Hurghada, the Cancun of Egypt?

We have met several European travellers who have raved about Hurghada. It is located on the coast of the Red Sea and is one of Egypt's most popular and affordable tourist destinations. We have been told that it has beautiful beaches and perfect crystal-clear waters for diving and snorkelling. It used to be a tiny fishing village before Egypt's 1980s tourism boom. Now the city stretches 20km along the Red Sea. It is very different from the Egypt that we have been visiting on the Nile.

We have met several good drivers who said that they’d drive us for a fair price. We figured that it did cost more than the bus ($100) but it would be a much shorter and better drive, and door to door. So, we hired Abdo, one of Mohammed’s cousins.

The 3 1/2 hour drive took us north beside the Nile, then east through a big desert, then through the dry mountains close to Red Sea and then to the populated area near Hurghada.

With Chris’ help, the driver found our home for 5 days - the Redcon Suites - just in time for New Years Eve celebrations.Read more