Egypt and Turkey are the two most popular charter tour destinations from Riga, and every season thousands of Latvian travellers face this very choice. Both countries offer All Inclusive hotels, warm seas and reasonable prices, yet differ significantly in the details. Egypt in 2026 starts from €319 per person (Sharm El Sheikh, 7 nights), while Turkey starts from €350. This article compares both destinations across 8 key criteria to help you decide.
Price: Egypt Wins on Budget
Egypt is the cheaper of the two destinations. In Sharm El Sheikh, charter AI tours start from €319 per person for 7 nights; in Hurghada from €339. In Turkey, a comparable 4* AI tour costs €350–499 per person. The difference is roughly €30–150, depending on season and hotel tier. However, in the 5* segment Turkey often delivers more value for money — better restaurants and larger grounds for the same price.
Sea and Beaches
Egypt: The Red Sea is outstanding — crystal-clear water, coral reefs right off the shore, rich marine life. In Sharm El Sheikh many beaches have coral entries (water shoes needed), while Hurghada more often has sandy beaches. Water temperature stays at 22–24°C even in winter.
Turkey: The Mediterranean offers clean, warm water with sandy or pebble beaches. No coral reefs, but beaches are wider and more comfortable for families with small children. Summer water temperatures reach 27–29°C.
Food and All Inclusive Quality
Egypt: Food in AI hotels is acceptable but usually less varied than Turkey. Buffets feature international cuisine with Arabic accents. Alcohol selection is more limited — mainly local drinks.
Turkey: Turkish AI is recognised as one of the best worldwide. Even 4* hotel buffets are generous — fresh fish, grilled meats, Turkish sweets, varied salads. In 5* hotels, 4–6 à la carte restaurants with international cuisines. Wider alcohol selection, especially in 5* and Ultra AI.
Flight and Travel Convenience
| Criteria | Egypt | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Flight time from Riga | ~4 hours | ~3.5 hours |
| Visa | On arrival, $25 (or e-visa) | Not required |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (same as Latvia) | UTC+3 (+1h from Latvia) |
| Currency | Egyptian Pound (EGP) | Turkish Lira (TRY) |
| Transfer time | 15–45 min | 20–90 min (depends on resort) |
Safety
Egypt: Tourist zones (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada) are well-guarded and safe. Outside resort areas, organised excursions are recommended. Sharm El Sheikh is on the Sinai Peninsula — a separate security zone with constant checkpoints.
Turkey: The Antalya coast is very safe for tourists. Turkey overall is an experienced tourism country with good infrastructure and tourist police in popular areas. Getting around outside the resort is easier and freer than in Egypt.
Excursions and Activities
Egypt: The key highlight is world-class snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea. Excursions from Sharm are limited locally (Ras Mohammed €40–60, Dahab €50–70, Tiran Island). Cairo with the pyramids is far away (6–7 hours by bus or 1 hour by plane, €80–120).
Turkey: Excursion options are significantly wider — Pamukkale, Cappadocia (hot air balloons), ancient cities (Ephesus, Perge, Side), rafting, water parks, boat trips. Much can be explored independently by renting a car.
Family-Friendliness
Egypt: Good for families with caveats. Hurghada has sandy beaches suited to small children. In Sharm, coral entries can be inconvenient. Kids' clubs in larger 5* hotels are acceptable but usually less interactive than Turkey.
Turkey: The undisputed leader for family holidays. 5* AI hotels feature dedicated kids' clubs with animators, water slides, children's pools, mini zoos. Wide sandy beaches with shallow water are ideal for toddlers. Menus typically include a children's section.
Overall Comparison
| Criteria | Egypt | Turkey | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (7n AI) | From €319 | From €350 | 🇪🇬 Egypt |
| Sea / diving | Red Sea, corals | Mediterranean, sand | 🇪🇬 Egypt |
| Food / AI quality | Good but limited | Excellent, varied | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Flight | 4h, visa $25 | 3.5h, visa-free | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Safety | Good in resorts | Very good | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Excursions | Underwater, Cairo far | Diverse, close | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Kids | Good but limited | Excellent | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Winter holiday | Ideal (22–25°C) | Season closed | 🇪🇬 Egypt |
Who Should Choose Egypt?
Egypt is ideal if: you want the cheapest possible holiday (from €319), you're into diving and snorkelling, you're travelling in winter (October–April), you want exotic atmosphere, or you're looking for quiet relaxation without many activities outside the hotel.
Who Should Choose Turkey?
Turkey is better if: you're travelling with children, food quality and variety matter, you want excursions and active holidays, you don't want visa hassles, you're flying in summer (May–October), or you want a wider hotel selection across all price segments.
FAQ
Is Egypt safe to visit in 2026?
Yes, Egypt's tourist zones — Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada — are safe and well-guarded. These zones are physically separated from the rest of the country by checkpoints. Latvian and EU tourists regularly holiday here without issues. Avoid unauthorised individual trips outside tourist zones.
How long is the flight from Riga?
A charter flight from Riga to Antalya (Turkey) takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. The flight to Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada (Egypt) takes approximately 4 hours. The difference is small, and in both cases you reach your destination the same day without connections.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, Latvian citizens need a visa for Egypt, but it can be obtained on arrival for $25 (cash or card). Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa beforehand. Turkey requires no visa — this is one of Turkey's advantages.
Where is diving and snorkelling better?
Unquestionably Egypt. The Red Sea is one of the world's best diving destinations with coral reefs, colourful fish, turtles and even whale sharks. Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island are excellent dive sites. Turkey's underwater life is much more modest.
Which country is cheaper overall?
Egypt is cheaper both in tour price (from €319 vs €350) and local expenses. Excursions in Egypt cost €40–120, in Turkey €50–200. Alcohol and souvenirs are also cheaper in Egypt. The total difference per week can reach €100–200 per person.
Where's the food better — Egypt or Turkey?
Turkey wins decisively on food quality and variety. Turkish cuisine is one of the richest in the world — fresh fish, kebabs, meze, sweets. Even 4* hotel buffets impress. In Egypt, food is acceptable but less diverse, and meat quality can vary.
Can I combine both destinations in one trip?
No, charter tours are designed for one destination (7 or 14 nights). However, many travellers visit both countries in the same year — Turkey in summer, Egypt in winter. This strategy lets you enjoy the best of both in their optimal seasons.
Which country for a first-time charter tourist?
For your first charter tour, we recommend Turkey — simpler (no visa), wider hotel selection, better food and more activities. Egypt is excellent for your next trip, especially if you're into diving or winter holidays.