Egypt holidays

Egyptian cookery makes the most of Middle Eastern flavours with influences from the Med and beyond. You’ll find countless ways to indulge in this exotic cuisine, from tasty flatbreads with hummus, to enticing kebabs and sweet pastries. Read on for a few of our holiday favourites. Egypt’s national dish, kushari is a moreish combo of chickpeas and pasta found all over the country. This delicious meat-free meal comes with a side of spicy tomato sauce, and can be enjoyed on the go or in any traditional restaurant. Served in hearty portions, kushari is sure to fill you up after a busy day seeing the sights.

When it comes to street food, don’t forget to try shawarma. This mouth-watering snack is popular worldwide, but the Egyptian version is extra-special. Juicy chunks of meat are marinated with local spices and grilled over a hot flame – it’s so good, you’ll be coming back for more! If you’re prone to a pud, be sure to sample Om Ali, a layered puff pastry made with chopped nuts and served with ice-cream. A Middle Eastern version of bread pudding, Om Ali is popular with all ages, and can be found in neighbourhood cafes and bakeries. Try it with a cup of sweet Egyptian coffee.

The Red Sea coast is a pristine stretch of golden and white sands with a number of a popular resorts. Clear, aquamarine waters lap the shores of sandy beaches where you can choose to lay back and soak up the sun, or take to the water for a day of diving. Hurghada is a lively all-rounder with some excellent scuba diving. Head out for a day of underwater exploration where you’ll swim over coral reefs and wrecks. Back on dry land, make your way into town for a vibrant evening full of exotic dining and entertainment.

Marsa Alam is a rising star of the region with some of the best unspoiled beaches in Egypt. Snorkel off Abu Dabbab Beach and, if you’re lucky you’ll get to swim with dugongs and giant sea turtles. If you’re a diver, check out Samadai Reef for the chance to see spinner dolphins in action. Tailor-made for families, Sharm el Sheikh boasts 35km of coastline with gently sloping sands and shallow waters. You’ll find plenty of ways to have fun on the water, with banana boats and parasails for the brave. Plus, there’s an aqua park nearby, so all ages can experience a thrilling day out in the water.

Whether you’re planning a month long holiday in exciting Egypt, or just a few days, there’s so much to see – in fact, it can be hard to know where to begin. To help you along, we’ve put down our top 3 must-see attractions for your Egypt holiday.

Great Pyramids, Cairo: Of course, no trip to Egypt would be complete without seeing the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders. These amazing 4,500 year old tombs were built to house Egyptian kings and they’re a sight to behold. You’ll also find the Sphinx here – the giant mythical creature that keeps guard over the pyramids.

Valley of the Kings, Luxor: The Valley of the Kings is another can’t-miss Egypt attraction. These awe-inspiring tombs are the burial site of Egypt’s most famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamun. His famous golden mask is on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Temple of Abu Simbel, Aswan: The Temple of Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most amazing monuments. Carved from rock, this giant temple was built by King Ramesses II over 3 thousand years ago to celebrate his victory in battle. Millions flock to Abu Simbel each year, the second biggest manmade attraction in Egypt, after the Pyramids.

Egypt is the perfect place for those once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Whether you’re a couple, family or group of friends, you can cross off those bucket-list items in this magical country. Take your Egypt holiday to the next level with these amazing experiences.

Hot air balloon ride, Luxor: This awe-inspiring journey will take you 3000 ft above the ancient city of Luxor on the trip of a lifetime. As you drift over iconic landmarks, take in the outstanding mountain views. Keep a look out for the Temple of Karnak, Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon on this unforgettable ride.

Nile river cruise: Enjoy a Nile cruise and float down the world’s longest river as you pass temples, ruins and ancient cities. Stop at the ancient city of Thebes, to see the stunningly-preserved buildings. Marvel at the rock temple in Abu Simbel, and wander around the beautiful temple complex at Dendera.

Quad bike safari, Hurghada: Buckle up and take to the desert on an exhilarating quad bike safari. Power past exciting rock formations and over dunes, before ending the day at a Bedouin village. Get to know the traditions of the desert nomads, and enjoy an evening of music, dance, and even fire-eating!