Hurghada began as a sleepy fishing village and, in the late 20th century, grew into one of Egypt’s best-loved Red Sea resorts. Its constant sunshine, protected reefs, and long beaches draw divers and families alike, while the nearby Eastern Desert offers Bedouin hospitality and unreal, star-studded skies.

Beyond the water, day trips connect you to Egypt’s deep past: Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and Karnak are feasible in a long but rewarding day, and Hurghada’s Old Town (Dahar) still hums with souks, spice scents, and the calls of fishermen at the marina. Food is hearty and fresh—think grilled Red Sea fish, koshary, falafel, and smoky eggplant salads.

Practical notes: Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and a light scarf for desert wind. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are common; cash in Egyptian pounds helps for tips (10–15% is standard). Respect coral etiquette (no touching or standing) and confirm hotel beach access, as many beaches are attached to resorts.

Hurghada

Hurghada stretches along Egypt’s Red Sea coast with distinct zones: the lively Marina and Sheraton Road, family-friendly resort clusters near Villages Road and Makadi, upscale Sahl Hasheesh to the south, and stylish El Gouna to the north. Expect gin-clear water, house reefs, and easy boat access to the Giftun Islands (home to famed Orange Bay).

Top highlights include reef snorkeling and diving, a private speedboat to Dolphin House, sunset strolls on the Marina, the Hurghada Grand Aquarium for families, and desert safaris with Bedouin tea under galaxies that look close enough to touch.

• Where to stay: For resort comforts and family pools, search central Hurghada or Sahl Hasheesh. For chic dining and lagoon vibes, consider El Gouna as a dinner/outing spot even if you base in Hurghada proper.
• Book accommodations: Browse stays on VRBO and Hotels.com.
• Getting there: Fly into Hurghada International (HRG). Check fares and routes on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Typical flight time from Cairo is ~1 hour (often $60–$150 one-way). Many seasonal direct flights connect from Europe (4–6 hours).

Day 1: Arrival, Marina Sundowners, and Classic Seafood

Afternoon: Arrive in Hurghada, check in, and refresh. If you like a central base near cafes and the promenade, search Marina/Sheraton Road on Hotels.com or VRBO. Stroll Hurghada Marina Boulevard for first impressions—yachts, chill music, and warm Red Sea air.

Evening: Dinner at El Halaka Fish near the old fish market—pick your catch (sea bream, grouper, or red mullet) and ask for it grilled with tahini, rice, and baladi bread. Prefer table-service classics on Sheraton Road? Starfish Seafood is a long-running favorite; try the seafood soup and mixed grill. Nightcap at Little Buddha for a lounge vibe and, if you like, sushi at the bar.

Day 2: Giftun Islands and Orange Bay—Reef Time

Morning: Quick breakfast: grab a fuul-and-ta’ameya (falafel) sandwich at GAD or an espresso at Costa Coffee in the Marina. Get your drybag, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen ready for a full-day island cruise.

Day experience (boat tour): Spend the day on translucent water with the Orange Bay Island Snorkeling Trip With Water Sports - Hurghada (often includes snorkel stops, lunch, and beach time; typical $30–$50). Expect easy coral gardens and schools of anthias and parrotfish.

Evening: Back on shore, unwind with grilled kofta and fattoush at El Dar Darak (comforting, home-style Egyptian), or go casual with shawarma at GAD if you’re pleasantly sun-tired. For dessert, hunt down pistachio baklava or crisp kunafa from a local pastry shop.

Day 3: Beach Day + Evening in El Gouna

Morning: Choose a calm beach club or hotel beach. Sahl Hasheesh’s wide sands are great for a swim; snorkel the “Sunken City” area if conditions are calm. Taxi time is ~30 minutes; agree on a fare or use a ride-hailing app.

Afternoon: Light lunch on the beach (grilled chicken wraps or a simple tuna salad) and a siesta. If you’re curious about kite spots, Soma Bay and El Gouna have consistent winds; beginners can book a lesson on a future day.

Evening (El Gouna outing): Head ~40 minutes north to El Gouna’s Abu Tig Marina for dinner. Le Garage is beloved for gourmet burgers and truffle fries; Zia Amelia in the Downtown area does excellent wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta. For a refined waterfront drink, Pier 88 mixes Italian-leaning dishes with sunset views. Return to Hurghada (~40–45 minutes).

Day 4: Dolphin House by Private Speedboat + Old Town Dahar

Morning (boat tour): Book a half-day private boat to spot wild dolphins and snorkel vibrant reefs: PRIVATE! | 4-hour Speed Boat Trip | Swim With Dolphins, Snorkeling & Island (typical $150–$250 per boat depending on season and group size). It’s ideal for families and small groups, with flexible pacing and calm, shallow stops.

Afternoon: After lunch and a rest, explore Dahar (Old Town). Browse spice shops for hibiscus (karkade), cumin, and dukkah; see the Church of St. Shenouda; wander the fish market. It’s a slice of pre-resort Hurghada—bring small bills for juices and snacks.

Evening: Seafood feast at El Mina (try the shrimp sayadiyah and grilled calamari). If you want a mellow drink, Granada Restaurant & Pub has sea views and a relaxed terrace.

Day 5: Slow Morning + Desert Stargazing with Bedouin Dinner

Morning: Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium (great with kids; check current ticket prices on arrival—often around 400–500 EGP). Alternatively, snorkel your hotel’s house reef and keep an eye out for blue-spotted rays on sandy patches.

Afternoon: Early dinner or a hearty late lunch at Moby Dick (solid Egyptian and international plates; the molokhia and grilled meats are crowd-pleasers). Rest up—you’ll be out beneath the Milky Way tonight.

Evening (desert tour): Join the Hurghada: Star Watching Desert Adventure by Jeep with Dinner for a jeep ride, sunset photos, a Bedouin-style meal, and telescope time. Typical duration is ~5–6 hours with hotel pickup, and it’s an easy, wow-factor experience for all ages.

Day 6: Luxor in a Day—Karnak, Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut

Set the alarm early for a bucket-list history day. Most tours depart around 5:00–6:00 a.m. and return 9:00–10:00 p.m., with a comfortable vehicle, guide, and lunch stop. You’ll typically see Karnak Temple (avenues of ram-headed sphinxes and forest-like hypostyle hall), the Valley of the Kings (tombs with intact color), and Hatshepsut’s terraced temple under dramatic cliffs. Expect ~4 hours each way by road. If you’d like a small-group option with hotel pickup and key sites included, consider the Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Trip.

Food tip in Luxor: If time allows, Sofra Restaurant & Cafe is beloved for traditional Upper Egyptian dishes—order stuffed vine leaves, tameya, and lemonade with fresh mint.

Day 7: Last Swim, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Squeeze in a final swim or snorkel and a leisurely breakfast—try ta’ameya, ful medames, and fresh fruit. If you need last-minute gifts, Senzo Mall has a/c comfort; for local souvenirs, return to Dahar for spices, nuts, dates, and brass lanterns.

Afternoon (departure): Pack and transfer to HRG. If you haven’t booked flights yet, compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Share leftover small coins as tips with porters and drivers—it’s appreciated.

Practical Eating & Drinking Shortlist

• Seafood: El Halaka (choose-your-fish, grilled simply), Starfish (seafood soup, mixed grill), El Mina (shrimp sayadiyah, calamari).
• Egyptian staples: El Dar Darak (home-style classics), GAD (quick falafel, fuul, shawarma), Moby Dick (molokhia, grills, family-friendly).
• Cafes/sweets: Costa Coffee (Marina), local pastry shops for kunafa and basbousa, fresh sugarcane juice (asab) from street vendors.
• El Gouna dinners (evening outing): Le Garage (burgers and sides), Zia Amelia (Italian), Pier 88 (waterside Mediterranean plates).

Good-to-Know Tips

• Reef etiquette: Don’t touch or stand on coral; avoid feeding fish. Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard.
• Cash & tipping: Carry small EGP notes for taxis and market purchases; 10–15% tip is customary in restaurants and for boat crews.
• Transport times: El Gouna ~40–45 min by car; Sahl Hasheesh ~30 min; Luxor by tour bus/van ~4 hours each way.
• Optional Cairo day: If you’ve an extra day or swap a beach day, a fly-in/fly-out Cairo excursion (~1-hour flight) covers the Pyramids, Sphinx, and a top museum collection.

Bookables recap (Hurghada area):

• Orange Bay Island Snorkeling Trip With Water Sports - Hurghada
• PRIVATE! | 4-hour Speed Boat Trip | Swim With Dolphins, Snorkeling & Island
• Hurghada: Star Watching Desert Adventure by Jeep with Dinner
• Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Trip

This 7-day Hurghada plan delivers coral gardens by day and constellations by night, with a one-day window into the pharaohs’ world in Luxor. Expect sun, salty breezes, and meals that taste of the sea and spice—simple pleasures, perfectly paced.