Hurghada City Tour with Private Guide

Most visitors see Hurghada as a strip of hotels and a beach. The city behind that is older, busier and considerably more interesting, and it takes a guide to make sense of it in an afternoon.

What you see

El Mina Mosque is the landmark of the city - a large modern mosque on the seafront with twin minarets, and the most photographed building in Hurghada. You will go inside with your guide.

The Coptic church nearby is the other half of a story most visitors never hear. Egypt's Christian community is one of the oldest in the world, and the church stands a few minutes from the mosque, which tells you something about the city.

The marina is where Hurghada shows its money - yachts, restaurants and a promenade that comes alive in the evening.

The fish market is the opposite and better for it: the day's catch on ice, sold loudly, and the place to understand what actually comes out of this sea.

El Dahar bazaar is the old quarter, with spices, textiles, brass and perfume oils down narrow streets.

On shopping and bargaining

Shopping stops are part of this tour. Bargaining is normal and expected - start at roughly a third of the asking price and stay good-humoured, because it is a social exchange rather than a fight. You are never obliged to buy anything, and a polite no is completely acceptable.

Good to know before you book

• The booking window allows for a long day including shopping stops; the guided sightseeing itself is shorter. Tell us how you want to balance the two.
• Hotel pickup and return in a private air-conditioned vehicle are included, along with a private guide and all taxes.
• Lunch, drinks, personal purchases and anything not listed are not included.
• A $5 per person supplement applies from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Ahyaa, El Gouna and Soma Bay.
• Dress: shoulders and knees covered for the mosque and church, for everyone, and shoes that come off easily. Women should bring a scarf for their hair inside the mosque.
• Late afternoon is the best time - the markets fill up and the heat becomes bearable.

$70 per person (regular price $80), including private guide, hotel transfers and all taxes.