Pyramids, Sphinx & Red Sea: Sofija's Egypt Adventure

Spending just seven days in Egypt may seem short, but when you carefully plan your trip, you can experience the best of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.

If you’re planning your first trip to Egypt, here’s a detailed guide filled with usefull tips, must-visit locations, and things you need to know before you go.

Essential Travel Tips for Egypt

Visa & Entry Requirements

Visitors from Serbia and many other countries need a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport for $25 or €25 (they often don’t differentiate between the two currencies). You can also apply for an e-visa online before your trip to save time.

Currency & Payment

Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), but euros and US dollars are widely accepted. When exchanging money, be aware that ATM machines in hotels may round down the exchanged amount. Bargaining is essential in local markets, as initial prices are often set much higher than the actual value.

Tipping Culture: Egyptians expect tips (baksheesh) for almost every service. Keep small bills handy, as even public restrooms often charge around 5 EGP for entry.

Internet & Connectivity

While most hotels provide Wi-Fi, the connection may not be reliable. Buying a local SIM card at the airport is recommended for better mobile internet. Prices range from €10-15, depending on the data package. I wish I knew this before coming in Egypt, I would save a ton of time!

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. We visited in February, and it is the best time for milder weather, with highs from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. These are my favorite temperatures, and

Drinking Water & Food Safety

Avoid drinking tap water in Egypt. It’s advisable to take probiotics before and during your trip to avoid stomach issues. Also, check if the ice in drinks is made from bottled water.

Where to Stay: Hurghada All-Inclusive Resorts

Our base in Egypt was Hurghada, known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts. We stayed at Meraki Resort, an adults-only all-inclusive hotel.

Most hotels in Hurghada operate on an all-inclusive basis, which means food, drinks, sunbeds, and beach towels are covered. If you plan to stay at your resort most of the time, you won’t need to spend much beyond excursions and souvenirs.

The Red Sea Experience

Hurghada offers incredible beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. The Red Sea’s visibility is exceptional, making it a diver’s paradise. We were lucky enough to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, which was truly unforgettable!

Must-Do Excursions in Hurghada

• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: The Red Sea’s reefs are among the world’s best.
• Quad Biking in the Desert: Ride through sand dunes and visit a Bedouin village.
• Orange Bay: A tropical paradise, often called “the Maldives of Egypt.”
• Day Trips to Cairo & Luxor: For history lovers, these excursions are a must.

Exploring Cairo: The Heart of Egypt

A visit to Cairo wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza. Our tour started with a 6-hour bus ride from Hurghada, leaving at 3 AM to avoid the midday heat.

Top Attractions in Cairo

The Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx

Seeing the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure in person is a surreal experience. Contrary to popular belief, they are not in the middle of a desert but very close to the city.

• You can enter the Great Pyramid, but there isn’t much to see inside.
• The Sphinx was one of the biggest surprises—it’s even more impressive in person.
• Photography Tip: Visit the panoramic viewpoint for the best shots of all three pyramids.

Old Cairo & The Hanging Church

Not many people know that Cairo has ancient Christian sites. The Hanging Church, dating back to the 3rd century, is one of Egypt’s oldest churches, built over a Roman fortress.

Nile River Cruise

After exploring the pyramids, we enjoyed a 30-minute boat ride on the Nile. It was a peaceful escape from the city’s chaos and a great way to admire Cairo’s skyline.

Discovering Luxor: Egypt’s Open-Air Museum

While Cairo is known for its pyramids, Luxor is home to Egypt’s most spectacular temples and tombs. This was the highlight of our trip, despite the intense heat.

Top Attractions in Luxor

Karnak Temple

The largest temple complex in Egypt, featuring massive columns, sphinx-lined pathways, and obelisks. Walking through the Hypostyle Hall, surrounded by 134 towering pillars, felt like stepping into another world.

Valley of the Kings

The resting place of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses III. The intricate tomb paintings are shockingly well-preserved, with vibrant colors despite being thousands of years old.

• Your ticket allows entry to three tombs (excluding Tutankhamun’s, which requires an additional fee).
• The tomb of Ramses III was the most impressive one we visited.

Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple

This unique temple, built into cliffs, was dedicated to Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. It is often called the “Most Splendid of All” due to its striking architecture.

Colossi of Memnon

These massive statues were once part of a grand temple. Ancient legends say one of them “sang” at dawn until it was restored by a Roman emperor.

Cost of Excursions to Cairo & Luxor

Expect to pay between €50-70 for day trips to Cairo or Luxor from Hurghada. Prices may vary depending on the tour operator and included activities.

Is Egypt Worth Visiting and Would We Return?

If you love ancient history, pristine beaches, and adventure, Egypt should be on your bucket list. From exploring the wonders of the pyramids to diving in the Red Sea, this country offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Would we return? Absolutely! Egypt is one of the most fascinating places we’ve ever visited, and we barely scratched the surface.

Essential Packing List for Egypt

• Light, breathable clothing (cotton & linen are best)
• Comfortable walking shoes (for temples & desert)
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50)
• Scarf or shawl (for covering shoulders in religious sites)
• Probiotics & medication (for stomach sensitivity)
• Reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated)
• Power adapter (Egypt uses European-style plugs)

Would you visit Egypt? Let us know in the comments!