Ron,

Like you, I'm a great lover of DIY hols. There's a sense of freedom and achievement when a DIY goes well and there's a certain amount of satisfaction when you look at the potential savings.

Egypt is quite a large country with a number of nice destinations. I suggest you first decide where you want to go. Here's my thoughts on what Egypt offers (apologies to any resorts that feel offended).

1. Cairo - Good base if you are interested in seeing the pyramids and Cairo museum. As well as these sights, there's a fairly good selection of shops and markets. But it is a busy place and doesn't offer much in the way of sunbathing opportunities.

2. Luxur / Aswan - The Nile cruises are brill. I don't think that a fortnight is a good idea, but a very pleasant week of boating and visiting the sights is lots of fun. You could possibly combine this with a week somewhere else.

3. Sharm / Hurghada - 2 places that offer a similar product. Sun, sand and cheap food/drink. Great if you just want to chill out and catch some rays or try water sports. Personally, I can't handle much of the lazing on the beach, so a week of that would be enough for me.

4. El Gounna - has exactly the same as Sharm/Hurghada in the way of entertainment. A purpose built resort that is very clean with little hassle from shopkeepers. Located about 22km from Hurghada.

There are other areas of Egypt, but I can't really comment on them. If I were visiting Egypt for the first time, then I'd definately try and get to the pyramids (awesome). The nile cruises are fantastic and the beach is always fun.

Reviewing this reply, means I may have confused you even more. Maybe someone could offer you a 3 centre package.

Once you have made up your mind where you want to go, you need to decide how you are going to do it. Egypt tries very hard to promote itself as a tourist destination and it's definately worth checking the deals for package holidays.

As a rule of thumb, DIY generally offers more choice and better prices, but the right package might be better value.

Good luck with your holiday, I'm sure you will enjoy it here.

WG

Hi WG
thanks for the reply, after reading your reply it has helped as I was uncertain what each resort offered.
After going last year on an all inclusive to Turgutreis, Turkey for two weeks I found myself in exactly that position (enough sunbathing after 7 days).

Would love to see all the sights so going on a Nile cruise for 7 days then back to Hurghada for the remaning 7 days would be excellent. Have found some good prices for Hotels but its the flights that kill us (£1300 for 4 ).

Any idea on companies that will book 1 year in advance for the flights ?

Thanks again

Ron

Ron,

Sorry can't really help with flight bookings 1 year in advance. Maybe a search for a site called "farecompare" would give you a good result.

There are flights from Gatwick to Hurghada, so it might be an idea to start in Hurgghada/El Gounna, go to Luxur/Aswan for 3/4 nights and then back to the coast for a few days and your flight home.

I know that not everyone wants to fly from Gatwick (I'm a Jock by birth), but I was speaking about scheduled flights. Charter flights are something totally different.

WG