Egypt tours & holidays

Egypt is blessed with lots of sunshine and very little rain. Generally, the hottest months are June to August, and the coolest month is January. Rainfall is negligible, except on the coast, with rain usually occurring during the winter months (December to March).

During the summer months (from June to August), daily temperatures can reach 40ºC, perfect for snorkelling and soaking up the sun on the beaches of Sinai but can prove challenging for some in the crowded streets and souqs of Cairo. 

Choose to escape the crowds by travelling from March to May or September to November when the weather is milder, and there's the opportunity to experience Egypt during Ramadan and the celebrations of Eid (which marks the breaking of the fast). If you are planning to travel during Ramadan, it's important to consider that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours.

Read more about the best time to visit Egypt

Learn more about the weather in Egypt

Egypt is a country with one of the most well-known ancient histories in the world. The mythology, the customs, the might of the pharaohs and the grandeur of monuments it left behind has captivated everyone from historians and archaeologists to school children and filmmakers for centuries.

Since the time of pharaohs and pyramids, Egypt has gone through several major invasions and occupations including Alexander the Great, the Ottoman Empire, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, Arab Muslims, Napolean Bonaparte and the British occupation during WWII.

With the arrival and conquest of Egypt by the Arab Muslims, Egypt’s culture shifted from the Egyptian customs and languages to Islamic, which it retains to this day.

Today, Islam permeates daily activities, with about 90% of the population Muslim, while most of the remaining 10% identify as Coptic Christians. Life revolves around the five daily prayers and everything is closed on Friday, the Muslim holy day.

As a Muslim country, some of Egypt’s major festivals and events revolve around the Islamic calendar, including Ramadan, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.

Read more about festivals in Egypt

Located in the north-east corner of Africa, Egypt shares its borders with Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Libya and Sudan, as well as the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. The two seas are connected by the man-made Suez Canal.

The remote triangle-shaped peninsula is largely characterised by limestone and desert but also has a vibrant coral reef along the Red Sea coastline. Hot, dry desert covers most of the country’s terrain, with the Western Desert occupying much of the west and the Arabian (or Eastern) Desert stretching the length of the eastern coast. These two regions are dissected by the Nile River, which runs the length of the country, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.

With fragrant spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, and delicious sweets on offer, culinary adventures in Egypt are guaranteed. On many Intrepid trips you'll be given the opportunity to dine with a local family – this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the ingredients.

Foods to try in Egypt

1. Hamam mahshi

A north African delicacy, hamam – roasted pigeon stuffed with cracked wheat and rice – can be found on the menu of most traditional Egyptian restaurants. You may need a few to fill up though, as they don’t contain a lot of meat. And be careful of all the tiny bones.

2. Ta'ameya (falafel)

Crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside, these deep-fried balls of spiced fava beans are a Middle Eastern vegetarian staple. Usually served in a pita with salad, pickles and sesame-based tahina - buy it at a street stall for a quick, cheap meal.

3. Koshary

Shops specializing in this popular ‘poor man’s dish’ can be found throughout Cairo. A hearty mix of rice, macaroni and lentils, chickpeas and fried onions, koshary is topped with a tomato-vinegar sauce.

4. Ful medames

Don't leave Egypt without trying the classic dish of ful medames, which can be traced back to pharaonic times. Consisting of slow-cooked fava beans, served with olive oil, parsley, garlic and lemon juice - add some spice by seasoning with chilli paste and eat with bread.

5. Pastries

Delicious, sweet pastries are found in restaurants, markets and cafes in Egypt. Never was there a better time to live by the adage ‘Life is short, eat dessert first’.

Egypt is a mostly Muslim country, and any consumption of alcohol here is relatively low-key. There are many fantastic alternatives. Juice stands are common on main streets offering freshly squeezed banana, guava, or mango juice. Karkadai is a chilled, crimson drink brewed from hibiscus leaves (served hot in the winter). And tea (or shai) is the beverage of choice for most Egyptians, which is sipped throughout the day and with meals.

Read more about what to eat in Egypt

Read more about what to drink in Egypt

1. Nile River

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Nile River - the life force of Egypt that has flowed for centuries. A provider of irrigation, an essential travel route, home to hippos and crocodiles, and now a source of leisure for locals and travellers alike, the Nile is an aquatic link to Egypt’s ancient heritage.  Sail down the Nile on a traditional Egyptian felucca.

2. Red Sea

Dive into the warm, glittering waters of the Red Sea on a snorkelling adventure in Hurghada. Look out for turtles, manta rays and reef fish around the untouched corals.

3. Alexandria

Discover the historic wonders of Alexandria, an ancient port city that locals call the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea. The Roman ruins of Kom el-Dikka may not be the biggest, but they are certainly among the best-preserved in Egypt, if not the world. Soak up the atmosphere of the Roman amphitheatre and imagine it in all its glory - packed with 800 spectators ready for action.

4. Cairo

Wander the cobbled streets of Islamic Cairo and uncover the ancient heart of this chaotic city. Admire mosques, palaces and houses, and peruse the goods on offer at one of the world’s oldest bazaars. Dating back to medieval times, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar is where people have traded goods for centuries. Shop for souveniers at Cairo's Khan al-Khalili bazaar.

5. Mt Sinai

Embark on a trek to the top of Mt Sinai and witness an incredible golden sunrise to remember. A place of worship for many faiths, a pilgrimage to Mt Sinai reveals stunning scenery, an ancient monastery and historic chapels. An iconic highlight of Egypt for believers and non-believers alike, Mt Sinai is not to be missed

6. Luxor

Explore the impressive chapels, pylons and obelisks of Karnak Temple. The awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak are filled with stately statues, immense columns and gigantic gateways. Explore this intriguing site and be left in no doubt about the brilliance of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.

7. Abu Simbel

Visit Abu Simbel to see the four massive 20 metres tall statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.

8. Valley of the Kings

King Tut’s treasures may be long gone, but his hieroglyphic-covered tomb remains an incredible sight to see. Within the valley, over 60 tombs of pharaohs are buried, many adorned in intricate artwork and hieroglyphics.

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP).

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in remote areas. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

ATMs are commonly found in larger cities, like Cairo and Alexandria, near shopping centres, tourist areas and 5-star hotels, but are far less common in small towns and rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.