Hurghada's position on the Red Sea makes it the launchpad for one of Egypt's most dramatic excursions: the Cairo and Pyramids run (roughly 12 hours by air or road). For shorter trips, the five-hour drive to Luxor's East Bank packs serious sightseeing into a half day. Bedouin desert experiences take you into the Eastern Desert hills for a different side of Egypt altogether.
Excursions departing from Hurghada
Hurghada Excursions
Cairo & Pyramids (12 hr), Luxor temples (5 hr) or Bedouin desert
The best excursion in Hurghada is the one you don't have to organise yourself. We've been arranging them, in this country, since 1988.Discovery Tours Egypt · since 1988
Hurghada, in the order that makes sense
A full day comfortably covers two or three of the stops below – your guide tailors the mix to your pace, interests and the season.
Luxor in a day
Four hours south by road brings you to the world's greatest open-air museum: Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple in a single full day with your own Egyptologist. Early start, unforgettable return – the headline day trip from the coast.
Cairo & the Pyramids
The big one, as a long day from the coast: the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, by internal flight (easy) or overnight coach (cheaper). A private Egyptologist meets you on arrival so no time is wasted.
Orange Bay & Giftun Island
The Red Sea's postcard: a boat day to the white sandbars and turquoise shallows of Giftun and Orange Bay, with swimming, lunch aboard and time on the islands. The classic Hurghada day on the water.
Red Sea snorkelling cruise
A full day at sea on a traditional boat, with several snorkelling stops over coral gardens, reef fish and the odd turtle, and lunch cooked on board between swims. The easiest, laziest way to meet the reef.
Desert safari & Bedouin night
Quad bikes and 4x4s into the Eastern Desert at golden hour, a Bedouin camp for tea and dinner, and a sky with no light pollution at all. The land side of a Red Sea holiday.
Ways to spend the day
Every private, fully-guided excursion we run here – hotel or Nile-cruise pickup included, priced in GBP, all-in.
The practical bits
What to wear
Cover shoulders and knees for mosques and churches. Closed, comfortable shoes – you'll cross uneven stone and sand.
Tipping
Around £2–4 a day for your guide is standard, and a little for the driver. Never obligatory – your excursion price is complete.
Heat & water
Carry 1.5L minimum. Sites are in full sun by 10am – the early start isn't just about crowds, it's about comfort.
Cameras & fees
A few sites charge a separate camera fee at the gate; some interiors are extra. Standard site entry is always included.
Hurghada excursions, answered
- How much does a Hurghada excursion cost?
- Pricing depends on the itinerary, group size and season – tell us your dates and we'll send an exact, all-in quote. Every Discovery Tours Egypt excursion is private and all-inclusive: a licensed Egyptologist guide, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all listed entry fees. There are no hidden add-ons at the sites.
- Are your Hurghada excursions private?
- Yes. Every excursion we run is fully private – just your party, your own Egyptologist guide and your own driver. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace, stops and timing are tailored to you on the day.
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your Hurghada hotel (or Nile cruise dock, where relevant) are included at no extra cost. Your guide meets you in the lobby; if your plans change, the local office that arranged the excursion can adjust it on the day.
- When is the best time to visit Hurghada?
- October to April is the most comfortable season, with warm days and cool evenings ideal for sightseeing. May to September is hotter, so excursions start early to beat the midday heat – and you'll often find fewer crowds and lower prices. We run excursions in Hurghada year-round.
- Is it safe, and are families welcome?
- Yes on both counts. We've operated in Egypt since 1988 from offices nationwide, with 24/7 in-country support, and excursions run with our own vetted guides and drivers. Families are very welcome – guides adjust the pace and content for children, and we can arrange car seats and shorter itineraries.
Tell us your dates.
We'll build the day.
Private Egyptologist guide, hotel pickup, clear pricing in GBP. We've arranged Egypt excursions for British travellers since 1988, with 24/7 in-country support from offices.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup* · we reply within 30 minutes in Cairo office hours
*Excludes trips with pre-issued flight or train tickets.