Hurghada Travel: Unwinding in the Land of Pharaohs

Published by V.S. Journeys

Craving turquoise water, warm sand, and sunshine that melts stress like butter? Hurghada, Egypt's Red Sea gem, is your ultimate beach bum escape. Imagine sinking into pillowy sand, a good book (or frosty cocktail) in hand. Gentle waves lull you as you soak up rays, worries fading with each one.

Adventure Awaits: Water Sports & El Dahar's Charm

Hurghada is a water sports wonderland. Feeling the need for speed? Zip across the turquoise waves on a jet ski, the spray cooling you down under the Egyptian sun. For a bird's eye view (quite literally), parasailing offers a breathtaking panorama of the coastline, or dive beneath the surface to a kaleidoscope of fish.

Hurghada isn't all new hotels and fancy shops (though there are plenty for those who like comfort). Head to El Dahar, the old town, and wander through bustling markets overflowing with local crafts. Historic mosques peek around corners, whispering stories of the past. It's like two vacations in one: beachside bliss and a cultural adventure.

The Red Sea is home to some of the most amazing coral reefs in the world, and Hurghada is a great place to experience them. Many dive companies offer day trips to the reefs, and there is also some great snorkelling to be done just off the shore.

Explore the Giftun Islands:

The Giftun Islands are a group of islands located just off the coast of Hurghada. A short boat trip from Hurghada, these islands are gems in the Red Sea. They're famous for their crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, making them a top choice for day trippers.

Dive in and explore a vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful fish. The snorkelling here is unreal! If exploring the reef isn't your style, simply relax on the beach and soak up the sunshine. Let the gentle waves lap at your toes and unwind in this tropical paradise.

Dive into Culinary Delights:

Hurghada shines brighter than just the Red Sea. Sure, the beaches are blinding white, and the reefs explode with colour, but there's another kind of treasure here—food. Hurghada's a feast for all comers.

Love seafood so fresh it practically jumps off the plate? You'll find it. Craving spices that tickle your nose and warm your belly? Egyptian specialities await. International flavours more your style? No problem. Hurghada's restaurants dish up an adventure for your taste buds.

Hurghada: Beyond the Beach

Red Sea gem offers another kind of paradise: a shopper's heaven! Forget the fancy resort boutiques for a second – we're diving headfirst into a full-on treasure hunt in the heart of Hurghada!

First stop: El Dahar, the old town. Think Aladdin's cave, but way bigger and with way more bargaining. Here, you'll find rows and rows of stalls overflowing with cool stuff – hand-woven rugs that feel amazing under your feet, tapestries that look straight out of a fairytale, and lamps that shimmer like buried treasure. Plus, the smell of spices is unreal! Remember, haggling is the game here, so brush up on your bartering skills to snag the best deals.

Feeling more modern vibes? No worries! Senzo Mall, the biggest in Hurghada, has you covered. Need a new swimsuit to show off that tan? Check. Gotta stock up on snacks for your hotel room? Done. Plus, there's even a play area to keep the little ones entertained while you shop. Win-win!

So next time you're in Hurghada, don't just hit the beach (although you should do that too). There's a whole world of shopping fun waiting for you, whether you're a seasoned haggler or a brand-name lover.

Embark on a thrilling desert safari:

The desert stretches out forever, all sand and sun. Hop in a jeep and roar across the dunes. Hold on tight for a bumpy ride! These adventures can take half a day or a whole day, and sometimes, you can visit authentic Bedouin villages.

Have you ever ridden a camel? They're big and slow but sure-footed. Let them carry you across the dunes. It's a peaceful way to see this vast, empty land.

Face to Face with Giants: An Unforgettable Day at the Giza Pyramids

The Giza Pyramids—words that punch you with pictures. The moment you step off the bus, the heat hits you like a wave. The air shimmers over the vast expanse of golden dunes, a stark contrast to the dark, imposing shapes of the pyramids rising from the sand. These massive stone shapes, standing defiant against the glare, are not just structures but a living history, a testament to the human spirit. It's hard to wrap your head around that people, without the benefit of modern machinery, built these things that have stood the test of time for thousands of years.

I just returned from a trip where I finally faced them myself, and let me tell you, it was even more mind-blowing than I ever dreamed.

Tips for Your Giza Adventure:

• Beat the Heat: Head out early mornings or late afternoons. The midday sun is no joke, and neither are the crowds.

• Dress for the Desert: It gets hot. Think loose, light clothes, comfy walking shoes for all that sand, and a hat to keep the sun off.

• Guides Know the Story: Hiring a guide can be significant. They can tell you all about the pyramids, why they were built, and all the incredible secrets they hold.

• Beware the Hustle: There will be people trying to sell you stuff, some of it overpriced. Be polite but firm if you're not interested. No pressure.

• Bring the H2O: Stay hydrated! It's a desert, and the Egyptian sun is serious business.

• Cash is King: Some vendors might take cards, but cash (Euros, Pounds, or Dollars) is always your best bet, especially for souvenirs or tipping your guide.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most famous statues in the world. It sits on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, guarding the pyramids like a giant lion. No one knows for sure exactly when it was built, but archaeologists think it was during the reign of a Pharaoh named Khafre, around 2500 BC.

The Sphinx's face is battered and worn. Its nose is missing, maybe broken off by treasure hunters or worn away by sandstorms. This only adds to the Sphinx's mystery. Why was it built? What does it mean? People have been arguing about that for centuries!

Unveiling Pharaohs' Wonders:

Cairo's Egyptian Museum is a massive museum filled with ancient Egyptian artefacts. It has the most extensive collection in the world, with over 170,000 artefacts from the Predynastic Period (before 3100 BC) to the Greco-Roman Era (332 BC to 395 AD).

You can see statues of kings and queens, giant carvings, and everyday things people used. It's a great place to learn about what life was like for people in ancient Egypt. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the past, the Egyptian Museum is a must-see. It's a chance to connect with a civilization that continues to capture our imagination, all housed in one magnificent building.

Disclose Luxor's Majesty: Treasures & Souks

Cairo's a whirlwind! The call to prayer echoed through dusty streets, the endless energy of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and, of course, the awe-inspiring pyramids dominating the Giza plateau. My senses are overloaded in the best way possible, but after a few days of soaking it all in, it's time to head south on an Egyptian adventure.

Next stop: Luxor, the legendary city on the Nile!

Luxor basks in the glow of a forgotten era. Pharaohs once walked these lands, leaving behind grand temples as testaments to their reign. This city, cradled by the Nile, pulsates with an ancient energy that feels both timeless and alive. Bustling markets overflow with wares, friendly faces greet you everywhere, and the whispers of history linger in the air.

Karnak, a sprawling giant guarding the east bank, boasts a history stretching over 2,000 years. It's an open-air museum brimming with towering halls, enigmatic obelisks, and silent sphinxes flanking long avenues. Every turn unveils a surprise, a murmur of pharaohs, deities, and ceremonies of a bygone era.

Across the mighty Nile, the Valley of the Kings beckons. Here, tombs burrowed deep into the rock hold the secrets of pharaohs. They slumber with their treasures, surrounded by stories etched in hieroglyphs – portals into their beliefs and journeys to the afterlife. Each tomb is a unique window, offering a glimpse into a world long lost.

But Luxor is far more than just a collection of stones. It's a city that pulsates with life. Take a break from your explorations and immerse yourself in the local scene. Find a cosy cafe, a Luxor institution, and settle in for a while. Sip on Arabic solid coffee or cool karkadeh, watching the world flow by. Many cafes offer shisha pipes for those curious about this traditional pastime.

Planning Your Egyptian Escape: Essential Tips

• Visas: Need a visa? Check before you fly. Do it early - no last-minute scrambles.

• Money: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency, but the best to use is cash in USD, EUR, or GBP.

• Airport: Don't fight over a taxi. Book your ride from the airport to your hotel beforehand. It makes things smoother.

• Be Prepared: Get travel insurance. It's a safety net for your Egyptian adventure.

• Pro Tip: Get a Revolut card. It's a prepaid debit card that lets you spend money abroad without crazy fees.

• Where to stay: Here are some options for places to stay. Sunshine.co.uk

Ready for Adventure?

Egypt is a land of extraordinary opposites - ancient stuff next to modern things. From busy Cairo streets to the calm Red Sea and the incredible temples of Luxor, Egypt is an unforgettable trip. Pack your bags, be open to new experiences, and get ready to discover the magic of this incredible country!