Travel Plan: Ancient Egypt and the Red Sea

Explore the capital of Egypt and its ancient wonders, before embarking on a journey along the coastline to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.

At flynas, we’ve created an epic travel plan to show you Egypt in all its glory, giving you the perfect blend of bucket-list sites and beachside bliss. Start with three days exploring monuments like the pyramids of Giza, then enjoy the seaside town of Hurghada and all its vibrant marine life along the Red Sea. Finally, finish in the luxurious resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, where white sand beach days, fine dining, and desert adventures await.

Planning Your Journey

With our budget-friendly, direct flight options to and from multiple Saudi Arabia hubs, flynas has your journey covered.

During this adventure, you have multiple travel options available. Either fly directly from place to place or take the scenic drive from Cairo to Hurghada, catching glimpses of the Red Sea as you go. For the driving part of your journey, feel free to use our car hire service, with no hidden charges and free cancellation.

Ancient Egypt and the Red Sea itinerary

● Flight to Cairo - Your flight time will depend on which Saudi Arabia hub you depart from, but you can fly directly from Riyadh (in 2 hours and 55 minutes), Jeddah (in 2 hours and 10 minutes), Medina (in 1 hour and 50 minutes), or Dammam (in 3 hours).

● Optional trip to El Alamein - This charming coastal city is a 3-hour drive from Cairo, so if you want to get a taste of the Mediterranean as well as the Red Sea, you could add this stop to your itinerary.

● Cairo to Hurghada – Approximately 1 hour by plane and 400 kilometers in distance. Alternatively, you can drive this route in just under 5 hours.

● Hurghada to Sharm El Sheikh – Approximately 40 minutes by plane, covering 106 km. There is also a 2-hour ferry, but it has been suspended at the time of writing.

● Flight home from Sharm el Sheikh – The journey time depends on your destination within Saudi Arabia, but you can fly directly back to Riyadh in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Planning Your Itinerary: What to Do in Each City

Cairo

How long to spend in Cairo
Cairo, situated on the banks of the majestic Nile River, is world-famous thanks to its rich history. With so much to see, including one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, we’d suggest spending three days in the capital.

Things to do in Cairo

● Giza Plateau - No trip to Cairo would be complete without visiting one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: the Great Pyramid, as well as the legendary Sphinx statue and surrounding temple ruins. We recommend visiting at dusk to experience the Sound and Light show, which illuminates the monuments for a breathtaking backdrop.

● Pharaonic Village - Looking for a fun and educational day out for the whole family? This open-air museum allows you to step back in time - marvel at a model of Tutankhamun, and stroll through replicas of ancient Egyptian villages, farmers’ markets, temples, and more. Finish with a visit to the bazaar for all your souvenirs.

● Egyptian Museum - Located in Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum is hailed as one of the best museums in the world and houses over 7,000 artifacts. A huge highlight includes the gold mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

● The Nile - Change up your perspective and take a felucca down the Nile. This ancient sailboat offers a taste of real tradition and showcases beautiful views of the sprawling capital and its archaeological treasures. Trips can be privately organized, and typically last around 60 minutes.

Optional trip to El Alamein

How long to spend in El Alamein
If you’re keen to compare two different coasts, you could consider adding El Alamein to your trip. It’s a three-hour drive from Cairo, so why not head there for one full day and night in one of the city’s beautiful beachfront hotels? If you’re driving, we recommend returning to Cairo before continuing to Hurghada, otherwise it’s a 10-hour drive (though El Alamein to Hurghada flights take only an hour).

Things to do in El Alamein

● Stay in an exclusive beach resort - El Alamein’s main attractions are its sparkling blue sea and white sandy beaches. Several upscale hotels offer private beachfront access and stunning sea views for the ultimate holiday experience. We recommend trying the Rixos Alamein, Marina El-Alamein, or the Al Alamein Hotel.

● Sample coastal cuisine - Given its coastal location, it’s no surprise that you’ll find wonderful fresh seafood in El Alamein. The dishes here have a distinctly Mediterranean influence, so foodies will enjoy comparing and contrasting it with the Red Sea cuisine later in the trip.

Hurghada

How long to spend in Hurghada
Hurghada will bring you your first dose of the dazzling Red Sea. Once an old fishing town, Hurghada is a popular resort town ideal for beachgoing and watersports, as well as exploring its old town and dining out on delicious cuisine. We’d suggest spending 3 days here.

Things to do in Hurghada

● The Giftun Islands - There’s no better place than The Giftun Islands for beautiful beaches, bright blue waters, and vibrant marine life. It’s a paradise for snorkeling and diving and offers a variety of watersport activities, including windsurfing, parasailing, and water skiing.

● Hurghada Marina - This walkway, flanked by palms, parks, and colorfully-decorated shops is the recreational hub of Hurghada. It’s ideal for an evening stroll in balmy temperatures, or dining at one of the many restaurants on offer.

● Jungle Aqua Park - You’ll find plenty of waterparks in Hurghada, but Jungle Aqua Park is the biggest and arguably the best. Enjoy dozens of slides and pools on the southern outskirts of the city.

● The Hurghada Grand Aquarium - One of the largest indoor aquatic habitats in the world, it offers magical views of Red Sea’s marine habitat. With an inspiring mission, it also promotes the conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures.

● El Dahar - Also known as Hurghada Old Town, this bustling neighborhood offers a traditional Egyptian atmosphere in contrast to the rest of the resort. Enjoy the local shops, markets, and eateries, and look out for the stunning El Mina mosque.

Sharm El Sheikh

How long to spend in Sharm El Sheikh
Last but certainly not least, you’ll arrive at the Sinai Peninsula’s major tourism center and resort town like no other. While its main draws are undoubtedly the pristine beaches and breathtaking coral reefs, you can also enjoy the local culture in the Old Town, hiking on Mount Sinai, or once-in-a-lifetime desert adventures. We’d recommend spending four days here to round off your trip.

Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh

● Ras Mohammed National Park - Take a boat 20km west of Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Mohammed National Park. With pristine beaches and a beautiful mangrove forest, you will be in bliss on land, but the water is where it's at. Home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, you’ll find the Shark and Jolanda Reefs dive sites here.

● Hike up Mount Sinai - Drive from Sharm El Sheikh to the base of Mount Sinai for an organized climb. It’s best to try and summit just in time for sunrise, illuminating magnificent vistas across the rugged landscape. On your descent, don’t forget to stop by the Monastery of St Catherine, dating back to the 6th century and housing ancient manuscripts, icons, and more.

● Do a desert safari - Shake things up with a ride in the Sinai desert to see vast expanses of dunes, stunning desert landscapes, and breathtaking night skies. Either take a 4x4 jeep for a comfortable journey, or amp up the adrenaline with quad biking or camel rides.

● Soho Square - This magical place provides fun for the whole family, from hundreds of high-end fashion and jewelry stores to an ice skating rink and bowling alley, as well as multiple shows and performances per day. Finish by tucking into food of every cuisine, whether you’re craving quick fast food or a fine dining experience.