Vacation inEgypt
- Cairo
- capital
- Arabic
- official language
- 1 EUR - 58.06 EGP
- exchange rate
Vacation in Egypt, special vacation offers from Join UP!
We offer wide range of tours to Egypt for the best prices from the tour operator Join UP!
- Join UP!
- •Egypt
When is the best weather for a beach holiday in Egypt?
Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh offer pleasant 24-28 °C air and 22-24 °C sea from mid-October to early May. July–August can top 40 °C with high UV. Most Tallinn charter flights operate Oct–Apr, matching ideal conditions and lower jellyfish risk.
How can I prepare for Egypt’s high temperatures?
Wear loose cotton, wide hat and SPF 50 sunscreen; drink 2–3 L water daily. Book excursions early morning or after 16:00. All hotels have powerful AC—carry a light scarf for temperature swings between outdoor heat and indoor chill.
How safe are Egyptian resorts?
Red Sea resorts have tight security: gated hotel zones, luggage X-rays and tourist police patrols. Crime against foreigners is rare; main risks are sunstroke and careless snorkeling. Use hotel taxis or Uber; avoid unlicensed street cabs at night.
What culture and etiquette should I know?
Egyptians value modest dress away from the beach: cover knees and shoulders when in towns or mosques. Greet with “Salaam alaikum”, avoid public displays of affection, and remove shoes entering homes or sacred sites. Friday is the main prayer day—banks open shorter hours.
What common tourist traps exist and how do I avoid them?
Expect aggressive haggling in bazaars, “free” camel photos that require payment, and unofficial guides at pyramids. Agree prices in writing for taxis and boat rides. Use ATMs inside banks to dodge “helpful” strangers.
How does tipping work in Egypt?
Tipping (baksheesh) is part of daily life: LE 10-20 for porters, LE 50 for drivers on day tours, 10 % in restaurants if no service charge is shown. Keep small notes ready; euros are accepted in resorts but better tip in Egyptian pounds.
Is Egypt suitable for a family trip with children?
Yes. Shallow lagoons, heated pools and all-inclusive hotels cater to kids. Waterparks (Makadi Bay, Sharm Aqua Park) offer EU-level safety. Bring child-strength sunblock and reef-safe shoes. International clinics in Hurghada, Sharm and Cairo handle paediatric care; travel insurance is essential.
Which Egyptian resorts are most popular among Estonians?
Charter flights from Tallinn focus on Hurghada (families), Sharm el-Sheikh (divers) and Marsa Alam (quieter, turtle bays). All three offer direct hotel transfers in under 30 – 45 minutes, all-inclusive packages and Estonian- or English-speaking reps.
What must-see attractions beyond the resorts?
Classic day trips include Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, Cairo’s Pyramids & Sphinx, and Abu Simbel from Aswan. Overnight Nile cruises (Luxor-Aswan) add Edfu and Kom Ombo temples. Desert jeep tours visit the White Desert’s chalk formations.
How can I go diving or snorkelling?
Red Sea visibility hits 30 m. A guided intro dive costs ~€55; two-tank certified dive €80. Top spots: Ras Mohammed, Blue Hole (experienced only) and Giftun Islands. Snorkellers can join boat trips for €25; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest.
How do holidays, festivals or Ramadan affect travel?
Ramadan (next: 28 Feb – 29 Mar 2026) shifts meal times; some cafés close daylight hours. Coptic Christmas (7 Jan) and Eid al-Fitr spike domestic travel. Hotel prices rise over New Year and Russian Orthodox holidays (early Jan). Confirm sightseeing hours during public holidays.
Can I visit desert safaris and Bedouin camps?
Yes—half-day quad-bike or camel tours run from all resorts. Overnight camps in the White or Sinai desert feature star-gazing and Bedouin dinners. Choose operators with satellite phone, helmets and insurance. Nights drop to 5-10 °C in winter—pack layers.
Is Egypt suitable for a family trip with children?
Yes. Shallow lagoons, heated pools and all-inclusive hotels cater to kids. Waterparks (Makadi Bay, Sharm Aqua Park) offer EU-level safety. Bring child-strength sunblock and reef-safe shoes. International clinics in Hurghada, Sharm and Cairo handle paediatric care; travel insurance is essential.
Which traditional Egyptian dishes should I try?
Sample koshari (lentils, rice, pasta, crispy onions), ful medames bean stew, kofta kebabs, and seafood sayadeya. Dessert lovers should try basbousa semolina cake. Sip sugar-cane juice and strong Turkish-style coffee; end meals with a glass of mint tea.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes—many staples are plant-based: taameya (falafel), baba ganoush, stuffed vine leaves and molokhia soup. Resorts label buffets clearly; inland cafés can adapt dishes if you request “bilaa lahm” (without meat). Vegan cheese is rare—bring your own if needed.
What is the cheapest way to get around Egypt?
Go Bus and Blue Bus coaches link Cairo-Hurghada (~€14) and Luxor-Aswan (€6). Second-class trains along the Nile cost €1-2 per 100 km. Within cities, Uber/Careem beat taxis on price transparency. Shared minibuses are cheapest but lack seat belts and AC.
Which Egyptian resorts are most popular among Estonians?
Charter flights from Tallinn focus on Hurghada (families), Sharm el-Sheikh (divers) and Marsa Alam (quieter, turtle bays). All three offer direct hotel transfers in under 30 – 45 minutes, all-inclusive packages and Estonian- or English-speaking reps.
What must-see attractions beyond the resorts?
Classic day trips include Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, Cairo’s Pyramids & Sphinx, and Abu Simbel from Aswan. Overnight Nile cruises (Luxor-Aswan) add Edfu and Kom Ombo temples. Desert jeep tours visit the White Desert’s chalk formations.
How can I go diving or snorkelling?
Red Sea visibility hits 30 m. A guided intro dive costs ~€55; two-tank certified dive €80. Top spots: Ras Mohammed, Blue Hole (experienced only) and Giftun Islands. Snorkellers can join boat trips for €25; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest.
How do holidays, festivals or Ramadan affect travel?
Ramadan (next: 28 Feb – 29 Mar 2026) shifts meal times; some cafés close daylight hours. Coptic Christmas (7 Jan) and Eid al-Fitr spike domestic travel. Hotel prices rise over New Year and Russian Orthodox holidays (early Jan). Confirm sightseeing hours during public holidays.
Can I visit desert safaris and Bedouin camps?
Yes—half-day quad-bike or camel tours run from all resorts. Overnight camps in the White or Sinai desert feature star-gazing and Bedouin dinners. Choose operators with satellite phone, helmets and insurance. Nights drop to 5-10 °C in winter—pack layers.
Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt and how do I obtain it?
Estonian citizens need a visa. E-visa (visit-egypt.gov.eg) costs US $25, valid 30 days, apply at least 7 days before travel. Visa-on-arrival desks at Hurghada/Sharm/Cairo airports charge the same in cash (USD/EUR). Passport must be valid 6 months beyond entry.
Are there COVID-19 entry rules to consider?
As of April 2025 Egypt has scrapped PCR, vaccination and health-form requirements. Random temperature scans remain. Airlines may still require masks on Cairo routes. Recheck the Estonian MFA “Reisi Targalt” portal 72 h before departure for any new measures.