I spent a week in Egypt with a friend during February, so there were two of us girls. We flew from Luxembourg to Hurghada where we stayed. From the moment we left Luxembourg to explore Egypt, every step was a new discovery. Here’s a slice of our story, packed with tips and experiences that might help you on your own Egyptian adventure.
What you need to know before traveling to Egypt
- Visa: Right after landing, you’ll need to pay for your visa when passing the passport control. It costs 30€, and you can pay directly in euros and in cash.
- Uber, not Taxi: Cabs at the airport will charge you immoderate prices, so you absolutely have to negotiate and insist! If your cab driver doesn’t accept the price you are asking, look for another one. There are enough of them! For example, with Uber, we would have paid 1,50€ to drive 4,5km, but the cab driver tried to charge us 20€… Uber prices, at least, are fixed.
- SIM card: You can buy a SIM card at the airport exit. They are not expensive, however, still more expensive than in town. We paid 4,90€ for 18GB. Be aware that it can take up to 2 hours before you can begin to use it.
- Activities: We booked our activities through a tour company initially but found out our hotel offered the same for less. It’s worth checking with your accommodation first to compare prices.
How is the weather in February in Egypt and what should I wear?
February’s weather was a surprise. Online research suggested daytime temperatures up to 24 degrees Celsius in Hurghada, but the reality, with the wind chill, felt like 10 degrees. Despite hoping for summer weather, we found ourselves buying sweaters and thankful for the ski sweaters we’d packed “just in case”. In Luxor, it was quite warm during the day but chilly at night. A mix of summer and winter clothes is advisable.
Is Egypt safe for women?
As two women traveling alone, safety was important to us. The hotel’s advice was to book taxis and activities through them or a reputable agency, ensuring we had safe and reliable transportation.
Is tap water safe to drink in Egypt?
The safety of tap water was a contentious issue among those we spoke to. In Egypt, it’s generally advised not to consume tap water. While the water in Cairo undergoes heavy chlorination at treatment facilities, making it safer to drink, it’s recommended to opt for bottled, treated, or purified water throughout the rest of the country. We were staying in a 4-star hotel and we didn’t dare drink the tap water, in other words, we didn’t even eat the fruit and vegetables because they were washed with water… On our last evening, we let go and ate sushi, and we were sick the next day!
Let’s break down our Egyptian journey, day by day, with all the bits you might want to know if you’re thinking of doing something similar.
- Day 1: Settling in
- Day 2: Excursion to Orange Bay
- Day 3: Excursion to the Desert
- Days 4 and 5: Luxor Highlights
- Day 6: Last Day
- Day 7: Goodbye, Egypt
7-day itinerary in Egypt: Hurghada and Luxor
DAY 1
Settling In
We landed, excited and a bit tired, but hey, we were in Egypt! First day’s plan? Just relax at the hotel. We checked out the pool, wandered around to see what’s where, and basically just soaked up that “we’re on vacation” feeling. It’s nice to take it slow on the first day, trust me.
DAY 2
Excursion to the island Orange Bay
Next up, we hit Orange Bay. Picture this: crystal-clear water, beaches straight out of a postcard, and an island vibe that’s just relaxing. Giftun Island features several small bays and is known for its beautiful coral reefs, diverse marine life, and white sandy beaches. The sea around the island is shallow and clear, with a turquoise color, extending for about a kilometer and a half and reaching a maximum depth of five meters. It’s located just forty minutes away by boat from Hurghada’s new marina.
Giftun Island was a dream, though, not gonna lie, the water felt like ice!
DAY 3
Excursion to the desert
Day three, we decided to kick things up a notch with a desert excursion. Quad bikes, camels, and even a bit of stargazing (though clouds were party poopers that night). Dinner was at this farm where we got to pet horses and enjoy a show. Word of advice: it gets cold, so bring a jacket.
DAYS 4 and 5
Best of Luxor
First day: Visit of the temples of Luxor
Day 4 and 5 offered an unforgettable two-day visit to Luxor, marking the trip’s pinnacle. Like our earlier activities, we arranged this through the same agency. Our journey began early, with our driver picking us up at 4:30 a.m. from the hotel for a four-hour drive to Luxor. This part of our adventure was enhanced by a private French-speaking guide who eased our worries about transportation and entrance fees, guiding us through each site and offering detailed explanations.
However, the only thing we didn’t appreciate was that the guide brought us to some tourist traps, such as the perfume shop where the sellers insisted on selling us “original Egyptian perfumes” (which you can buy everywhere in Egypt), even though we weren’t that interested. Meanwhile, I can assure you that the perfume doesn’t last long. Moreover, we overlooked how the guide kept for himself the tips we gave to the merchants of the perfume shop and the driver of the felucca.
The first day was packed with excitement:
- We arrived in Luxor at 9 a.m., ready to explore.
- Our itinerary included visits to the majestic Temples of Karnak.
- A beautiful ride on the Nile in a traditional felucca.
- Lunch at a local restaurant offered us a taste of authentic Egyptian cuisine.
- We ventured into the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs are entombed. Unfortunately, the Tomb of Seti I was closed for restoration, a minor disappointment in an otherwise fascinating day.
- The day concluded with a gaze upon the imposing Colossi of Memnon, two statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, originally guarding his mortuary temple.
Second day: Hot Air Balloon Flight
We spent the night at the Hilton Hotel, gearing up for the next day’s early start.
The second day began with a breathtaking hot air balloon flight at 6 a.m., offering us aerial views of the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon. After breakfast at the Hilton, we headed back to Hurghada at noon, hearts full and minds enriched by the experience.
DAY 6
Last Day in Hurghada
After all that exploring, we took our last day to just enjoy the hotel. A bit of sunbathing, a lot of relaxing, and just enjoying the moment.
DAY 7
Goodbye, Egypt
And then, it was time to head back home. Bags packed, memories made, and a promise to ourselves to come back one day.
There you have it, a week in Egypt from the eyes of two girls who just wanted to explore and have a good time. It’s a place of beauty, history, and yes, a bit of adventure. Whether you’re chilling on a beach or standing in awe of ancient ruins, Egypt has a way of sticking with you (more details in my E-Books!).
