Take the Family holiday rating
| Capital City | Cairo |
|---|---|
| Flying Time | 5.25 hours  |
| Carbon Footprint | 3.06 tonnes CO2 |
| Timezone | GMT +2 |
| Local Currency | Egyptian Pound |
Steeped in seven millennia of history, Egypt is a wonderful destination for a family holiday, whether you’re looking for an educational trip spent admiring ancient treasures or a relaxing break on child-friendly beaches blessed by year-round sun. Resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula have long been family holiday favourites, especially in winter – they have beautiful beaches, world-class diving and affordable luxury accommodation.
The reasons to visit Egypt are as endless and mystical as the Nile itself –the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Temple at Karnak and the Valleys of the Kings and Queens make the country a winner if you’re hoping to get the kids out of school during termtime. What head teacher would dare to put a stop to the educational trip of a lifetime (with a few days well earned R&R at the Red Sea afterwards)?!
Flight times are reasonable, there’s no jet lag, and Egypt is outside the currently expensive Eurozone – what are you waiting for?
(Those worried about safety and terrorism in Egypt should check the latest Foreign & Commonwealth Office guidelines )
The best time to travel to Egypt is between October and May, when temperatures are cooler in the desert and oases. The Red Sea can be enjoyed year-round, but outside these months the beaches get very hot and the weather can be a little too warm for some of the activities the adventure trips offer. Think very carefully about bringing young children, who find the heat more difficult to bear, in summer.
The holy month of Ramadan (usually Aug–Sept or Sept–Oct) is a special time in the Egyptian calendar, with coloured lights in the streets at night and a festive atmosphere, but note that working hours change during Ramadan and opening hours at tourist attractions may be shorter.
British Airways and Egypt Air operate direct non-stop flights to Cairo International Airport, taking about 5hrs from London (Cairo is 2hrs ahead of London). For those heading to the beaches of the Red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh International Airport is well served by direct charters and budget airlines, including easyJet, Jet2 and Monarch Airlines. Those booking package deals to other destinations on the Red Sea will benefit from direct charters to Taba and Marsa Alam International airports.
Numerous indirect and possibly less expensive options are also available. Search for flight deals with Expedia Flights.
Once in Egypt, you can either transfer to your resort or continue your adventure by train, felucca (boat), horse-drawn carriage, bus or domestic flight.
One tourist staple that is not recommended for those with children is the Nile cruise, since vessels are not well equipped for families and the kids will probably get bored.
Egypt's resorts offer 4- and 5-star luxury at prices you'd pay for 3-star accommodation elsewhere – the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton, for instance, are affordable compared to their properties in most other countries. Other 4- and 5-star family options include the Renaissance Golden View Beach Resort, the Dhab Beach Resort and the watersports specialist Abu Soma Beach Resort.
If you're taking an 'adventure trip' with our partners The Adventure Company, you'll usually stay in good 3-star hotels with swimming pools, although you can also choose to spend a night on a train and a night camping on the deck of a boat. Our favourite trips include Feluccas & Pharaohs and Pyramids & Mummies Infant Adventures. There's also Magical Egypt from the Imaginative Traveller.
Experience the riches of Giza – easily accessible from Cairo, the Pyramids and the Sphinx are the ultimate tick on any self-respecting sightseer’s wish list. Though impressive enough to capture the imagination of most primary school kids, the Pyramids can be spiced up by staying on to watch the early-evening light show. Tours inside the Pyramids themselves may be scary for very young children – add in some family focus by taking a break from history to indulge in a camel, donkey or horse ride. Note that most of the better known pyramids are near Cairo. For those based in a Red Sea resort, there are bus and air tours but some entail 24hr round trips.
As well as providing easy access to nearby historical sights, Cairo itself has more than enough for a short break or to form half of a two-centre itinerary. The Egyptian Museum , home to Tutankhamun’s burial mask and all manner of mummies, is a guaranteed hit even with kids who are not normally hot on museums. About 10km from the centre of Cairo, on the west bank of the Nile, the Pharaonic Villag e is a ‘living museum’ of ancient Egypt that includes a replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered by Carter and Lord Carnarvon.
When you can mummy no more, the American-style Dream Park southwest of Cairo offers a dose of unadulterated themepark fun. Designed by the Universal Studios team, it has three themed zones offering everything from teacups to high-speed rollercoasters.
As one of the top three diving locations in the world, Sharm el Sheikh and the other Red Sea resorts of Marsa Alam and Hurghada are well equipped for those diving with children. Pool-based dives for children 8 years and up and open-water dives for those over 10 are available from local companies such as Emperor Divers . The Near Garden in Naa’ma Bay is another great place to get up close and personal with the wonders of the underwater world, with child-friendly snorkeling and glass-bottomed boat tours aplenty. If you’re looking for slides rather than snorkels. Cleo Park , Sharm el Sheikh’s ‘pharaonic water park’, offers a young pharaoh’s oasis and other Egyptian-themed thrills.
Restaurants in resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh offer the family almost any kind of cuisine. Shish kebab, greens and tomato salad make a regular appearance on menus, as does locally caught fish at resorts. Generally, eating out is inexpensive – if you eat like an Egyptian. If you want imported brands of cereals, coffee, and the like, expect it to be on the pricey side.
On escorted family adventures (see above), meals are taken in a mix of places, from hotels and local restaurants to traditional Nubian homes with local families.
Winter deals to Egypt cost anywhere from £300 to more than £1000 per adult, depending on when you go and where you stay. A 10-day adventure holiday including flights costs from £999 per adult.
Egypt's currency is the Egyptian pound, or guineh in Arabic. Commonly referred to as LE, it is currently equivalent to £0.12. Dollars are the most commonly acceptable alternative currency.
Egypt survives on baksheesh (a tip or 'bribe') to bolster low earnings. You are expected to tip anytime someone performs a service, no matter how small (0.5-1 LE is a reasonable amount).
by Joann Fletcher
Buy from Amazon.co.uk - Save 30%
A great introduction to an amazing country. Useful both before and during your visit.
by Dan Richardson
Buy from Amazon.co.uk - Save 30%
"The Rough Guide to Egypt" is your indispensable guide to the oldest tourist destination on earth.
by Jill Rubalcaba
Fictional adventures of Semut, an egyptian boy, providing a great insight into ancient Egypt. For ages 8 - 12yrs.
by Philip Steele
Treasures, Pharoahs, Pyramids and more for curious kids aged 4-8 yrs
The main feature of this hotel is the huge aquapark. More
* Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a room for 7 nights with flights and transfers from London Gatwick. All food and drink included.
Popular and impressive modern hotel, set on the beach and surrounded by unspoilt natural beauty More
* per family of 4 for 7 nights, including half board, flights and transfers.
A stunning hotel set amongst the natural beauty of the Sinai mountains and the brilliant blue waters of the Red Sea. More
* from £1896 per family of 4 for 7 nights, all inclusive, including flights and transfers.
Modern hotel with good all-round facilities and extensive grounds with attractive flora. More
*
A beautiful beach front hotel with 2500-metre pool complex More
* from £2390 per family of 4 for 7 nights, including breakfast, flights and transfers.
A five star hotel, set in fabulous Sharks Bay with private beach, Kids Club and lots of activities More
* from £1782 for 7 nights for 4 people sharing a Junior Suite, including flights, transfers and All-Inclusive
Blessed with sun-kissed beaches, sensational dive sites and an intoxicating history. More
* Prices based on per person for 1 room all inclusive, for 2 weeks.
Beautiful beachfront location with access to coral reef and waterpark. More
* Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a family room for 7 nights including flights and transfers from London Gatwick. All food and drink included.
Popular with families, with on site waterpark. More
* Based on an all inclusive holiday including flights and transfers from London Gatwick, full board.
Expedia
The resort is geared toward relaxation, but activities are nearby. More
* based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a standard room for 7 nights BB
A hotel geared towards families with kids' club and aquapark. More
* Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a room for 7 nights including flights and transfers from London Gatwick. All food and drink also included.
An exclusive resort offering a wonderful balance of luxury and activity, with free children's clubs More
* Based on family of 4 for 7 nights, including breakfast, flights and transfers.
An oasis in Sharm El Sheikh, this hotel offers watersports, free children's clubs and excellent restaurants More
* Based on family of 4 for 7 nights, on an all inclusive basis, including flights and transfers.
3 swimming pools and a private beach and a choice of activities More
* per person for 7 nights.
With a private beach, lots of pools and a selection of spa treatments More
* per person for 7 nights.
A relaxing hotel with 2 pools, swim up bar and a private beach More
* per person for 7 nights.
A cozy secluded family friendly retreat amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. More
* based on 7 nights 2 adults and 2 children sharing two pool or garden view rooms and including breakfast, transfers and return flights from London.
Luxurious villas, clustered village-like above the Red Sea More
* based on 7 nights with 2 adults and 2 children sharing a deluxe partial sea view room, including breakfast, transfers and return flights.
Luxurious 5* Hotel complex, moments from the Red Sea’s coral reefs. More
* from £2084 per family of 4 for 7 nights, including breakfast, flights and transfers
5 Star specialist water sports resort with excellent childcare and location. More
* from £645 per person for 7 nights, includes breakfast, dinner, lunch, flights and private transfers.
12 days (11 nights) around Cairo. Min age 6 years. More
* per person plus local payment of US Dollars $300 excludes international flights
Cairo-ro-ro your felucca gently down the Nile More
* per adult per trip including flights, transport, some meals.
Imaginative Traveller
8 day family adventure of Pyramids, the Sphinx, Cairo, riding donkeys to Valley of the Kings and more More
* from £415 per person, includes airport transfer, all breakfast and some meals, not including flights
