Touchdown in Hurghada! Stepping off the plane, that warm, dry air hits you – hello, Egypt! The real adventure begins the moment we touch down there, with the warm Red Sea breeze welcoming us. We're bypassing the hustle of the city for now. A final transfer awaits to carry us south to Safaga, is just an hour's drive south. The sea and the history are calling! 

Tips: 

1) You need to buy a visa on arrival.  If you fly via Cairo airport, look for the bank kiosks just before passport control; they sell them for approximately €25. 

2) Avoid people who offer to help you find your way to the airline counter - they just want tips. Simply follow the signs for domestic flights, located on the first floor of the airport of Cairo!

3) We recommend avoiding self-driving in Egypt. Instead, the most reliable way to get to Safaga is by pre-booking a van or private taxi transfer.

Finally, we’ve arrived in Safaga! After the journey, the first thing you notice is the calm. This isn't a bustling resort town; it’s a laid-back diver’s gateway. The arid mountains frame a coastline of brilliant blue, and the vibe is instantly relaxing. We can already sense the underwater adventure that awaits just offshore. 

After we check into our hotel, the only thing on our minds is gearing up for tomorrow's first dive. The "FL Team" diving center is just at nearby Marina Safaga. Meet with Agnieska or Gregory and prepare your equipment! You can contact them through their website.

The Red Sea is right there and it’s calling!

In Safaga, Apps like Uber or Careem are not an option. Rely on pre-negotiated local taxis. Ask the reception desk at your hotel or the FL Team staff to book you a local taxi if you need it.

Kick off your Safaga adventure at Shaab Sheer, a classic reef just a short boat ride from FL Team's base. This site has it all: a stunning wall draped in soft corals, a lively plateau, and swim-throughs buzzing with anthias. It's famous for its resident Napoleon wrasse - keep an eye out for this friendly giant! The clear waters and manageable currents make it a perfect first dive to get acquainted with the stunning Red Sea marine life right on your doorstep. You can book your dive through FL Team's website.

Get ready for a thrill! Shaab Claudio is an underwater pinnacle that rises from the depths, attracting larger pelagic life. As you drift around the reef, you'll be surrounded by massive schools of snapper and barracuda. It's not uncommon to spot grey reef sharks or white tips napping in the sandy patches below. This dive is consistently exciting and showcases the wilder side of diving in Safaga. The team at FL Team knows all the best spots here to maximize your chances of epic encounters.

You can book your dive through FL Team's website.

Get ready for a classic Safaga drift dive! Tobia Soraya is a long, narrow reef known for its exhilarating currents that whisk you along vibrant walls. You'll glide past massive gorgonian fans and soft corals while watching for tuna and trevallies hunting in the blue. It’s an effortless ride packed with action. The team at FL Team are pros at timing these drifts, ensuring you have a thrilling and safe adventure from start to finish.

You can book your dive through FL Team's website.

For a chance at big animal encounters, Gamul Kebir is a must. This large, isolated reef sits in the open water, acting as a magnet for pelagic species. As you descend along its wall, you might spot grey reef sharks, curious barracuda, moray eels and even the occasional manta ray. The topography is stunning, with overhangs and caves often filled with glassfish. It's a dive that keeps you on your toes and is a favorite for the experienced guides at FL Team.

You can book your dive through FL Team's website.

True to its name, Soma Garden is a beautiful, relaxed dive site perfect for photographers. Instead of big currents, you'll find a sloping reef blanketed in gorgeous hard and soft corals that are bursting with color. This is the place to slow down and look for macro life like ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and clownfish in their anemones. It's a peaceful, beautiful dive that showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Red Sea's coral ecosystems.

You can book your dive through FL Team's website.

Gamul Soraya offers a bit of everything, making it incredibly versatile. The reef features a dramatic wall on one side and a stunning coral garden on the other. You can explore sandy patches for blue-spotted stingrays or look up into the blue water for passing eagle rays. The topography is engaging with small canyons and swim-throughs. FL Team's guides love pointing out the hidden critters here that you might otherwise miss.

You can book your dive through FL Team's website.

Ras Abu Soma is a iconic Safaga headland dive known for its breathtaking drop-offs and dramatic scenery. The wall is vertical, covered in dense coral, and plunges into the deep blue. It's a fantastic spot for spotting sharks, especially after the peak season when oceanic whitetips are known to visit. The sheer scale of the reef is impressive. Diving Ras Abu Soma with FL Team feels like a proper expedition, offering that authentic "wild" Red Sea experience.

You can book your dive through FL Team's website.

We've saved one of the best for last! Tobia Kebir is a massive reef block famous for its world-class drift dives. Strong currents bring the reef to life, bringing in large schools of fish, sharks, and sometimes even dolphins. You'll fly along the wall, surrounded by a whirlwind of aquatic activity. It's the kind of pulse-raising, unforgettable dive that every diver dreams about. FL Team's expert boat captains and guides are masters at navigating this site for an epic finale to your week.

You can book your dive through FL Team's website.

Forget everything you know about temples; Karnak is on another level. It’s a massive complex built over 2,000 years by generations of pharaohs. You’ll feel tiny walking through the forest of gigantic pillars in the Great Hypostyle Hall. The scale is simply mind-blowing. Take your time here - every corner reveals another detailed carving or a towering obelisk. It’s the perfect start to grasp the power and ambition of ancient Egypt.

This isn’t a gloomy valley; it’s a dazzling gallery of ancient art, hidden in the desert mountains. Descend into the tombs of Ramses I-IV and King Tut to see the incredibly well-preserved hieroglyphics and paintings that were meant to guide the pharaohs to the afterlife. The colors are still vibrant after millennia! Remember, your ticket includes entry to a few tombs - having Tutankhamun’s often requires a separate ticket, but it's worth it to see his final resting place.

This temple is utterly unique. Its modern, multi-level design looks like it was designed by a minimalist architect, but it’s 3,500 years old! It was built for Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most successful female rulers. The structure, carved directly into the cliffs, is stunning. The terraces offer fantastic photo ops of the surrounding valley. It’s a testament to one ruler’s incredible vision and power.

On your way back, you can visit one of the local alabaster workshop, where you can watch skilled artisans hand-carve beautiful vases, statues, and ornaments using methods passed down for generations. 

These two massive stone statues are the first thing many people see on the West Bank. They're all that remains of a huge temple complex that was destroyed by floods. They're incredibly imposing just sitting alone in a field. It’s a quick, free stop, but it’s a powerful one. It’s the perfect photo op and a stark reminder of how much history is still buried beneath the sand around here. Great for a five-minute break on your tour.

For the absolute best views in Luxor, you have to get up early for this. Sunrise ballooning luxor is one of the best companies that offer this amazing trip! Floating silently over the Valley of the Kings at sunrise is a truly magical experience you won't forget. Watch as the first light hits the temples and mountains below—it’s an incredible perspective that makes you appreciate the sheer scale of this ancient world. The ride is peaceful and the photo opportunities are unbeatable. It's a splurge, but worth every penny for the memory.

You can book your Air Ballon experience through GetYourGuide !

If you think the Valley of the Kings is impressive, wait until you see Medinet Habu. This temple is famous for its incredible, well-preserved reliefs showing scenes of daily life and Ramses III's military victories. The colors on some carvings are still visible! It's huge, less crowded than other sites, and you can easily imagine the pharaohs walking here. It feels more discoverable and raw than Karnak, and it's a real highlight for history buffs.

Want to see how the real ancient Egyptians lived? This is the village where the artisans who built the tombs in the Valley of the Kings lived with their families. You can see the ruins of their homes and their own, smaller tombs, which are decorated with charming scenes from their daily lives. It offers a fascinating, down-to-earth contrast to the grandeur of the pharaohs' monuments and helps complete the story of ancient Thebes.

Don't miss Luxor Temple, especially at night! It's beautifully lit against the dark sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Unlike Karnak, it wasn't built by many pharaohs but added to by just a few, including Ramses II and Alexander the Great. It's surprisingly compact and easy to explore. Walking through its grand entrance, past the statues of Ramses II, and into its courtyards feels like a direct connection to ancient times, right in the heart of the modern city.

This modern museum is a welcome break from the heat and dust. It's not overwhelming like Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum can be. It's beautifully curated, with lighting that makes the artifacts look dramatic. Here you'll find a carefully selected collection of items found in the area, including royal mummies and statues from Luxor Temple. The labels are clear, and it feels like a "greatest hits" museum, showing you the best pieces without any clutter.

Get ready for the ultimate Hurghada trip! We're starting with a boat adventure to the stunning Giftun Island for snorkeling and sunbathing. After working up an appetite, we’ll head back to explore the modern marina and its buzzing atmosphere. Finally, we’ll cap the night off with an incredible feast of authentic Lebanese flavors at Mandarine Restaurant. This day perfectly blends adventure, relaxation, and delicious food - let’s get started!!

It's time to leave Hurghada and continue our journey to Cairo. You can use Booking, Uber or Careem application to book your ride to the airport. It's a good idea to arrive at the airport early, perhaps 2-3 hours before your flight, as domestic flights are very busy and there are often delays at security. Once you enter the domestic departures building, you will probably find a police officer who will check your ticket and guide you on when to go through security.

You've just landed at Cairo International Airport (CAI). The buzz of a new adventure begins here. Once you’ve grabbed your bags, your first mission is the transfer to your hotel. It can feel a bit chaotic, but don't worry - you've got this. Whether you pre-booked a driver, are grabbing a taxi, or using an app, your comfortable hotel room and the excitement of Cairo are just a ride away. 

You can use Booking, Uber or Careem application to book your ride to the airport

Let's get you settled!!

Step into Cairo’s most famous bazaar, a vibrant maze that’s been the heart of trade since the 14th century. It’s a sensory overload in the best way: haggle for lanterns and spices, smell the strong shisha smoke, and enjoy a sweet mint tea at a traditional café. Don’t just shop - people-watch and soak in the incredible energy. It’s chaotic, charming, and an absolute must-do. Remember, bargaining is part of the fun here, so be ready to negotiate with a smile! You’ll love the energy here!

You can book the intire trip (Khan El Khalili and Islamic Cairo) through the app GetYourGuide  !

This is the main artery of Islamic Cairo and essentially an open-air museum. Walking down this pedestrian-only street is like traveling back in time. You’re surrounded on both sides by breathtaking mosques, madrasas, and mansions that span a thousand years of history. The atmosphere is electric, with locals shopping, kids playing, and the call to prayer echoing around you. It’s the perfect place to just wander and discover something amazing around every corner.

Keep an eye out for the details at this mosque, one of Islamic Cairo's oldest. Its name means "The Moonlit Mosque," but the real star is the fascinating façade. It's one of the first to be built with its front perfectly aligned to the street, a clever architectural solution. The stonework is covered in amazing inscriptions and geometric patterns. It’s a small but mighty landmark that shows the incredible artistry of Fatimid-era builders.

This 19th-century mosque is a hidden gem tucked away on Al-Muizz Street. It’s a stunning example of the Ottoman influence on Cairo's architecture. Step inside to see the beautiful details: the elegant marble, the intricate painted ceilings, and the gorgeous calligraphy. The use of light and space here is incredible. It feels less like a tourist stop and more like a local secret, offering a moment of serene beauty away from the crowds.

This massive mosque, built in the 11th century, feels like a peaceful fortress right next to the bustling market. It was restored beautifully, and its open courtyard is a quiet escape. Look up at the two unique minarets - they're the oldest in Cairo and have an almost mystical, geometric design. Walking through its vast, quiet space gives you a real sense of its long and sometimes turbulent history, from a Crusader prison to a modern place of worship.

This complex isn't just a mosque; it's a khanqah, a hostel for Sufi mystics. You can feel its dual purpose in the design. The two towering minarets are some of the most impressive in the city. Inside, the vast courtyard and the two massive mausoleums create a powerful, solemn atmosphere. It’s a bit off the main path, so it’s often quiet, allowing you to appreciate its grand scale and spiritual history in peace.

Located within the Citadel, this mosque is a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture. You’ll recognize it instantly by its iconic dome and the two unique, spiraling minarets covered in green faience. The interior is surprisingly spacious and peaceful, with rows of ancient columns and a beautifully simple carpet. Standing here, you get some of the best panoramic views of Cairo right from its doorstep, making it a perfect spot to end your tour.

Welcome to the only Wonder of the Ancient World still standing! Seeing these colossal structures rise from the desert plateau is a moment you’ll never forget. Built nearly 4,500 years ago as royal tombs, their scale is mind-boggling. Get ready to walk around their massive stone blocks, feel the sun on your back, and be amazed by the sheer ambition of the pharaohs. For the classic photo, book a camel ride on-site. It offers a unique perspective and the perfect shot of the pyramids from the desert. This is more than history; it’s a true bucket-list experience that absolutely lives up to the hype.

This is a great quick stop to see how ancient Egyptians created papyrus paper, the world's first! Watch a friendly demonstration of how the Nile reeds are transformed into beautiful, durable canvases. It’s not a high-pressure sales pitch but a cool cultural insight. You’ll see gorgeous paintings of gods and pharaohs. It’s a perfect place to find a unique, handmade souvenir - getting a personalized piece with your name in hieroglyphs is a really special take-home memory.

Get ready to be wowed! The Great Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the world's new premier archaeological museum, right on the doorstep of the pyramids. This state-of-the-art facility is where you’ll finally see the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s breathtaking treasures, all together for the first time. It’s the perfect modern complement to the ancient sites, providing context and showcasing the incredible artifacts in a stunning, climate-controlled space. It’s an essential stop to complete your understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.

If you haven't book the whole trip through GetYourGuide, you can book your tickets through the official site of the GEM.

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is your final stop. Allow plenty of time for the drive from the city center, as traffic can be unpredictable. The airport is modern but often busy. The process is standard: check-in, passport control, and security. Once you're through, relax at a café with one last cup of mint tea and maybe spend your remaining Egyptian pounds on some final souvenirs.