Add it at the end, not in the middle. Three to four nights in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, reached by a short flight from Cairo or Luxor, is the standard way to close out a classic Egypt itinerary. It works as a coastal rest after the temples rather than a stop along the Nile Valley route.
Key takeaways
- Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh both have short domestic flights from Cairo and from Luxor.
- 3–4 nights is the common length — enough for diving or snorkeling without eating into the historic sites.
- Our 7-day Egypt and Red Sea itinerary already builds this combination as a fixed itinerary.
- Adding the Red Sea does not require giving up Cairo, Luxor or Aswan — it stacks on top as extra nights.
Where it fits
| Trip shape | Where the Red Sea goes |
|---|---|
| Cairo → Luxor → Aswan (classic) | Fly from Aswan or Luxor to Hurghada/Sharm at the end |
| Cairo → Nile cruise | Fly from the cruise's final port to the coast |
| Short Cairo-only trip | Fly direct from Cairo, 3–4 nights, then home |
Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
Hurghada sits closer to Luxor, which matters if you're arriving from a Nile cruise. Sharm El Sheikh sits closer to Sinai's dive sites and Mount Sinai. We compare the two directly in Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Red Sea worth adding to a first Egypt trip?
For most travellers with the time, yes — see is the Red Sea worth adding? for the full case.
Do I need to dive to enjoy it?
No. Snorkeling trips and beach time cover most of what draws people there — see our Red Sea day tours for options that don't require certification.
Reviewed September 2026.