Best of Hurghada

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Hurghada
Overlooking the Red Sea, the resort town of Hurghada is a popular draw for its sandy beaches, nightlife and aquatic activities. The former fishing village, first settled in the early 1900s, has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years, and makes a fine base for combining a bit of diving holiday with a visit to ancient sites in the Nile Valley

Boat trips take you out to some impressive snorkeling and dive sites. Favorite spots include Gota Abu Ramada, with its abundance of marine life and favorable conditions for novice divers and snorkelers alike, while Umm Qamar has coral towers that draw a wide variety of tropical fish. Wreck divers can visit sites near the Ashrafi Islands, like the wrecks of Bacchis and Siris, which are in relatively shallow water. You can also head out on desert safaris, traveling by ATV, camel or 4x4 to visit Bedouin villages. Along the way, you’ll stop for panoramic views of the mountains and rugged landscapes of the White Desert
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 Wake up to beautiful sunrises overlooking the Red Sea in Hurghada
Map of Cairo & Hurghada: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cairo & Hurghada: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Cairo and Hurghada spend about nine to 11 days in Egypt, which usually includes some time in Aswan, Luxor, and Edfu as well. For travelers wanting to visit Cairo and Hurghada exclusively, plan six to nine days for a well-paced trip. For the best itineraries, including Cairo and Hurghada, keep reading below.

Visit the ancient Temple of Luxor on this 8-day itinerary
Essential Egypt: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Hurghada - 8 Days

This whirlwind 8-day itinerary checks off some of Egypt's most iconic cultural highlights, then heads to the beach for some well-earned relaxation. Take a food tour of Cairo, stand in the shadow of the Great Pyramids, and see Aswan's sights from a traditional felucca sailboat. After touring the magnificent temples and complexes of Luxor, transfer to the Red Sea to soak up some sun on the white sand beaches of Hurghada.

Yachts in the harbor at Hurghada
Map of Ancient Egypt & Red Sea Getaway - 5 Days
Ancient Egypt & Red Sea Getaway - 5 Days

On this whirlwind tour through Egypt, you'll see diverse destinations ranging from the busy capital city to a beach resort by the Red Sea. Starting in Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum and the King Tut exhibit, detour to the pyramids of Giza, and see the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak. Then head for the coast, spending the last few days in Hurghada, swimming in the ocean and enjoying a desert safari tour.

Sunrise over the White Desert
Egypt Highlights: Cairo, White Desert, Luxor & Hurghada - 9 Days

Combining cultural highlights with stunning beaches and deserts, this 9-day Egyptian itinerary offers a perfect blend of ancient history and outdoor adventure. Visit the Great Pyramids and discover the many flavors of Cairo on a gastronomic tour, then set out into the breathtaking White Desert for a Bedouin camping experience. After a day spent exploring the temples and tombs of Luxor, you'll head for the beach and end your journey in the Red Sea diving hotspot of Hurghada.

Traditional sailboats on the Nile
Explore Egypt: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Hurghada - 10 Days

Discover Egypt's many faces on this diverse 10-day itinerary. Combining iconic cultural sights with scenic river cruising and a beach getaway, you'll check off all the highlights without sacrificing relaxing downtime. Tour the pyramids and wander the colorful Khan el Khalili bazaar in Cairo, cruise up the Nile from Aswan to Luxor, and end your stay in Hurghada on the beaches of the Red Sea.

The Pyramids of Giza
Highlights of Cairo, Alexandria, and Hurghada - 6 Days

During this 6-day trip, you'll learn about the ancient history of Cairo and Alexandria as well as visit the old beach town of Hurghada, located on the coast of the Red Sea. Get to know Cairo's old streets with historic churches and the Khan El Khalili old market, and spend a day seeing the Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza. Wander through Alexandria to see ancient artifacts and the Roman Amphitheater, and transfer to Hurghada for diving, a desert safari, and relaxation.

The Valley of the Kings
Explore Egypt: Ancient Cairo, Nile Cruise & Red Sea Beaches - 14 Days

This two-week tour showcases the highlights and hidden gems of Egypt— from ancient temples to Red Sea resorts. Discover the iconic Great Pyramids and the lesser-known sites of Saqqara and Dahshour, cruise up the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor, and head to the coast for rest and relaxation on the beaches of Hurghada. End your journey by circling back to Cairo, where you'll tour historic mosques and markets and embark on day trips to Alexandria and Fayoum.

Dive into the ancient temples of Luxor on this eight-day expedition in Egypt
Map of Egyptian Highlights from Cairo to the Red Sea - 8 Days
Egyptian Highlights from Cairo to the Red Sea - 8 Days

Combine Cairo, the Nile River, and the Red Sea on this whirlwind eight-day tour that ticks off some of Egypt's greatest wonders. Wander the streets of the capital on a food tour, then learn the secrets of the pharaohs from an Egyptologist at the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum. Take a three-night cruise up the Nile, visiting riverside temples and tombs, then transfer to the beach town of Hurghada for a desert safari through the Sahara and snorkeling in the colorful coral reefs of the Red Sea.

The Great Pyramids at sunset
Explore Egypt: Ancient Sites, Nile Cruise & Red Sea - 11 Days

In just 11 days, this diverse itinerary showcases Egypt's highlights across land, river, and sea. Start by touring the iconic ancient sites of Giza, Alexandria, and Abu Simbel, then board a cruise to spend three nights journeying up the Nile River. After immersing yourself in the ancient world at Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, transfer to the Red Sea to finish your trip snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the sun on the beaches of Hurghada.

Cruise the Nile from Aswan to Luxor
Explore Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Hurghada & White Desert - 13 Days

With a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this 13-day Egyptian itinerary has something for everyone. Discover the ancient sites and antiquities of Cairo, cruise up the Nile from Aswan to Luxor, lounge on white-sand beaches at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, and end your journey camping under the stars among the breathtaking dunes of the White Desert.

Check out the massive Luxor Temple during your Egypt adventure
Map of Cairo, Hurghada, Aswan & Luxor: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cairo, Hurghada, Aswan & Luxor: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Egypt travelers interested in visiting Cairo, Hurghada, Aswan, and Luxor, especially when also including Bahariya. If you're not interested in Bahariya, 10 to 12 days is enough for your Cairo, Hurghada, Aswan, and Luxor trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as eight or nine days. Check out our favorite Cairo, Hurghada, Aswan, and Luxor trips below.

After your three-day Nile cruise, relax on the golden sands of one of Hurghada's beaches
Map of Egyptian Highlights from Cairo to the Red Sea - 9 Days
Egyptian Highlights from Cairo to the Red Sea - 9 Days

In just nine days, you'll see some of Egypt's most iconic landmarks and natural wonders—from the historic streets of Cairo to the coastal Red Sea city of Hurghada. In between, spend three days cruising down the Nile, stopping at ancient temples like Edfu and Karnak along the way. Other highlights include a food and walking tour in the capital, a day trip to the Giza pyramid complex, a boat trip to the Giftun Islands, and a Jeep tour across the desert.

Sail the Nile in a luxurious dahabiya sailing boat
Egypt & Jordan Grand Tour: Cairo, Nile Sailing Trip, Hurghada, Bahariya & Petra - 20 Days

Enjoy culture, adventure, and relaxation on this unforgettable 20-day tour of Egypt and Jordan. See the iconic pyramids, temples, and tombs of the ancient world, explore otherworldly deserts and Red Sea beaches, and board a traditional dahabiya sailboat to cruise the Nile River in style. After discovering Egypt's many highlights and hidden gems, it's time to hop over to Jordan to camp among the red dunes of Wadi Rum and experience the "Lost City' of Petra by candlelight.

Other popular travel destinations in Egypt
Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Edfu · Esna · Kom Ombo · Sharm el-Sheikh · Alexandria · Siwa · Fayoum