Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday: Complete Planning Guide

Planning an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday is one of the smartest decisions a traveller can make — but only if you understand precisely what the package covers, what it doesn't, how much spending money to budget, and which excursions will transform a comfortable beach stay into one of the most extraordinary journeys of your life. This definitive guide, drawn from fourteen years of guiding over 1,200 groups through Egypt's resorts, Nile Cruises, and ancient monuments, gives you every practical answer before you arrive — from tipping etiquette and hidden costs to the best day trips from Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh and an honest verdict on whether an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday is truly worth it.

Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday: The Complete Planning Guide

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Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday Fast Facts: Everything You Need at a Glance

Before the full guide, here are the critical answers distilled for immediate reference:

Is an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday worth it? Yes — for most visitors. A standard package covers accommodation, all meals, local drinks, non-motorised water sports, pools, and evening entertainment. The essential rule: use the resort as a comfortable base, not the destination itself. Book at least two to three excursions — to Luxor, Cairo, or offshore snorkelling sites — to genuinely experience the country you flew to visit.

Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday Costs at a Glance

Per person, 7 nights, return flights included:

Spending Money Guide for Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

For 1 week (7 nights):

For 2 weeks (14 nights): approximately double the one-week figures above. Add £5–£10 per day for tipping across all scenarios.

What Is NOT Included in an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday?

• Motorised water sports — jet skis, parasailing, banana boats
• Scuba diving, even at resorts with an on-site dive centre
• À la carte restaurants within the resort
• Premium international spirits — standard packages cover local brands only
• Excursions outside the hotel grounds
• Airport transfers (check your specific package carefully)
• Room minibar refills beyond the initial complimentary stock
• Spa treatments and specialist fitness classes
• Tips (baksheesh) for all staff

Tipping Guide for Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

Best Excursions by Resort Destination

From Hurghada: Luxor day trip, Cairo & Pyramids of Giza (fly option strongly recommended), Giftun Island snorkelling, desert quad biking.

From Sharm el-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed National Park snorkelling, Mount Sinai sunrise trek, Tiran Island, Coloured Canyon jeep safari.

Day-One tip: On arrival, ask reception "Which restaurants are covered by all-inclusive and which are charged?" — and request it in writing. Also: tap water is not safe to drink in Egypt. Budget £1–£2 per day for bottled water, or bring a filtered bottle from home.

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What Does an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday Actually Include?

An Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday follows the Mediterranean resort model — not a cruise model. This is a critical distinction: the scope of what is covered varies enormously between a three-star and a five-star property.

Standard Inclusions Across Most Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday Resorts

A standard Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday typically covers:

• Accommodation throughout your stay
• All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in buffet restaurants
• Soft drinks, local beer, house wine, and local spirits (at most four-star properties and above)
• Snacks and ice cream during the day at most resorts
• Non-motorised water sports — pedalos, snorkelling equipment, kayaks
• Evening entertainment shows, kids' clubs, and daytime activities
• Full use of pools, sunbeds, and parasols

A three-star Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday may cover only meals and basic local drinks. A five-star property — such as Rixos Premium Seagate in Sharm or Titanic Palace in Hurghada — will include premium international spirits, à la carte restaurants with no surcharge, and motorised water sports.

Insider tip: Look specifically for the terms "ultra all-inclusive" or "premium all-inclusive" if you want international branded drinks included. Standard Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday packages almost always mean local brands only — Stella beer, Sakara Gold, and Egyptian house spirits.

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Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday Destinations: Hurghada vs Sharm el-Sheikh

Egypt's two principal Red Sea resort destinations suit very different traveller profiles. Here is an honest, detailed comparison.

Hurghada: The Best Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday for Families and Value

Located on the western Red Sea coast approximately four hours from Cairo, Hurghada is generally the more budget-friendly and family-oriented choice. Resorts tend to be larger with longer beach stretches, and the package holiday infrastructure is exceptionally well established — this is where you will find the best-value Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday deals.

• Best for: families, first-time Egypt visitors, beach relaxers, budget-conscious travellers
• Average resort size: large, 200–600 rooms
• Snorkelling quality: excellent — house reef or glass-bottom boat trips to offshore reefs
• Nightlife: moderate — the El Dahar area has restaurants and bars, but it is not a late-night destination

Bastet Travel's Hurghada Tours complement any Hurghada-based Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday with expertly guided day excursions to the country's greatest ancient sites.

Sharm el-Sheikh: The Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday for Divers and Couples

Perched at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, framed by dramatic desert mountains, Sharm el-Sheikh is home to world-class dive sites including Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island. The reef quality is exceptional — Naama Bay beaches open directly onto the coral reef, making this some of the finest snorkelling accessible from a resort beach anywhere on Earth.

• Best for: divers, couples, those wanting a livelier resort atmosphere, repeat Egypt visitors
• Average resort size: mid-to-large, 150–400 rooms
• Snorkelling quality: outstanding — direct reef access from Naama Bay beaches
• Nightlife: stronger — the Naama Bay strip offers restaurants, bars, and nightclubs

Bastet Travel's Sharm El Sheikh Tours provide seamless access to Ras Mohammed, Mount Sinai, and the wider Sinai desert from any Sharm-based resort.

The Honest Verdict: Which Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday Destination Is Right for You?

For pure beach-resort value and easy access to Egypt's historical monuments — including day trips to Luxor and Cairo — Hurghada is the simpler and more affordable choice. For underwater experiences of genuinely exceptional quality and dramatic desert scenery, Sharm edges ahead. Both destinations offer outstanding Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday options at every price point.

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Nile Cruise All-Inclusive: A Different Kind of Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

A Nile Cruise is a fundamentally different style of Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday to a Red Sea resort experience — and for many travellers, the most profoundly rewarding way to encounter Egypt's ancient monuments. On a standard cruise (typically three nights from Aswan to Luxor or four nights from Luxor to Aswan), all-inclusive typically covers:

What Is Included in a Nile Cruise All-Inclusive

• All meals on board — breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Non-alcoholic drinks with meals — soft drinks, water, juices
• Guided tours to the included temple sites — Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo
• Abu Simbel visit on longer seven-night itineraries, either as an included excursion or optional fly-in

What Is NOT Included in a Nile Cruise All-Inclusive

• Alcoholic drinks — charged separately at approximately $3–$5 per beer on most vessels
• Entry to Tutankhamun's tomb at the Valley of the Kings — requires a separate ticket
• Optional excursions: hot air balloon over Luxor, Abu Simbel fly-in from Aswan
• Tips for crew, guides, and drivers

Insider tip — Valley of the Kings: The standard entry ticket covers three tombs of your choosing. Tutankhamun's tomb costs an additional approximately $20 and must be purchased at a separate ticket window before boarding transport to the valley. Every visitor we have guided has wanted to see it — budget for it in advance.

Explore Bastet Travel's curated Nile Cruise options for a river journey that pairs seamlessly with any Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday on the Red Sea coast.

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Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday Costs: Full Pricing Breakdown

Pricing for an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday varies considerably based on resort rating, season, and departure airport. The table below provides a realistic overview (per person, 7 nights, return flights included):

Seasonal Pricing for Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

• Best value season: November through February is the peak UK booking window for winter sun — prices are highest during this period. April through June and September through October typically represent the sweet spot: warm, less crowded, and 10–20% cheaper than peak season
• Summer (June–August): Temperatures in Hurghada and Sharm can reach 38–42°C. Deals are considerably cheaper; pool and sea time remain excellent, but all sightseeing excursions should be planned as early-morning departures exclusively

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What Is NOT Included in Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

This is the section most holidaymakers wish they had read before arriving. The following extras consistently catch travellers unprepared:

Almost Always Excluded from an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

• Motorised water sports — jet skis, parasailing, banana boats ($20–$50 per activity)
• Scuba diving, even at resorts with an on-site dive centre
• À la carte restaurants within the resort (occasionally complimentary for one or two nights at five-star properties; otherwise charged separately)
• Premium international spirits — standard Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday packages cover local brands only
• Excursions — quad biking, Luxor day trips, desert safaris, snorkelling trips to offshore reefs
• Airport transfers — check your specific package carefully; many do not include these
• Room minibar refills beyond the initial complimentary stock
• Spa treatments and specialist fitness classes

Watch Out for These Hidden Costs

• Themed dinners (beach barbecue nights presented as optional but charged separately)
• Non-local wines poured at the dinner table without price confirmation
• Bottled water in your room beyond the initial complimentary supply

Tap water in Egypt is not safe to drink — budget an additional £1–£2 per day for bottles throughout your stay. This applies to brushing teeth as well. Bringing a filtered travel bottle from home is a cost-effective alternative.

Day-one tip: At reception on your first day, always ask: "Which restaurants are covered by all-inclusive and which are charged?" Request a printed list or have it noted on your room card to avoid any disputes at checkout.

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How Much Spending Money Do You Need for an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday?

This is the most-searched question from travellers planning an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday, and the answer depends almost entirely on how much you plan to do outside the resort gates.

Spending Money for 1 Week on an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

Spending Money for 2 Weeks on an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

Currency Advice for Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

Take a mix of US Dollars and Egyptian Pounds (EGP). The Egyptian Pound is the official local currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted at resorts and for excursion payments. Exchange EGP at a local bureau de change in the resort town for smaller purchases — local market souvenirs, street snacks, and taxi fares offer considerably better value when paid in EGP.

Day-to-day costs to factor in:

• Bottled water: £1–£2 per day
• Tips: £5–£10 per day depending on your approach
• Souvenir shopping: highly variable — budget what you are comfortable with
• Excursions booked at the resort desk: typically $30–$80 per person per trip
• Independent excursions (booked with a specialist operator such as Bastet Travel): 20–40% cheaper than resort desk pricing

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Tipping on Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday: The Complete Guide

Tipping — known locally as baksheesh — is deeply embedded in Egyptian hospitality culture and genuinely expected across the service industry. Resort staff including cleaners, waiters, pool attendants, and entertainment teams earn very modest base salaries; tips constitute a significant portion of their real income.

Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday Tipping Guide by Role

The single most practical approach: keep a small supply of $1 bills in your wallet and tip daily rather than in one lump sum at checkout. This ensures the tip reaches the specific person who served you each day. Arriving with a dedicated small envelope of $1 bills for tipping purposes is something guests consistently describe as the most useful preparation tip they received before their Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday.

Tipping is not mandatory — but it is standard practice and genuinely appreciated. Exceptional service warrants a slightly higher tip. Poor service carries no obligation.

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Best Excursions to Book During Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

One of the most consistent regrets from Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday travellers is not booking enough excursions. Egypt has some of the world's most extraordinary ancient monuments, desert landscapes, and underwater experiences — all within a few hours of your resort.

Top Day Trips from Hurghada for Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

1. Luxor Day Trip A full-day journey to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Queen Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple — among the most unmissable experiences available anywhere on Earth. Most tours depart the resort at 4:00 am and return by 7:00 pm. Resort desk cost: $60–$100 per person. A privately guided, Egyptologist-led tour delivers a fundamentally different experience from large group bus tours. Explore Bastet Travel's Luxor Tours for the full specialist experience.

2. Cairo & Giza Pyramids Day Trip A five-hour drive or 45-minute flight from Hurghada to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The flight option is strongly recommended — the drive is exhausting on a day trip. Flight packages cost $200–$300 per person, including transfers and a guided tour. Bastet Travel's Cairo Tours are purpose-built for exactly this itinerary.

3. Snorkelling at Giftun Island A boat trip to one of Hurghada's premier reef sites — crystal-clear water, abundant marine life, and a beach barbecue lunch included. Cost: $25–$45 per person. One of the finest-value excursions available and suitable for all ages, including non-swimmers (snorkelling vests provided).

4. Quad Biking in the Eastern Desert An afternoon ATV safari into the dramatic desert landscape behind Hurghada, often combined with a Bedouin camp dinner under the stars. Family-friendly and accessible for most fitness levels. Cost: $30–$50 per person.

Top Day Trips from Sharm el-Sheikh for Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

1. Ras Mohammed National Park Snorkelling Egypt's premier marine protected area, where the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba converge in a spectacular meeting of currents and coral. The wall formations and fish density here are extraordinary — among the finest snorkelling available anywhere on the planet. Cost: $30–$50 per person by boat.

2. Mount Sinai Sunrise Trek A demanding but profoundly rewarding night trek up the biblical Mount Sinai (2,285m) to witness the sunrise from the summit. Departing at midnight, reaching the peak at dawn, then descending to Saint Catherine's Monastery — one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Cost: $35–$60 per person. Not suitable for visitors with mobility limitations.

3. Tiran Island Snorkelling or Diving A boat day trip to the celebrated Tiran Straits, featuring four world-class dive sites and exceptional snorkelling on the shallow reefs. Visibility can exceed 30 metres on optimal days. Cost: $40–$70 per person.

4. Cairo & Pyramids Day Trip from Sharm A 45-minute flight to Cairo is the only practical option given the distance between Sharm and the capital. Cost: $250–$350 per person, including flights, transfers, and a licensed guided tour of the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

5. Coloured Canyon Jeep Safari A 4×4 adventure into the Sinai desert to explore spectacular multicoloured sandstone canyon formations — a photographer's dream. Often combined with a traditional Bedouin lunch. Cost: $45–$70 per person. Bastet Travel's Egypt Desert Safari Tours offer this and comparable Sinai desert experiences with expert local guides.

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Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday: The Honest Pros, Cons, and Verdict

The Advantages of an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

• Budget certainty — you know your food and drink costs before you arrive
• Convenience — no searching for restaurants, no bill anxiety at the end of every meal
• Outstanding resort facilities — large pools, kids' clubs, water sports, and nightly entertainment
• Excellent value in peak season — during school holidays, all-inclusive packages frequently beat hotel-only pricing significantly
• Exceptional beach access — both Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh offer superb Red Sea beaches at four-star properties and above

The Disadvantages of an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

• You can miss Egypt entirely — the greatest risk of an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday is spending seven nights inside a resort bubble and never encountering the country you flew to visit
• Buffet food fatigue — at budget properties, the food can become repetitive and mediocre by day four
• Drink quality at three-star all-inclusive — local spirits can be rough; beer selection is limited to Egyptian brands
• Hidden costs — excursions, premium restaurants, and motorised water sports accumulate rapidly without prior budgeting
• Resort excursion desk commissions — hotel-sold tours are frequently 30–40% more expensive than booking directly, and often use non-specialist guides

The Honest Verdict on an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday

An Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday is a genuinely outstanding choice if you use the resort as a comfortable, cost-controlled base from which to explore — not as the destination itself. The hotel provides rest, financial predictability, and a beautiful beach. Egypt's ancient monuments offer an experience of a lifetime. Plan a minimum of two to three excursions for a week's holiday — ideally at least one to Luxor or Cairo on a first visit. Having guided guests from 32 countries to these sites, not one has returned wishing they had spent more time by the pool.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt All-Inclusive Holidays

Is an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday worth it?

Yes, for most first-time visitors. It removes budget uncertainty, provides a comfortable and predictable base, and Egypt's resort facilities are genuinely high quality at four-star properties and above. The critical rule: do not treat the resort as the destination — use it as a base and commit to at least two or three excursions to Egypt's ancient sites and natural wonders.

How much spending money do I need for a week in Egypt, all-inclusive?

Budget £150–£250 if you plan to remain mostly in the resort with one or two excursions. Budget £300–£500 for three to four excursions and some souvenir shopping. Factor in daily tips of £5–£10 separately. For two weeks, approximately double the one-week figures.

How much do you tip in all-inclusive hotels in Egypt?

The standard approach is $1–$2 per day for your room cleaner (left on the pillow), $1 per meal for buffet waiters, and $1 per day for pool attendants. Tour guides receive $15–$25 per person for day excursions. Maintain a supply of $1 US dollar bills throughout your stay and tip daily rather than in a lump sum at checkout.

What is not included in all-inclusive Egypt holidays?

Motorised water sports, scuba diving, à la carte restaurants at most resorts, premium international spirits, excursions outside the hotel, spa treatments, airport transfers, and bottled room water are typically excluded. Always confirm with your specific resort on arrival exactly what your package covers.

Is it safe to visit Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh?

Both Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are considered safe and stable tourist destinations with well-established tourism infrastructure, welcoming international visitors for over thirty years. Always check the most current guidance from your government's official travel advisory service before you travel.

Can I drink the tap water at my all-inclusive hotel in Egypt?

No. Tap water in Egypt is not safe for drinking. Your resort will provide some complimentary bottled water, but budget an additional £1–£2 per day for bottles throughout your stay. Use bottled water for brushing teeth as well. Bringing a filtered travel bottle from home is a practical and cost-effective alternative.

Is summer a good time for an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday?

Temperatures in June through August reach 38–42°C, which is very hot for daytime sightseeing but entirely manageable for beach and pool time. Red Sea water temperatures in summer are gloriously warm for snorkelling. For historical excursions, book exclusively early-morning departures before 8 am. Summer packages are typically 15–25% cheaper than winter peak season.

What currency should I take on an Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday?

US Dollars are the most universally useful for tips, excursion payments, and resort purchases. Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are best for local markets, souvenirs, and anything outside the hotel gates. Euros are also widely accepted at resorts. Exchange EGP at local bureau de change offices in the resort town rather than at the airport, where rates are generally less favourable.

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Plan Your Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday with Bastet Travel

An Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday is one of travel's genuinely great value propositions — a warm, superbly comfortable resort experience with some of the world's most extraordinary ancient history sitting on your doorstep. The visitors who derive the most from it are invariably those who embrace both dimensions: the effortless relaxation of a Red Sea resort and at least a glimpse of the pharaonic wonders that made Egypt legendary.

Use this guide to budget realistically, tip fairly, choose the right resort destination, and plan the excursions that will make your trip genuinely memorable. Bastet Travel's Egypt tour packages are crafted by local specialists with fourteen years of on-the-ground expertise — from private day trips to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, to Cairo Tours covering the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, to fully curated Nile Cruise add-ons that transform a beach holiday into the journey of a lifetime. Our team is ready to build the Egypt All-Inclusive Holiday experience that exceeds every expectation.

Inquire now via WhatsApp → http://wa.me/+201550191399