Egypt Holidays in 2013

Egypt is simply perfect for scuba diving, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. You’ll have access to some wonderful underwater adventures, with wrecks, cave diving and drift dives. Dahab is a popular spot for diving and features the legendary Black Hole, whilst other in-demand sites include Sharm El Sheikh, El Gouna and Marsa Alam. You will see some astounding marine life including dolphins, species of fish unique to the country and maybe even a shark. Some hotels even have dive centres and classes, such as the Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort.

For many, sunbathing is an essential part of any summer holiday and the beaches are perfect for this. Sharm el Sheikh’s beaches are amongst some of the most popular, or there is Hurghada, a beautiful Red Sea resort 500km south of Cairo filled with sandy bays and backed by mountains. Also try out the former fishing village of Marsa Alam, which is the southern-most resort on the Red Sea coastline. Wherever you choose to sunbathe, remember that you need to wear sun cream all year round on a holiday to Egypt and you should drink plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated.

Snorkelling is the ideal way to spend time at the beach, thanks to the warm and clear waters making it incredibly easy to see marine life by the shore. It’s also popular due to the fact that, unlike diving, there is no training needed. By far the most popular place to snorkel Sharm El Sheikh, with its perfect visibility, and the trendy Naama Bay is regularly packed with holidaymakers and their snorkels. Other places to consider for underwater adventures are Soma Bay and Makadi Bay, both of which have wonderful colourful reefs and warm waters that are perfect for snorkelers of any age.

Ancient Egyptian culture is fascinating, but Islam is practised by most Egyptians and so there are beautiful mosques to visit throughout the country which should also be on your to-do list. On the outskirts of Cairo there’s an amazing citadel and a fortress that is worth exploring with the whole family. Further afield, tours to Bedouin villages give you the opportunity to learn more about the nomads of the deserts and drink tea with them. As the sun sets you’ll find the Egyptian souks and bazaars really come alive, with some staying open until midnight to offer market stalls and street food.

Exploring the rolling golden hills of the desert is a must on any Egypt holiday. Adventure out into the desert by camel or on a horse riding excursion and witness the incredible landscape. If you fancy something more fast-paced then you can even hire a quad bike or a desert buggy and race your friends. For something more romantic, from Cairo you can take a trip to the mountains and then watch the sunset in the desert - the sun seems to shimmer on the horizon before finally dipping out of sight. The White Desert offers tempting camping adventures with places like the Akabat Mountains to visit, making you feel like a true explorer.

One of the unexpected pleasures to be found on a holiday in Egypt is in getting lost in the labyrinth of souks and bazaars, which are packed with stalls featuring clothing, jewellery, pottery and food, amongst other things. You can shop for everything from small antique trinkets to camels, though don’t forget that you can’t take a camel on the plane home! One of the most exciting souks is the Khan Al-Khalili in Cairo, which is one of the world’s oldest bazaars and a great place for souvenir shopping; other souks are found in Luxor and Hurghada. Don’t forget to haggle, too: the seller will give you a very high introductory price, so challenge them immediately with a much lower offer and they’ll know you are serious. It’s all part of the experience and you’ll soon feel like a seasoned pro.

Egypt’s beaches are wide and sandy with fantastic water sports amenities, making them very child-friendly. The ever popular Sharm El Sheikh resort offers visitors year round warm waters that are perfect for snorkelling, paddling or even learning to dive with older children. You can also visit Tiran Island on a glass-bottomed boat trip to see the incredible marine life with the whole family. Meanwhile Hurghada is perfect for beach holidays, with a great mix of attractions to keep you busy and a bustling souk to pick up souvenirs from your stay.

The food on a holiday to Egypt could well be on par with the history, the beaches and the weather. Whether your tastes lie with sticks of kebabs, seafood or vegetables you’re going to be in for a treat. Alexandria is great for seafood and has a good number of restaurants along the coastline. Cairo serves up the luxury end of the market with the lower end and both are as good as each other. The bazaar hosts many a shoarma restaurant where you’ll find kebabs and there is even an Egyptian pancake house for those with a sweet-tooth.