general information

Probably the best known African country, people the world over come to marvel at the Pyramids, lose themselves in the bustle of Cairo, cruise along the mighty Nile and immerse themselves in history. But there is much to Egypt than Cleopatra and the Pyramids, this is one destination where you really need to go and experience the history for yourself. 

Cairo

Visit Cairo to see the pyramids, Sphinx and treasures of Tutankhamun, then haggle in the bazaars  and hang out in coffee shops to soak up the atmosphere of this hectic city. Afterwards, you could chill on a Nile cruise.

Hurghada

Shop

Abu Ashara is a supermarket chain with 14 branches around Hurghada. It stocks food as well as a wide range of toiletries plus essentials such as bottled water. Try the one at the mall on Sheraton Road.
Sahara Gallery has a superb selection of Nubian, Bedouin and other traditional handcrafts. From glass vases to furniture, the range is wide and the quality excellent.

Hurghada X-treme Directory is available free at many outlets including hotel receptions, and has listings of events around town.

February is the start of the manta ray season in the Red Sea. These majestic beasts of the ocean feed on tiny plankton and are often seen near the surface enjoying the sun. They are harmless to humans and the lucky few might gt to snorkel with one on a boat trip.

Hurghada International Marina offers bars, restaurants, banks, shops and a bazaar.

August is the date harvesting time. All over town and in the plantations the huge heads of dates ripening in their protective meshing are cut down. Many still climb the palms bare-footed, machete in hand, while kids use stones to knock down one or two treats.

Day trip

Desert Safaris. From half-day to five-day trips, Badawiya Expedition Travel offers jeep rides in the desert to Bedouin villages, sand sailing, camel riding, belly dancing and cobra shows, as well as star gazing outings.
Makadi Bay. The Madinat Makadi Golf Resort is just 30 kilometres south of Hurghada and offers everything from golf clinics to introductory sessions. Lessons are also available. 

Sharm el Sheikh

Egypt. It usually brings to mind pyramids, the Sphinx and some dusty camels, but if you'd rather soak up the sun than the past, one of Sharm el Sheikh's many resorts is perfect. An all'inclusive package at the luxurious Royal Savoy & Villas, part of the Savoy Hotel, for example, includes free drinks and food at almost every bar and restaurants in the adjacent Soho Square. It's a great way to enjoy Egypt's beaches and weather. Watch your meal being cooked in front of you t the Oriental Zen restaurant, try an apple-flavoured hookah at the Electric Bar, then dance all night at Pangaea nightclub.

Pack: 

• your trainers: if you get bored with lounging by the pool, there are plenty of brilliant excursions to keep you occupied, including a camel ride and quad biking through the desert.
• your high heels: Soho Square is exactly one square mile so everything that you could possibly need (bars, food, clubs) lies within easy tottering distance.
• books: the beaches at Sharm are absolutely stunning, your holiday snaps will look like you plucked them from a brochure. Make sure you take plenty to read for some hardcore relaxation.

Facebrag about the luxury. Guests can sit on their own private beach under a gazebo, complete with a telephone that dials direct to the bar, or call for service by the pool. 

Don't leave without going underwater. Just a few meters from the beach you can see a rainbow of gorgeous fish weaving through the coral.

If you have run out of holiday reading, the Virgin Megastore in the Mercato Mall in Hadaba should be able to provide a few options.

To the north of the airport is Nasq, the New Sharm where many of the developments are being financed by foreign buyers. The community hub is La Strada mall.

The Filopater Gallery sells a wide range of Egyptian and Bedouin gifts. Items include hand-painted maps of Sinai, glass-bead jewellery, ceramic camels and hand-woven ornaments (Tiran Centre, Old Sharm)

Soho Square is the latest entertainment complex to open in Sharm. It boasts restaurants, bars and shops and includes a six-lane ten pin bowling alley and, believe it or not, an ice-skating rink!

February is the most likely time of the year to see snow in the higher mountains of central Sinai. Head to St Catherine's Monastery or Mount Sinai to enjoy this rare sight.

Sharm el Sheikh International airport was originally an Israeli Air Force base.

Day trip

Cleopark. August temperatures in Sharm can hit reach 50C. Cleopark is a water wonderland with a variety of fast ans slow rides and the Cleopatra Bath. Open from 10am to sunset.
Coloured Canyon. Head deep into the sandstone and granite mouuntains and discover the natural beauty of the Coloured Canyon. This crescent-shaped rift, formed by an earthquake, consists of layers of unusual coloured rock. Afterwards, head to Dahab for lunch.

Flight time: 5 hours

Best time to go: September, hot and sunny, but not stifling