Egypt is one of the closest and most familiar holidays for Gulf families: Arabic everywhere, halal food, short flights and very different trips in one country — from Red Sea reefs to the Pyramids and the Nile. This guide answers the questions families ask us most.
In short: For a first family trip, most Gulf families choose the Red Sea (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada or El Gouna) for 5 nights, or combine 3 nights in Cairo with 4 nights by the sea. The Red Sea is warm year-round, the North Coast is a summer destination (June–September), and Luxor and Aswan are best from October to April. A 5-night Red Sea family stay typically costs 3,500–9,700 SAR per room before flights.
Where should we go? Egypt’s main family destinations
- Sharm el-Sheikh — reefs a few steps from the hotel, calm bays and large family resorts. See our Sharm el-Sheikh guide.
- Hurghada and El Gouna — long sandy beaches, marinas and a lively town; El Gouna is quieter and well suited to families. See Hurghada & El Gouna.
- Marsa Alam — quieter southern Red Sea, known for turtles and seagrass bays.
- North Coast (Sahel) — Egypt’s Mediterranean summer coast, with resorts, chalets and villas. See the North Coast guide.
- Cairo and the Pyramids — the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo and shopping. See Cairo for families.
- Luxor and Aswan by Nile cruise — temples, the Valley of the Kings and calm days on the river. See Luxor and Aswan.
- Ain Sokhna — the closest beach to Cairo, ideal for a short weekend.
When is the best time to go?
| Destination | Best months | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Red Sea (Sharm, Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam) | All year | Hot in July–August; mild and sunny in winter |
| North Coast (Sahel) | June – September | Very busy in July and August; book early |
| Cairo | October – April | Summer is hot; plan indoor visits at midday |
| Luxor & Aswan / Nile cruise | October – April | Summer heat is extreme in the south |
How many days do we need?
- 3–4 days: one place only — a Sokhna weekend, a short Cairo visit or a beach break.
- 5–7 days: the Red Sea alone, or Cairo plus the sea.
- 8–10 days: Cairo, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and a few days on the Red Sea.
How much does a family holiday in Egypt cost in 2026?
These are indicative ranges for the stay and local arrangements, excluding flights. The final price depends on the hotel, dates and room type, and you receive a written, itemised quote before paying.
| Trip | Indicative price (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Sharm el-Sheikh family holiday, 5 nights | 3,500 – 9,700 per room (2 adults) |
| Cairo family stay, 5 nights | 2,700 – 6,200 per family of four |
| Nile cruise Luxor–Aswan, 4 nights | 1,650 – 4,400 per person |
| North Coast summer, 5 nights | Resort room 4,250 – 10,500; chalet or villa 5,300 – 19,900 |
| Ain Sokhna weekend, 2 nights | 1,300 – 2,600 per room incl. private car |
| Private car with driver | Sedan 375 – 560 per day; family van 790 – 1,125 per day |
All ten packages, with what is included, are on our holiday packages page.
Flights and entry
Direct flights connect the main Saudi cities with Cairo and the Red Sea airports, with schedules that change by season. Entry rules depend on your nationality and residency: check the current requirements with the Egyptian embassy or consulate, and use only the official e-visa website, visa2egypt.gov.eg, if an e-visa applies to you. Make sure passports are valid for at least six months.
What Gulf families usually ask for
- Connecting rooms or family suites, and resorts with calm, shallow beaches for small children.
- A private car with a driver instead of shared tours, especially in Cairo.
- Arabic-speaking guides and a coordinator on WhatsApp during the trip.
- Privacy: villas, chalets or quieter resorts, and pools suited to families.
Health and safety during the trip
Drink bottled water, avoid the midday sun in summer and keep children well hydrated — heat exhaustion and stomach upsets are the most common reasons visitors need a doctor. If someone falls ill, a licensed doctor can usually visit the hotel; read our guide to finding a doctor in Egypt. In an emergency in Egypt call 123 for an ambulance. Travel insurance that covers medical care is strongly recommended.
Plan it with one Arabic-speaking contact
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and your budget. We reply on WhatsApp with a written, itemised quote; hotels, cars and tours are provided by licensed Egyptian companies. Living in Saudi Arabia? You book and pay in Saudi Arabia, in riyals, through our licensed Saudi partner company — not by transfer to Egypt.
WhatsApp +20 103 156 7949Questions families ask
Which is better for families, Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada?
Sharm is best for snorkelling from the hotel and calm bays; Hurghada and El Gouna have longer sandy beaches and more town life. Both are warm all year.
When is the North Coast open?
The North Coast is a summer destination, mainly June to September, with the busiest weeks in July and August.
Is it worth adding Cairo to a beach holiday?
Yes, if you have 7 days or more: 3 nights in Cairo for the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then 4 nights by the sea.
How much does a week in Egypt cost for a family?
As a guide, 5 nights on the Red Sea cost 3,500–9,700 SAR per room before flights, depending on the hotel and dates. You receive a written quote before you pay.
Who do we pay, and where?
Families living in Saudi Arabia book and pay in Saudi Arabia, in riyals, through Hayakkom’s licensed Saudi partner company. You receive a written, itemised quote before paying.
What if a family member gets sick?
A licensed doctor can usually visit your hotel. In an emergency in Egypt call 123. Hayakkom can coordinate a doctor, nurse or dentist visit on WhatsApp.
This information is for general education and is not medical advice. Hayakkom is an Egyptian coordination and marketing company (Commercial Register 49973), not a healthcare provider; care is given by licensed doctors and hospitals, and trips are run by licensed tourism and transport companies. In an emergency in Egypt call 123. Updated 10 October 2026
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