Holidays in Egypt

Silky sands and colourful coral reefs

Feel the dry desert breeze from the Sahara as you gaze up at the only surviving ancient wonder of the world. Relax beside golden sands and snorkel in warm, coral-rich waters. Glide past palm-lined river islands, stopping to explore tombs and temples built for gods, queens and pharaohs. Whether it’s adventure, inspiration or relaxation you’re looking for, our Egypt holidays have got you covered.

Egypt has been enticing travellers to her shores since Roman times, and with good reason. The sheer scale and drama of the ancient monuments here is awe-inspiring – as are the epic tales that go with them. The winding River Nile – the ‘lifeblood’ of Egypt – cuts through the desert plains and feeds the fertile lands that gave rise to the ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Holidays to Egypt aren’t just about archaeology and ancient artefacts, though. The country’s Red Sea beach resorts are all about taking it easy. Unwind by the pool, stroll along toffee-coloured sands, or slip beneath the waves to explore a kaleidoscopic underwater world.

Cairo offers a great introduction to Egypt. You’ll find plenty in the way of ancient architecture across Egypt, but nothing quite tops the mighty Pyramids at Giza. Built more than 4,000 years ago, they’re the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, and a true masterpiece of engineering. Not far from the pyramids is another iconic sight (the Great Sphinx), while back in the city itself, the Egyptian Museum lays out excellent exhibitions of artefacts discovered in tombs and temples.

A Nile cruise is a classic experience to add to any Egyptian holiday. On board the ship, you’ll enjoy ever-changing landscapes – desert scenery, traditional villages, groves of date palms – while on shore, you’ll tour incredible sights like the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple.

Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are perfect for sun, sand and snorkelling. Beaches here are golden and usually right in front of hotels, and you can often snorkel straight off the sand to coral gardens. For more impressive underwater action, boat trips can take dive enthusiasts to see shipwrecks and reef drop-offs teeming with life.

Egypt’s summers can get uncomfortably hot, with temperatures into the 40s. Spring and autumn are warm (often hot), but breezes on the river make these great times for a cruise along the Nile. Autumn is also an ideal time to visit the Red Sea if you’re planning on doing lots of diving or snorkelling. If you prefer cooler temperatures and don’t mind wrapping up for early mornings and evenings, then you could choose to visit Egypt over the winter months.

The official language of Egypt is Arabic.

Egypt is two hours ahead of GMT, though this can change at certain times of the year thanks to daylight saving.

Flights from the UK to Cairo and Sharm are just under 5 hours. To Luxor, it’s around 5 hours 30 minutes.

Currently, British Citizens holidaying in Egypt need a single-entry tourist visa. Some of our holidays include this in the price – if this is the case, these will be issued on arrival in Egypt. Please call if you’re unsure if your holiday includes a visa. Visit GOV UK or CIBT visas for more advice on passports and visas.

With the widest choice of holidays and travel experiences than ever before, you can now personalise your trip so you are in complete control. All this is backed up by the high-standards and service you’d expect from Saga.

70 years’ experience

Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.

Peace of mind

You’re in safe hands with Saga. We’re an ABTA member and your holiday is ATOL protected.

Great value

We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.

SIGN UP FOR TRAVEL INSPIRATION & OFFERS

Sign up to our emails for the latest from Saga Holidays.

By providing your details you will receive emails with related content and offers from Saga.  You can unsubscribe from this at any time.

For more information click here for our privacy policy.