Day 1: El Dahar and the marina
The first day is spent in the north of the city, where the most authentic side of Hurghada is concentrated, before ending at the water's edge. Distances are short by taxi; bring sunscreen and a hat.
Morning: the old town of El Dahar
Start with El Dahar, the former fishing village turned working-class district. The old souk is the place to haggle for spices, fabrics and souvenirs; the El Mina mosque recalls the port's past. It is best to come in the morning, while it is still cool.
Midday: fish at the port
Have lunch near the fish market: you choose your fish, which is then grilled at a nearby restaurant. Ask the price before cooking, by weight.
Afternoon: beach and marina
Head to the south of the city for the Hurghada marina, which is pleasant at the end of the day, with its quays, boats and restaurants. If the weather allows, finish with a walk at sunset.
Day 2: a day boat trip on the Red Sea
The sea is the reason Hurghada exists. A full-day boat trip is what matters most to most travellers; it usually includes two or three snorkelling stops, lunch on board and some beach time.
Choosing your destination
- Giftun Island: the classic excursion, with coral reefs and sandy beaches.
- Orange Bay: an island with pale beaches and calm water, popular with families.
Departures are from the port or the marina in mid-morning; check what is included (lunch, snorkelling gear, park access fee) before you book. If the sea is rough, captains may change the programme.
Evening
Come back early if the day has been long. The Sakkala and Sheraton Road districts have most of the evening restaurants.
Day 3: Luxor or the desert
On the third day, choose between two very different outings. Neither can be done without a booking: use a reputable agency whose reviews you have checked.
Option A: Luxor (a very long day)
Luxor is about 280 km from Hurghada: four to five hours by road each way. The day therefore starts very early in the morning and ends late. It usually has three stops: the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and Karnak Temple. A guide is useful. On TourRadar, 2026 offers start at about 160 US dollars per person privately for a day, and about 320 US dollars for a two-day package with a night in Luxor. Site entrance tickets are paid on top unless stated otherwise.
Option B: the desert, from a Roman site to the evening safari
- In the morning: Mons Porphyrites and Mons Claudianus, two Roman quarries in the Red Sea Mountains, about an hour and a half by road from the city. The excursion is by 4x4 with a guide.
- In the late afternoon: the desert safari, with quad or buggy, camel, Bedouin dinner and stars.
Together they make a full day: combine them only if you enjoy long days on the track.
Practical tips
- Booking: the Luxor and quarry excursions require a dawn departure. Book the day before at the latest, with a known agency.
- Getting around: see getting around Hurghada for taxis and choosing a driver.
- Budget: compare offers with the budget for a trip to Hurghada.
- Heat: from May to September, avoid land excursions in the middle of the day; prefer dawn departures.
