Discover the best day trips from Hurghada, from Luxor and Cairo to Orange Bay and Dolphin House. Compare top excursions and choose your perfect trip.
All the postcards go to the beach in Hurghada, but the real magic begins after you cross the pool. The ancient temples, coral islands and endless desert dunes are all in easy driving range or a short boat ride from your hotel and that is why most visitors make it a point to spend a minimum of one full day out of the water.
This guide details all of the best day trips from Hurghada and explains what each is really about, who they would best suit and how to make the right choice if you only have a day or two to spare.
What Are the Best Day Trips from Hurghada?
In general, the majority of the best excursions from Hurghada can be divided into a few easy-to-classify categories, with most visitors running them a combination of two or more in a week or so. Some head to the ancient Egyptian doubtland, but a few stick to coasts for island time, and a decent amount of them do both.
Types of Day Trips from Hurghada
- Travel to Luxor or Cairo through history
- Red Sea boat trips to the Giftun Islands
- Early morning and evening visits of the desert and Bedouin nights
- Exciting local family events
- Slower, more private excursions for couples
No matter which combination you select, these Hurghada day tours are virtually always non-complimentary, meaning that you are adhering to a travel itinerary with very little freedom to come up with your own ideas.
Read More: Is Luxor Worth It from Hurghada?
Best Historical Day Trips from Hurghada
The most prominent ancient attractions of Egypt are close proximity to each other, just one long day away from Hurghada will suffice to visit both, and that's a cornerstone of the best day trips from Hurghada.
Luxor is around 300 kilometers south of Hurghada and about four/five hours of journey each way but is worth the trip for Karnak Temple, the Luxor Temple at sunset, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut, as well as the Colossi of Memnon.
The tours on most cruises explore both sides of the river in one package; the guide explains the history as you travel.
Cairo is located approximately 450-500 kilometers to the north, and there are tours that offer the option of traveling by bus in the early morning or a short domestic flight for the short-timers.
From there, you'll approach the Great Pyramids of Giza to be able to see the Sphinx, visit the newer Grand Egyptian Museum and then enjoy some free time at the Khan El Khalili bazaar.
Best Red Sea Boat Trips from Hurghada
When the temples stop attracting you then just maybe the ocean will be a better school. Conditions change from turquoise to close to unreal as a short sail upwind from the marina in Hurghada to the Giftun Islands campsite.
- Orange Bay and Hula Hula Island: These two types of beaches lie side by side on the island of Giftun. You will find soft white sand, over-water swings, two stopovers where you can do some snorkeling and a buffet lunch on the boat.
- Paradise Island: If you prefer the Red Sea with fewer boatloads filled with passengers, you'll want to go to the quieter and more intimate Paradise Island, which also offers more beach space and less crowd.
- Dolphin House: This is a unique experience to swim with wild spinner dolphins on a reef.
Such hurghada excursions are one of the most booked ones in the region just because they involve little or no planning by the travelers.
Read More: Best Places to Snorkel in Hurghada for Beginners
Best Desert Excursions from Hurghada
20 minutes inland, the beach transforms to dunes of pure gold and another side of Egypt. Safaris typically depart in the late afternoon concluding at a suitable desert sun down.
- A quad bike or dune buggy ride across the dunes, after a short safety briefing
- Stop at a Bedouin village for sweet tea, a flatbread and a brief camel ride.
- A barbecue dinner under the stars, often with a tanoura or belly dancing show
- Stargazing on the drive back, since light pollution out here is close to zero
The desert hurghada excursions are basically, of course, dusty and somewhat bumpy, but remember to bring along a light scarf for your face and your fine shoes at the hotel.
Best Day Trips from Hurghada for Families
Traveling with kids just adds another twist to the math: a long bus ride and full-beamed sun really aren't easy on the younger set compared to their adult counterparts. There are some outings that are good for families every time.
- Orange Bay or Hula Hula Island where the water is shallow and still right up off the shore.
- A glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine that is great for kids and those who are afraid to snorkel.
- There's a shaded, air-conditioned break from the heat at the Hurghada Grand Aquarium.
- A Friday afternoon excursion to the desert, not returning until the evening.
Best Day Trips from Hurghada for Couples
If you value a more relaxed and intimate experience, there are a few trips that really take your breath away. For couples who want a bit more quiet at the beach, Paradise Island is the obvious choice, replacing the hustle and bustle found on other islands with fewer people and more relaxed vibes.
All of these activities are a day off the resort, but none are rushed when they are extended if you want to take a day to visit the sunset cruises or book one of the Nile private feluccas or desert safaris for smaller groups and catch dinner under the stars.
Best Day Trips from Hurghada for First-Time Visitors
On your first tour, selecting among the best tours from Hurghada can seem daunting, but be sure to look for diversity rather than rehash. A getaway to either Luxor or Cairo is a must to do item on the list, as nothing is as fine as watching the pyramids or perambulating the forest of columns in Karnak.
Add a ride across the Red Sea with one of these trips to Orange Bay or Hula Hula Island, and if there's an extra day available a desert safari completes the scene beautifully. Those three have covered ancient history, the Red Sea and the desert, which is pretty much Egypt in miniature.
Luxor vs Cairo: Which Day Trip Should You Choose?
Both are indeed worthy of the title "best day trips from Hurghada" so here is a comparison to decide:
Feature
Luxor
Cairo
Distance from Hurghada
About 300 km
About 450 to 500 km
Travel time by road
4 to 5 hours each way
6 to 7 hours each way
Alternative option
Rarely needed
1 hour flight plus transfers
Main highlights
Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut
Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, Egyptian Museum
Best for
Shorter travel time, deeper ancient history
The single most iconic image of Egypt
Book the Best Day Trips from Hurghada with Cruisara
All these excursions at Cruisara are transparent in terms of pricing, provided with hotel pickup in Hurghada and then with local guides who know what the reason behind each stop is.
You can choose from all sorts of day tours, including a tour lasting several hours to Luxor or Cairo, a Red Sea tour for an overnight boat crossing to the Giftun Islands, or a tour for a desert safari and Bedouin dinner.
Also you can book early without the usual concerns because of easy cancellation and a best price guarantee.
Looking to make your own list of the best day trips from Hurghada? Visit the complete shows on Cruisara and choose the ones that suit the way you'd want to enjoy your vacation. Egypt is always going to bless you no matter which way you turn.