Journey to Egypt It has always attracted travelers with its rich history, impressive pyramids and beautiful Red Sea beaches. This guide helps in planning a trip to Egypt – from travel from the region (Zagreb, Belgrade, Sarajevo), through security tips and visas, to arrangement prices and practical information.
Major destinations and attractions
- Pyramids and Cairo. The most famous Egyptian landmark is the Gisey Pyramids and the Sphinx near Cairo. Visit the Museum of Egyptian Antiques in Cairo, the Old Emperors of Luxor (Valley of Kings) and Aswan, and the wonderful temples (Abu Simbel, Karnak). Travel arrangements often include trips to Cairo and the pyramids.
- Red Sea (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh). Hurghada, Makadi Bay and Sharm resorts on the Red Sea offer sun, beaches and diving. Modern hotels with a high standard attract families and lovers of water sports. Arrangements with flights and seven nights (all-inclusive) in the 4* hotel in Hurghada today start from around €550-600 per person.
- Culture and cities. Egypt is much more than beaches – the streets in the metropolises are a mixture of Arab spirit and tourist amenities. An example of a city street in Hurghada is shown in the picture below, with inscriptions in Arabic and local life.
The streets of Egypt, as here in Hurghada, offer a combination of local life and tourist amenities. At the same time, you should be careful in traffic and on city roads.
- Egyptian oases and cities. Don’t forget other destinations: Alexandria in the Mediterranean, Aswan and Luxor along the Nile, oases in the desert (Siwa) and dinokop – offers various sights throughout the country.
Best time to visit
The climate in Egypt varies from Mediterranean (north) to desert (interior and south). It is generally recommended:
- Autumn and spring period (October – November, March – May): Convenient temperatures (20-30 °C) suitable for sightseeing pyramids and temples. Tourists avoid the biggest crowds of summer. according to the place Avaz, October and November are optimal for a vacation in Hurghada (approximately 27–30 °C).
- Winter (December – February): Pleasant, mild temperatures (about 20-25 °C during the day), ideal for tourist trips and avoiding heat.
- Summer (June – August): Extremely hot, especially in Upper Egypt (luxor, Aswan) where temperatures often exceed 40 °C. Although it is sunny and stable, sightseeing is tiring outside – that’s why many travelers prefer the beaches of the Red Sea, where the breeze relieves the heat a little.
Summary: better time for desert attractions And sightseeing is from October to April. If you want a summer vacation on the beach, the Red Sea offers pleasant swimming all year round, with the most pleasant water temperatures in summer.
Safety and helpful advice
- Safety warnings: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia advises avoiding travel to Sinai and border areas along the Gaza Strip and Libya for safety reasons. The exception is direct flights to Sharm el Sheikh (tourist area on Sinai). In other cities and popular tourist zones, it is generally quite safe, but avoid large mass gatherings. Be discreet and aware of local tensions (pro-Palestinian sentiment may be expressed).
- Traffic: Egyptian roads and railways are often unreliable. It is warned of frequent traffic accidents. Avoid night driving in the city and unauthorized taxis.
- Documents and visa: Croatian citizens need passport which is valid for at least 6 months after entering the country. A visa can be obtained at the entrance to Egypt (the passport is valid) or online via the e-Visa portal. A standard one-time tourist visa costs about $25. It is recommended to obtain an e-visa before the trip, but it is not necessary because the visa can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport or border crossing. (Citizens of BiH, Serbia and other countries should check the visa conditions in their consulates.)
- Local customs: Be prepared for frequent tour guide services and targeted sales of services and taxi drivers. In Egypt a must bargain For most goods – the initial ‘tourist’ price is usually significantly higher than the real price. Tips (Baksis) are also common – for small services, 1-2 € (or equivalent in local currency) is left per person.
- Cash and cards: Carry enough cash (dollars or euros) and Egyptian pounds (EGP), especially for smaller purchases and tips. Credit cards can be paid for in large hotels and stores, but not everywhere. Always keep an exchange and a smaller coin for tips.
- Drinking water: Drink only bottled water. Tap water is not safe for tourists and can cause indigestion.
How to get to Egypt (flights, arrangements)
A trip to Egypt usually involves a plane, usually with a single transfer. from Zagreb or surrounding towns There are no regular direct flights to Cairo or Hurgada. Passengers usually fly via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) or Via Belgrade (Air Serbia offers seasonal flights to Cairo, and sometimes to Hurghada). It is also possible to fly via Ljubljana, Budapest, or through Slovenian and Austrian agencies that offer charters for Hurgada or Sharm. For example, the Slovenian operator Nomago offers 8-day arrangements for Hurgada (included: return flight from Ljubljana, all-inclusive hotel) from around €529 per person.
- Travel from Belgrade: Air Serbia has flights to Egypt, especially seasonal charters for Hurghada and regular ones for Cairo. The travel agency in Belgrade also offers package deals (air + hotel) for Egypt.
- Travel from BiH: There are no direct flights from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Passengers usually fly via Zagreb or Ljubljana (from Sarajevo via Istanbul, Vienna or Budapest). Numerous Croatian agencies (Alga, Sol Azur, Atlas, etc.) also organize group trips that start in Zagreb or other nearby cities.
- A journey from the neighborhood: Many travelers take arrangements from Ljubljana, Zagreb or Budapest, thus bypassing connections from BiH/HR. Croats often fly via Ljubljana (Nomago, Palma Travel) or Zagreb with a transfer.
- Traffic in Egypt: In large cities (Cairo, Hurghada) taxi driving is available, but be sure to negotiate the price or use a taxi meter. Within the city and the sights can be taken by bus or organized excursions. Safari jeeps are popular for transport in the desert.
Arrangements and prices
Travel to Egypt is mostly All-inclusive package arrangements: flight + transfer + accommodation + meals. Examples of prices (per person, with two passengers) in the season:
- A week in Hurghada (Hotel 4, All Inclusive):* From approximately €550. On Mondo Travel. The Grand Hotel 4* (Hurghada) 8 days starts from €559, The Grand Resort 4* from €591. Similarly, Sharm El Sheikh Arrangements start around €515–528 (example: Sharm Plaza 4* from €528, Sharm Resort 4* from €515).
- Top hotels 5* and luxury tours are more expensive. All-inclusive stay in a 5* resort (Hurgada or Sharm) can be €700 and more for a week.
- Nile cruises: If you want to combine vacations at the sea and excursions, there are ‘big tour’ tours with a Nile cruise and visits to Cairo/Luxor. Example from the offer: a 9-day tour (Hurghada + Nile cruise) costs around €1,700 per person.
- Flights: The return map of Zagreb-Hurghada (with one transfer) is usually included in packages. The price often varies from €200 (out of season) to €400 (season). Independent air tickets (eg Zagreb-Hurghada) can already find around €300-500.
- Seasonal changes: Prices rise quickly in July and August – then arrangements are up to 30% more expensive than in spring or autumn. Winter holidays (Christmas/New Year) also hold high prices.
Savings: For best prices, follow last-minute and First-minutes Offers of travel agencies. Usually airfare, transfer and all-inclusive service are included. Agencies like Algatravel or Eliza often offer special discounts and the ability to pay in installments.
a solo or group trip
Egypt is also suitable for Group trips and for solo adventure, but keep in mind:
- Group tours: They are ideal for those who like organized trips and traveling in society. Groups usually have guides, joint trips (pyramids, luxor) and group experience.
- Solo journey: Travelers who travel alone can choose the pace freely, but let them be extra careful with safety and accommodation. It’s good to always travel with at least a minimum pair of hotels and not risk night walks alone.
- For couples or family: Egypt offers an animation hotel for children and family rooms. Packages for two often include discounts (e.g. third bed for free).
visa and formalities
- Passport and visa: For Croatian citizens, passport (valid min. 6 months) and tourist visa. As we have stated, the visa can be obtained at the embassy or online before the trip, but also on arrival ($25 charge).
- Visa price: Single tourist visa about $25, multiple $60.
- Recommendation: For a more peaceful entry, obtain an e-visa through the official website visa2egypt.gov.eg a few weeks before the trip.
- Other: Take care of valid travel documents, provide adequate health insurance and comply with local laws (Egyptian law strictly regulates public behavior).
Conclusion
Traveling to Egypt provides a unique opportunity to meet the history of the pharaoh and enjoy a tropical holiday in one. Although prices vary, everything can be adjusted: cheap Arrangements of around €500 for a seven-day vacation to luxury Nile cruise packages. Follow the tips for a safer journey (avoid risk zones at the borders), obtain the necessary visas, and you are ready for an unforgettable experience. Book your arrangement in time, explore direct or combined flight options, and enjoy your dream Egypt!
Cover photo: Ricardo Liberato, CC BY-SA 2.0, Via Wikimedia Commons
