New Year's Eve in Egypt, in Hurghada
Charter flight, all-inclusive hotel and transfer, with the turn of the year on the Red Sea.
New Year's Eve on the Red Sea, with over 20°C by day: an all-inclusive week, coral reefs a few steps away and midnight at the same time as at home.
New Year's Eve in Egypt, in Hurghada, means swapping winter for a week of mild summer. At the end of December it is around 22°C during the day, the sea is about as warm, and the sun sets early over the desert mountains. In winter Egypt is on the same time as Romania, so you can wish everyone at home a happy new year right at midnight.
The packages include a charter flight from Bucharest, all-inclusive accommodation or the meal plan you choose, transfer and 7 nights, with departures on 28 and 29 December and the return in the first days of January. The hotels are in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay and Safaga, and you see the price of each one in the offer, before you pay.
Top attractions in Hurghada
The turn of the year at the hotel
In Hurghada, New Year's Eve is mostly spent at the resorts: a gala dinner, music and a party by the pool or on the beach. At many hotels the dinner on 31 December is compulsory, either included in the price or paid separately. If you want to go out, Hurghada Marina and the centre of El Gouna are the liveliest places on New Year's Eve.
The coral reefs
The Red Sea has some of the most beautiful reefs in the world, and in winter the water stays around 22°C. Many hotels have a reef right off the beach, so a mask and snorkel are all you need. Diving with an instructor is open to beginners too, with a trial in the pool first.
Giftun Island and Mahmya
Hurghada's best-known boat trip: a day on the islands of the Giftun marine park, with white sand, turquoise water and snorkelling stops. You leave the harbour in the morning and come back in the afternoon, in time for New Year's Eve or for the first day of the year.
A day in Luxor
The temples of Karnak and Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs were buried, are about four hours away by road. The day trip leaves the hotel very early and returns in the evening. It is long, but it is the simplest way to see ancient Egypt from a beach holiday.
Everything you need to know about Hurghada
New Year's Eve weather
Days are usually 21–23°C and sunny, while evenings cool to 12–14°C and are often windy. Bring something warm for New Year's Eve outdoors and for the boat. The sea is around 22°C: you can swim, though some find it cool.
Where to stay
Hurghada if you want shops, restaurants and the Marina close by. El Gouna for a quiet resort town with canals and a small centre full of terraces. Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay for large resorts and reef beaches, further from the city.
Flight and visa
The charter flight from Bucharest takes about three and a half hours, and the airport–hotel transfer is included. For Egypt you need a passport valid for at least six months and a tourist visa, which you can buy on arrival at the airport or online before you travel.
Money and tipping
At all-inclusive hotels you hardly need any money. For trips, taxis and tips, bring euros or dollars in small notes; tipping is a strong custom in Egypt. At the bazaar and with taxis, haggle and agree the price first.
Frequently asked questions about Hurghada
- What does the Hurghada New Year's Eve package include?
- The return charter flight from Romania, accommodation at the hotel you choose with the meals in the offer (usually all inclusive), the airport–hotel–airport transfer and TravelTheme assistance throughout the trip. You can see exactly what each hotel includes in the offer, before you pay.
- Is the New Year's Eve dinner included?
- It depends on the hotel. In Egypt many hotels hold a compulsory gala dinner on 31 December: at some it is included in the price, at others it is paid separately at the hotel. If you want to know in advance, write to us before you book and we will check for the hotel you have chosen.
- When do I leave and when do I come back?
- Departures from Bucharest are on 28 and 29 December, returning after 7 nights, in the first days of January. You can see the dates with seats and the price of each one at the top, under “Nearest departure dates”, or choose them in the search.
- Can I fly from a city other than Bucharest?
- Yes, depending on the date. Over New Year there are also flights to Hurghada from Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Sibiu, Craiova and Oradea. Choose your departure city in the search to see the dates and prices for each.
- Can I pay only a deposit?
- For bookings made well in advance you can pay a 25% deposit and the rest by the date shown in your confirmation. At checkout you will see whether your booking can be paid with a deposit; closer to departure, payment is made in full.
- What documents do I need for Egypt?
- A passport valid for at least six months from your entry into Egypt and a tourist visa, which you can buy on arrival at Hurghada airport or online before you travel. Check the current requirements before you travel.