Egypt in October half term

emylou

Me and my bf want to go to Egypt in October but not really sure what part to visit and how to make the most of our trip? Does anyone have any recommendations for best places to see, etc? Bf will prob have a go at snorkelling and enjoys other watersports but will they still be happening at that time of year?
We have seen somne deals for All Inclusive but also Half Board- would normally go for AI but what if we want to go on excursions/will we be missing out on other fab restaurants etc?
Ideas, advice and suggestions welcome, many thanks in advance!!

Devon_Lad_2

You mention diving and usually that's done in places like Sharm or Dahab, not in main land Egypt, I'll assume that's where you'll be
The weathers amazing all year round so there is always diving and snorklling going on! And to be fair if you're into that you can easily spend a week just swimming about, there are so many sites to dive and things to see! If you want some days trips, there are plenty to the Sinai parklands which sometimes include a night out under the stars - you'll never see them shine more brightly!
The obvious trip is out to Mount Sinai - climb to the top for the sunrise, absolutely exhausting, but worth the effort when you see the sun rise over the mountains and desert land - incredibly beautiful and peaceful.
It's a fair distance from these places to the Nile area, I'd suggest a return trip if you want to explore that.

businka

Sharm El Sheikh for diving and Sinai: overnight excurisons to Cairo or Luxor by plain (1hr flight approx), ~ 120.00 GBP
From Hurghada you could go cheaper by bus, but I wouldn't recommend that as it seems not safe at all.
Marsa Alam is really nice quaiet place, but there are no direct flights (or rather incredibly expensive ones) to Marsa Alam airport, the transfer from Hurghada airport ~3-3.5 hrs, not good.

Half board: no driks included whatsoever, and they sell 200ml juice/coca/bear for the same price ~1.00GBP, so definetely go for AL, still cheap even if you miss few meals due to being out.

david39

It really depends on your budget. The Red Sea resorts are the locations for snorkelling and beaches, but there is a fantastic holiday to be had on the Nile.
If you can afford a fortnight away and have even the smallest interest in antiquities, a week on the Nile visiting the temples and tombs is a never-to-be-forgotten experience and then you can spend the other week at Sharm or somewhere like that. The Nile cruise is all-in-the-cost-price as far as meals are concerned as they don't want you eating in dodgy food places ashore.

Before you decide, just think about the political situation - things are quiet in Egypt at the moment but pressure is building up again as the new government is not fulfilling the high hopes that the people had of it when they ditched Mubarrak - indeed, they are still following many of the old regime's restrictive policies. Last time the disturbances were limited to the Cairo area but, if there are further disturbances, the chances are that they will involve a much wider swathe of the country. The problems there have not had much publicity over the past few weeks in the UK because of higher profile news items like Syria, the euro and our own unrest this week, but if you follow foreign news sources like Aljazeera and some of the other European broadcasters, you would be aware that after Ramadan ends, things are possibly going to liven up again in Egypt.

KonkyWonky

Alcohol can be fairly expensive in Egypt, not crazy prices but if you plan to drink then AI is probably the better option unless you get a really good deal HB. Most AI hotels will make you a pack lunch if you are doing an excursion, normally consisting of sandwiches, pastry, fruit and water. I wouldn't say you would missing out on amazing restaurants if you go AI, we went out a few times for food and it was only ever average.

We stayed in the Three Corners Kiroseiz which is in Namma Bay a few years ago and had a great time. Namma Bay is the busiest and largest of the resorts within Sharm El Shiekh and as such has the most activities.

mrsmasterplan

El Gouna is definately the best part of Egypt I've ever been to. Completely man made island, perfect beaches, lovely village that holds shops, cafes, a local marina, beautiful! (I went to Sharm recently and it was awful, so many locals shouting at you, Pizza Huts/Burger Kings..my idea of hell!)

mick_vandick

From Hurghada you could go cheaper by bus, but I wouldn't recommend that as it seems not safe at all.

No, it's fine to do it by bus. I've done Luxor by bus from Hurghada. It's about 4 hours but with a comfort stop.
Agree with the above, El Gouna is the best place and you don't get any hassle. However, you will not be able to snorkel off shore as it is too shallow for a long way out. There will still be watersports happening such as kite surfing and windsurfing though.
If you want snorkelling, have a look at Hurghada or Sharm.
Def go all inclusive, there are some great deals and a lot of hotels have a good choice of restaurants, not just the one now.