Cairo Holidays

Egypt is a year-round destination, but the most pleasant time to visit is between October and April, when daytime temperatures are warm and evenings comfortably cool. This is ideal for exploring archaeological sites, which offer little shade. Summers (May to September) are extremely hot, particularly in Upper Egypt around Luxor and Aswan, although coastal areas like the Red Sea tend to be more manageable thanks to sea breezes. Egypt also celebrates several national and religious holidays, during which some sites can feel busier, though the atmosphere is always lively and positive. 

Egyptian cuisine is hearty, flavourful and strongly rooted in Middle Eastern traditions. Expect plenty of grilled meats, aromatic rice dishes and mezze-style plates such as hummus, baba ghanoush and tahini. Staples like koshari (a comforting mix of pasta, rice, lentils and crispy onions) and ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans) are everyday favourites. On the Nile, many hotels and cruise boats serve international dishes alongside local options, and meals tend to be generous. Alcohol is served in most hotels and tourist restaurants, though not everywhere, and local beer and wine are fairly common. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available and advisable throughout your trip. 

UK passport holders require a visa to enter Egypt. This can be obtained on arrival at major airports or applied for online in advance; both options are straightforward and usually quick. However, currently we are able to arrange for the visa to be included in our holidays so you will be fast tracked through immigration. Passports must have at least six months’ validity remaining from your date of entry. If travelling on a non-UK passport, requirements may differ, so it is always sensible to check the latest entry guidance before departure. Once in Egypt, passports are sometimes requested by hotels for registration, which is standard practice and nothing to be concerned about. 

As we’re not medical experts, we feel it's essential you contact your G.P. regarding vaccinations and the like for travel to Egypt. What follows are some suggestions, but they must be verified by a medical professional. In addition to such vaccinations as you’d routinely have for living in the UK, further boosters are recommended for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Diptheria.  

We also recommend checking out The Travel Doctor, an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers plus customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines for holiday makers, global adventure travellers and expeditions. But, of course, this is no substitution to chatting to a medical professional! 

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD’s are also widely accepted throughout Egypt. Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants in major cities, though smaller vendors and rural areas remain largely cash-based. ATMs are widely available, and exchanging money at banks or hotels is straightforward. Tipping is an established part of everyday life in Egypt, and modest gratuities are appreciated for good service. In restaurants, 10% is typical unless a service charge is already included. Small tips for drivers, hotel porters, boat crew and guides are customary; your travel documents will offer suggested amounts. Keep a supply of small notes handy to make this easier. 

Egypt offers a wide range of accommodation, from elegant Nile-side hotels to boutique guesthouses and desert lodges. Nile cruise boats – ranging from comfortable to truly luxurious – are a highlight for many travellers, offering a relaxed way to explore southern Egypt. Hotels in Cairo and Luxor can be large and modern, while properties in Aswan often have a more traditional, atmospheric charm. Standards vary, but hospitality is warm and service generally attentive. Do note that older buildings may not always have the same level of soundproofing or modern infrastructure you might expect elsewhere, though the character and location of many hotels more than make up for this. 

There are several convenient ways to reach Egypt from the UK, with direct flights operating year-round. London Heathrow offers frequent non-stop services to Cairo, typically taking around five hours, while seasonal or regional departures may also be available from airports such as London Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham depending on the time of year. For those visiting Luxor or Hurghada, airlines operate seasonal direct routes at certain times of year. Indirect flights via European or Middle Eastern hubs provide additional flexibility and can be useful for travellers outside London. Most flights to Cairo arrive in the evening. 

Arabic is the official language of Egypt, with Egyptian Arabic being the most widely spoken dialect. English is commonly used in hotels, tourist areas, museums and by guides, so communication is generally straightforward. In more rural regions, English is less prevalent, but Egyptians are famously friendly and will often go out of their way to assist. Learning a couple of simple phrases – such as “shukran” (thank you) or “salaam alaikum” (a greeting meaning “peace be upon you”) – is always appreciated and can help open doors to warm interactions. Signage at major sites is usually in both Arabic and English. 

Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for Egypt’s warm climate. Long sleeves and trousers or skirts are helpful for sun protection and are also more appropriate in conservative areas. When visiting mosques or religious sites, modest dress is required: women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid sleeveless tops. Good walking shoes, a sunhat and high-factor sunscreen are essential, particularly when exploring archaeological sites in open sun. Evenings in winter can be surprisingly cool, especially on the Nile, so packing a light jumper or jacket is sensible. Swimwear is appropriate at hotel pools and beaches but should not be worn elsewhere. 

Egyptians are welcoming and polite, and visitors who show respect for local customs will be warmly received. Greetings are important; a simple “hello” or “salaam” goes a long way. Public displays of affection are best avoided, and photography of people should only be done with permission. In markets, haggling is expected and can be friendly and good-humoured. When entering religious spaces, dress modestly and remove shoes where required. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and while restaurants remain open for tourists, being discreet with food and drink in public is appreciated. Above all, patience and politeness are valued and usually lead to positive interactions. 

We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference. 

• If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time! 

• A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings. 

• To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return. 

• Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’ 

• Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible). 

• Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item. 

• We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity. 

• Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques. 

If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We’ve travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer our considered advice.