Ever since Francesca and I met, Egypt had been a dream destination. The land of pharaohs, pyramids, and ancient legends fascinated us as kids and fueled our shared love of history and culture. Spending a week in Egypt was something we couldn’t pass up—we just needed the right time.
When planning our next trip, Egypt topped my list again. With limited time and a craving for sunshine and relaxation, the perfect plan came together: soaking in the tropical waters of Sharm El-Sheikh, paired with a day trip to Cairo.
A Week in Egypt: Introduction
In this blog post, we’ll share all about our week in Egypt, including practical tips for visiting, top things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh, and what to expect when exploring Cairo.
Is Egypt safe?
When discussing Sharm El-Sheikh and Egypt, safety often comes to mind. The country faced political instability, especially during the 2011 uprising, and tourism regions were targeted by terrorists between 1997 and 2006.
From 2015 to 2017, attacks in the Sinai Peninsula and Hurghada resorts caused a sharp decline in tourism, with many governments advising against non-essential travel. However, Egypt has since implemented strong preventive measures to combat terrorism and crime, leading to significant improvements in safety.
Safety in Sharm
During our week in Egypt, we felt generally safe. In Sharm El-Sheikh, guards are visible in and around resorts, reflecting the government’s precautionary efforts. With tourism being vital to the economy, they work hard to ensure visitors face no trouble. If you venture outside your resort, use common sense: book taxis through your resort, stay alert for petty theft, and avoid dark, isolated areas.
Safety in Cairo
In Cairo, exploring with a local guide is highly recommended. The bustling streets can feel overwhelming, and solo navigation might be uncomfortable. The city has a strong police presence, with some streets closed to traffic to protect key buildings. While we felt safe during our visit, much of that reassurance came from being part of a group led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Scuba Diving in Sharm El Sheikh
During our week in Egypt, we stayed in Sharm El-Sheikh, a top destination on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula by the Red Sea. Known for its tropical climate, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life, Sharm is a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
As sea lovers who enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, we eventually craved more. That’s when we decided to take scuba diving classes with the Scorpion Dive Club, conveniently located within our resort, Sultan Gardens. The friendly team offers a variety of courses and tailored diving trips, with multilingual instructors making it easy for everyone to learn and enjoy.
The PADI Open Water Course
The PADI Open Water Diving Course is perfect for beginners, requiring no prior experience—just basic swimming skills. The course covers theoretical lessons, confined water practice, and open water dives, and once completed, you’ll be certified to dive up to 18 meters.
Scuba diving quickly became one of the best experiences of our lives. Exploring the underwater world feels magical—you’re surrounded by nature in a way that’s both intimate and humbling. After talking to divers from around the globe, we can confidently say Sharm El-Sheikh is a top-tier diving destination. So, are you thinking of giving it a try? Trust us—you won’t regret it.
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The Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
Not into scuba diving? No worries—Sharm El-Sheikh has plenty to offer!
Beyond our diving adventures, we discovered countless ways to enjoy this vibrant city. Known as the “Bay of the Sheikh,” Sharm El-Sheikh is a bustling resort hub with options for every budget. Divided into five main areas—Nabq Bay, Ra’s Nasrani, Umm Sid, Naama Bay, and Sharm El Maya—it’s easy to explore thanks to their close proximity and convenient taxi access.
With so much to see and do, how will you spend your week in Egypt?
Day Tour to Ras Mohammed National Park
One of the top things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh is a day tour to Ras Mohammed National Park. Covering 480 square kilometers, the park boasts mountains, sand dunes, mangrove forests, a section of the Red Sea Reef, and two islands.
Local companies offer a range of half- or full-day tours, including private and tailor-made options. Popular stops include the Earthquake Cracks, the mangrove swamp, and snorkeling in Magic Lake and the sea. Some tours even take you to White Island—a true paradise.
Tours typically include hotel pick-up and snorkel gear rental, but be sure to check the full terms and conditions before booking.
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Visit Naama Bay and the Old Market
Naama Bay is the vibrant heart of Sharm El-Sheikh, buzzing with energy day and night. Known for its top-tier 5-star resorts, it transforms into a lively party hub after dark.
From delicious dinners at local restaurants to exploring the famous Old Market—where bargaining is a must—there’s something for everyone. Sip cocktails at chic shoreline bars or dance the night away at iconic nightclubs like ‘Pacha’ or ‘Space’ for an unforgettable experience.
Chill Out at Terrazzina Beach
If you’re looking to explore more of Sharm’s stunning beaches, Terrazzina Beach is the perfect escape. Tucked away in a peaceful spot, this picturesque beach offers crystal-clear waters and a relaxed vibe. With comfy beds, umbrellas, a charming bar, and a restaurant, it’s an ideal place for a leisurely day by the sea.
There’s an entry fee, and additional charges apply for bed and umbrella rentals. During the day, soothing background music creates a calm atmosphere, while evenings often bring lively beach parties. Keep an eye out for daytime events, as Terrazzina occasionally hosts its own beach parties.
Snorkelling in Ras Um Sid
Located about 5 kilometers from Naama Bay, Ras Um Sid Beach offers a peaceful escape with golden sands and turquoise waters. Fully equipped with a bar and restaurant, it’s one of the best beaches around.
Popular with divers and snorkelers, the waters are home to stunning coral formations and rich marine life. We spent a full day sunbathing and snorkeling here—just don’t forget your mask and snorkel! There’s an entry fee, but it’s definitely worth it.
Climb Mount Sinai
For hiking enthusiasts, climbing Mount Sinai is a must. This iconic mountain, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, offers a challenging 2-3 hour hike, often starting in the middle of the night. Tours also include a visit to the 6th-century Monastery of St. Catherine.
Though we didn’t have enough time for the hike, those we met at our resort highly recommended it. The reward? One of the most stunning sunrises you’ll ever experience.
Popular Tours
Must-Know Tips for Visiting Sharm El-Sheikh
1) Resort staff
If resort staff offer to exchange coins for bills, don’t worry—it’s not a scam. They often receive tips in various currencies, including coins, which local banks in Egypt don’t accept. To make the exchange easier, they help convert the coins into bills.
2) Taxis
One of our top recommendations is to use only official taxis for getting around. Simply ask the hotel reception to arrange a taxi, as they typically have their own reliable service.
3) Sanitation
From what we observed, sanitation could be improved. To stay safe, stick to bottled water and avoid raw meat and fish.
4) Terms & Conditions
When booking your resort, be sure to read the full terms and conditions. Many “all-inclusive” resorts actually offer half- or full-board options, meaning anything beyond that may cost extra. No need to worry—just know what’s included in your package.
5) Drones
Flying drones is prohibited across Egypt. While special permits are possible, they’re very difficult to obtain. If you were planning to bring your drone on holiday, unfortunately, you’ll have to leave it behind.
6) Clothing
Egypt is primarily a Muslim country, and at many sites, shorts, vests, and skirts may be considered inappropriate. We recommend packing lightweight, long-sleeve linen or cotton clothing to respect local customs.
7) Credit Cards
The official currency is the Egyptian pound, though USD is also accepted. Credit cards aren’t widely used, but hotels and resorts typically accept them. ATMs are available inside most resorts for easy cash withdrawals.
For us, Revolut was the go-to travel card. This popular online bank and app offer several benefits, including:
- Use multiple currencies at once.
- Withdraw up to €200 / $200 per month from ATMs for free.
- No fees to open an account or maintain it.
- Make international payments with no fees up to €1,000 / $1,000 per month.
- Easily split bills and pay friends.
Setting up a Revolut account is simple and free. You can download it through our referral link if you’d like.
8) Tipping
Tipping is common in Egypt, and small tips are expected for most services. Be sure to carry small change with you.
Packing Tips for Your Egypt Getaway
With warm weather year-round, packing light and smart is essential. We recommend a backpack instead of a trolley, especially if you’re visiting multiple destinations. Here’s what to pack for a week in Egypt:
- Microfiber towel: Compact and quick-drying, it takes up less space than a regular towel.
- Swimwear: Essential for seaside activities.
- Swimming mask and snorkel: Must-haves for snorkeling in the stunning Red Sea.
- Sun cream: To protect against the strong sun.
- Underwater camera: Perfect for capturing photos and videos of coral reefs while snorkeling.
- Tissues: Carry plenty for convenience.
- Pharmaceuticals: Pack essentials like Paracetamol and Alka Seltzer.
- Travel adaptor: Egypt uses type C and F plug sockets. An international travel adaptor is a versatile option for all your travels.
When is the Best Time to Visit Sharm El-Sheikh?
Resorts and activities in Sharm El-Sheikh are open year-round. We visited in October, and while it was hot, it wasn’t unbearable. July and August are the hottest months, so we recommend avoiding them. The best times to visit are May, June, September, and October, when the weather is pleasant and prices are lower.
How to Organize a day trip to Cairo
A day trip to Cairo is easily arranged from Sharm El-Sheikh, despite the distance. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, it’s best to book your trip before arriving in Egypt. We did this ourselves and were pleased with the choice. For instance, this Day Trip to Cairo from Sharm includes airport transfers, return flights, all transfers in Cairo, a qualified Egyptologist guide, and entry to the Egyptian Museum and the Giza complex.
Our Trip to Cairo
Our day trip to Cairo began early, before sunrise. After arriving at Cairo Airport, we met our local guide, Ahmed, whose knowledge and passion for Egypt made the day unforgettable.
We kicked off with an optional boat tour of the Nile—an extra, but well worth it. It was a great chance to meet our fellow travelers and learn about the river’s significance since ancient times.
Next, we visited the Egyptian Museum, the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East. We were lucky to have Ahmed as our guide. He took us on a well-planned tour, answering all our questions. We marveled at the impressive hieroglyphs, artifacts like Tutankhamun’s mask, and gained deeper insights into Egypt’s ancient history.
The Giza Pyramid Complex
The final stop on our Cairo day trip was the iconic Giza Pyramid Complex—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The complex includes the Great Pyramid (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx.
Ahmed’s expertise made the visit even more memorable. We rented camels to explore the vast area, which was a great decision given the size of the site. At times, it felt like a dream to finally be standing in front of the place we’d always wanted to see.
Though it was one of our longest days, the trip was absolutely worth it. We highly recommend visiting Cairo and the Giza Pyramid Complex at least once in your lifetime..
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A Week in Egypt
Conclusions
Despite recent political instability and terrorist attacks, we felt Egypt was safe to visit based on our experiences in Sharm El-Sheikh and Cairo. That said, common sense is still important. A week in Egypt is ideal if you’re after a sunny getaway. Sharm El-Sheikh, known for its beautiful waters, coral reefs, and luxurious resorts, is a top destination for snorkeling and scuba diving—definitely a must for diving enthusiasts!
In just a week, you can also take a day trip to Cairo, where you can explore the Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramid Complex—an absolute must-see.
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