Egypt

Egypt

From299

Egypt unlocks the mysteries of the ancient world — from the Pyramids of Giza to the vibrant Red Sea coral reefs perfect for diving.

Quick Facts

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Climate
Desert, 30–38 °C (coast)
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Time zone
UTC+2 (EET)
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Meal (1 person)
€2–4 per person
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Restaurant (2 pax)
€12–20 for two
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Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
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Language
Arabic
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Visa
On arrival, €20–25 at airport
Nights
board
Max price

Main Resorts

Hurghada is Egypt's most established Red Sea resort — a long stretch of hotels, water parks, and dive centres along the western coast, with the coral reef beginning almost at the beach. Ideal for families and divers alike.

Sharm el-Sheikh sits at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula between two bays of crystalline water. Ras Mohammed National Park — one of the world's top dive sites — is just 20 km away, and the legendary Tiran Island reef is visible from the beach.

Marsa Alam is the quieter, more laid-back alternative: smaller resorts, pristine reefs that few other destinations can match, and a chance to snorkel with resident dugongs and dolphins.

El Gouna — the "Venice of the Red Sea" — is a purpose-built lagoon city with canals, boutique hotels, a marina, and an excellent watersports scene.

What to See & Do

  • Pyramids of Giza — the last surviving wonder of the ancient world: three colossal pyramids and the Great Sphinx on the edge of Cairo; unmissable
  • Karnak Temple & Luxor — the largest religious complex ever built, spanning 2,000 years of construction; best explored on a Nile cruise
  • Valley of the Kings — the royal burial ground for pharaohs including Tutankhamun, carved deep into limestone cliffs near Luxor
  • Abu Simbel — Ramesses II's colossal rock temple on the Nubian shore of Lake Nasser; an architectural feat relocated to save it from rising waters
  • Cairo Citadel & Bazaar — the medieval Islamic quarter, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the Egyptian Museum home to the Tutankhamun treasures

Best Time to Visit

October – April is the prime season: temperatures are comfortable (20–28 °C), perfect for sightseeing and beach holidays. December–February is particularly pleasant with cooler evenings.

May – September is very hot (35–45 °C inland, 32–38 °C at the coast). The Red Sea resorts are manageable with air-conditioning, but sightseeing in Luxor or Cairo in summer is extremely demanding.

Travel Tips

VisaVisa on arrival available for Baltic citizens (€20–25, paid at airport)
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP) — bring euros or dollars to exchange; USD widely accepted
Flight time~4–4.5 h from Riga, Vilnius or Tallinn
LanguageArabic; English spoken in hotels and tourist sites
SafetyResort areas are safe; follow local advice for Cairo and city travel

Tip: Combine a Red Sea beach week in Hurghada or Sharm with a 2–3 day Nile cruise (Luxor–Aswan) for the ultimate Egypt experience — many tour operators offer this as a single package.