Off to Eqypt for my DP's 50th Birthday, Where is best Place

[passmyglassplease]

DP has been dying to go to Egypt for many years so we have decided that it would be a good 50th birthday present.

So I don't quite want the budget price option but am looking for value for money.

We have to see the pyramids etc, and he would like to try out diving if possible.

We are looking at Jan 2011

Where do you suggest we go?

It depends what do you expect from hoidays. If you want to see real Egypt and feel the life of Egypians go to the Hurgada. If you want to have more luxurious option go to SHarm el SHake -it is called 'Dineyland of Egypt' also very good place for diving. If you want to combine both take a Nile crouse - then you can see both south and North Egypt without riding a bus for 10 hours (which happens if you live in SHarm el SHake and go to see pyramids).
In any case take a 4-5 stars hotel since it is risky to eat in cheap one.
You chose a good country if you want value per money ;)

We stayed in a sensatori resort in Crete that was fab and I hear they are opening one in Egypt early next year

thanks guys, you have been very helpful

me, I would personally go for Sharm el Shake, dp might not agree though!

We went to Taba last year just a bit further up than Sharm-el-Sheikh. It was a bit quieter and more relaxing but still with the diving, trips etc. Would def recommend 5* AI, food was lovely though if you like a drink or two, take duty free.

I stayed in Makadi Bay near Hurghada. Diving was very good. We flew to Cairo for an amazing day, went into the desert for a day and also visited Valley of The Kings. My trip to Cairo and Giza blew me away. When I saw The Spinx I could hear prayer music in the background and there was sand blowing around and it was one of my best ever moments.
My mum went to Taba and in the photos it looked beautiful. Plus you can do some really good trips from that area.

Marsa Alam is amazing for diving and snorkelling but is quiet - which suits me fine.

How long are you thinking for? If you book a package with someone like Thomas Cook you could plan it how you like.
We have done two Nile cruises, and also spent 3 days in Cairo. On our last trip in November we flew to Cairo and stayed in a hotel there for 3 nts. We booked a private guide for the pyramids, camel ride, sphinx, and Cairo museum. The second day we walked around Cairo on our own, including Tahrir Square, and went to the top of the Cairo Tower for great views of the city, with the pyramids in the far distance. We also saw the light & sound show at the pyramids one night.
We then flew from Cairo to Luxor to catch our cruise ship. The cruises usually go from Luxor to Aswan stopping at sights along the way, all accompanied by a Tour Guide. The itinerary usually includes Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Colossus of Memnon, Hatchepsut's temple, Dendera temple, Karnak temple, Luxor temple, Kom Ombo temple, the unfinished cracked obelisk, Philae temple, and visit botanical gardens on a fellucca sailing boat.
You can book extras like hot air balloon over Valley of the Kings, and light and sound shows at Karnak, Luxor and Philae temples.
We paid extra for an excursion to the two amazing temples built by Rameses II at Abu Simbel which includes return flights from Aswan.
The cruise lasted 6 days, then we flew back home from Luxor. Some people were then flying on to Sharm El Sheik or Hurgarda for a week swimming/ relaxing / diving etc there. Some were doing another cruise on Lake Nasser.
It depends how long you can go for, and what you want to see and do. I can recommend booking with Thomas Cook, as ther reps really look after you, and their guides are excellent.

Sorry - meant to say the cruise went from Luxor to Aswan, then returned back to Luxor. We had a lovely ship, with pool and jacuzzi on top sunbathing deck.
Can you edit posts on here?