply online or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, it's generally very straight forward, we went straight to the desk on arrival, handed over $30 per person and we were given it straight away. Cairo International Airport have just introduced a new digital visa on arrival with a QR code. You can use self service machines when you land and the cost is $36 paid via card.
Language: Arabic is the official language of Egypt, but English is widely spoken in major cities, hotels and tourist areas. We found that communicating in English was generally straightforward, so the language barrier shouldn’t be a major concern for most visitors. La Shukran in arabic translates to 'No thankyou' saying this polite, but film can help in situations, if you are being pressured to enter a shop.
Currency: The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is still useful for smaller purchases, local restaurants, tips (do get out a load of 50 - 100 notes for tipping) and markets, although cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses. Exchange rates change regularly, so check the current rate before you travel.
SIM Card & Mobile Data: An eSIM for Egypt can be a convenient option if your phone supports it, allowing you to get connected as soon as you arrive. Alternatively, local SIM cards are available at airports and in many towns and cities. Coverage is generally good in populated areas, although mobile signal can become less reliable when travelling through remote parts of Egypt.
What to Pack: Egypt can be extremely hot, particularly during the summer months, so lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. T-shirts and shorts are commonly worn in tourist resorts and around the Red Sea, while more conservative clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites, and more traditional areas. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are also essential for exploring Egypt’s ancient sites.
Essential Apps: Having the right apps can make travelling around Egypt much easier. Google Maps is useful for navigation, although we recommend downloading maps for offline use and not relying on it completely when driving. Ride-hailing apps such as uber, careem or indrive can be useful in cities, while Google Translate can help with Arabic signs, menus and communication. If you’re planning an Egypt road trip, always double-check your route, as navigation apps don’t always show the most appropriate roads for tourists.
