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Holidayco.co.uk specialises in cheap egyptian holidays, package holidays and late deals to a huge number of destinations. Find out more about Egypt in our guide below.

Holidays in Egypt

Most people think of Egypt as the land of the Pharaohs; an ancient country steeped in history and tradition. There is more to Egypt than pyramids and ancient statues however; Egypt offers a fascinating blend of ancient and modern influences, creating a truly unique holiday destination.

With coasts on both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, Egypt has much to offer fans of watersports and diving. Romantic cruises on the Nile have been popular since Victorian times, and of course there is the chance to see some of the wonders of the world at first hand.

Egypt Facts At A Glance

Area: 997,379 square km.

Climate: Mild in winter and autumn, hot in summer.

Terrain: Varied. Large areas of uninhabited desert. Fertile Nile valley and coasts

Population: 70 Million

Languages: Arabic. Many Egyptians also speak English or French

Currency: Egyptian Pound

Time Zone: GMT +2 hours

International Dialling Code: +20

Food and Drink

Traditional Middle Eastern cuisine is easy to find in Egypt, but there are plenty of places offering international dishes too. For something different, try a meal in the revolving restaurant in the Cairo Tower, which offers views of the city and surroundings from nearly 200m up.

Why not search our database of cheap egyptian holidays now by visiting the holidayco.co.uk homepage and using the search facility.

Places to visit

The main holiday destinations in Egypt are the cities of Cairo and Alexandria, the historic temples at Luxor and the coastal resorts on the Red and Mediterranean seas.

Cairo, modern capital of Egypt, is the largest city in Africa. Its past can still be seen today in the form of pyramids, Ottoman mosques and Christian churches, all mingled in with the excitement of a bustling modern city.

Alexandria, second-largest city in Egypt, has a style and culture all its own. More Mediterranean than African, the city has a long history dating back to its founding by Alexander the Great in 331BC. Once the capital of Egypt, Alexandria shows a mix of ancient and modern Mediterranean influences including those of the Greek and Roman empires. The city also has 40km of beaches to enjoy.

Luxor is a popular destination for those wishing to see the splendour and wonder of old Egypt. Built near ancient Thebes, capital of Egypt in 2000BC, Luxor is the site of several major temples and historic monuments including the temple of Luxor.

Taba lies on the Sinai Peninsula, on the Red Sea coast. With desert mountains just inland, it is a spectacular setting for a holiday and particularly appeals to divers and lovers of watersports.

Sharm al Sheik also lies on the Sinai, at the southern tip. It is popular with divers and lovers of sun and sea.

El Alamein is famous as the site of a great battle in World War Two. Today, however, it is just beginning to find fame as a holiday resort offering glorious white beaches and year-round sunshine. El Alamein has its own airport.

Things to do

Watersports are popular in Egypt’s fine coastal resorts. Whether racing along the surface on water-skis or a wakeboard, flying above it under a parasail or diving into the depths with a snorkel or scuba equipment, Egypt offers a wealth of opportunities to get wet and have fun. There is plenty to see through the glass bottom of a boat, or close up during a dive. Red Sea coral, dolphins, turtles and lionfish can be observed in the clear blue waters.

Those with other sporting interests will find places to indulge them. There is a very good golf course at Mena House, in view of the pyramids. Adventurers can take a boat trip on the Nile or a horseback ride between the Giza pyramids and Saqqara.

As well as short Nile trips, longer cruises on the river are popular with holidaymakers. The vast majority of Egypt’s population dwells in the fertile Nile valley, so a cruise up the river offers the chance to see virtually all the sights of the country.

The Cairo region offers a vast range of cultural delights. See five thousand years of history unfold before you on a visit to the Great Pyramids, the royal burial grounds at Saqqara or the ruins of ancient Memphis. The Sphinx is a must-see for those wanting to feel the wonder of ancient Egypt. The treasures of ancient Egypt can be viewed at the Egyptian Museum.

Those seeking more recent history and architecture will enjoy the many churches of Egypt. Some are built on older religious buildings. The Church of St Sergius and St Baccus is constructed on a site where the young Jesus and his family are believed to have stayed during their flight from King Herod.

Contrasting these Christian monuments are several impressive Islamic buildings, including the Citadel of the great Salah Al-Din and several mosques with a very long history. The Islamic Museum brings together many exhibits including art, tapestries and manuscripts from across the world.

Cairo is not all history, however. It is a modern city with a vibrant nightlife. Traditional Arabic music and dance are performed in many locations, and more modern tastes are catered for in the many bars, restaurants and night clubs found in the larger towns and resorts.

A shopping trip in Cairo could turn into a lengthy undertaking. There is so much to browse and choose from, and in such varied surroundings! Local produce includes perfume, spices and jewellery plus leather, glass & ceramics, brass and copperware. Places to shop range from street markets to modern shopping malls.

The city of Aswan in the south of the country offers a contrast with northern Alexandria. Much more African in flavour, Aswan is a place to relax and unwind, listening to traditional Nubian music and enjoying a meal in a floating restaurant. Aswan is the site of the Aswan Dam and the High Dam, two very impressive pieces of modern engineering. There are also a number of historic sites and monuments near to the city, including temples and border forts.