EGYPT

A Bucket List, Dream Trip 

We all have different reasons for traveling, something that we want to get out of it. While planning we decided that on this trip we wanted to marvel - Get out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves into a new world. So, we settled on Egypt – Pyramids, ancient history, impressive temples, the Nile River, culture, it has it all. We were ready to dive into Egyptian culture and meet every day with open eyes and hearts. Here I am now 2 weeks from when we began our journey and I will have to say; Egypt exceeded our expectations, and I will continue to pinch myself as I remember climbing into the tomb of the Grand Pyramid or riding a camel in the Sahara Desert. Wow...Just Wow!  

We flew into Cairo on a Thursday. As the plane approached the airport, I spotted the pyramids in the distance. This is the moment where it really set in for me, we were in Egypt! Here we go! We settled into our Airbnb in downtown Cairo; we decided to have our space for the entire trip as it was the in and out of the trip. We were able to leave our luggage and trinkets there as we explored the rest of the country. Our Airbnb was owned by an American Journalist who has lived in Cairo for 40 years. Everyone in the neighborhood knew him and he was wildly respected in the community around us. The neighborhood had its own charm, with lots of shopping, food and Shisha (hookah). We also were only a 10 min walk away from the Egyptian Muesum.  Our host also provided us with a local licensed Egyptian guide. Moeman - Gave us transportation to and from the airport, took us to the Pyramids of Giza and even set up another guide for us in Aswan. Moeman’s accommodations made our trip hassle free and gave us different experiences that we didn’t expect or have pre-booked. Also super helpful to have a local to answer questions because you will 100% have all the questions, there is so much to learn and take in. We spent 3 days in Cairo visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Muesum, a dinner cruise and just settling in. Next stop Aswan! 

Sunday morning Moeman took us back to the airport to catch our flight to Aswan. 500 miles south of Cairo, is where we boarded our 4-day river cruise up the Nile River and to explore all the beautiful temples. We had the whole day Sunday to experience Aswan as we didn’t board until Monday morning. We were then picked up from the airport in Aswan and brought straight to a small motorboat on the Nile. We were then whisked off on a boat ride that brought us upstream to our camel ride. We rode our camels up to an old ancient Monastery and had a tour through the site. After the camel ride, we headed downtown Aswan to a bazaar and an old well known spice shop. We were met with hibiscus tea, Nubian coffee and dates. We were guided through all the spices and given samples. Let's just say we did not leave emptied handed!! With all of our goodies and a morning packed full of experiences, we headed back to take another boat ride to our hotel for the night. We booked an eclectic river side hotel in the Nubian Village. The Nubian Village was relocated to this area in early 1900s when they created the low damn and relocated again in 1963-64 with the construction of the high damn of Aswan. The hotel was colorful and beautiful; the rooms were constructed in a dome like style. We truly felt like we were in a magical different world. We finished the day with classic Egyptian fair and Tajins. We sipped mojitos and watched the Nile as the sun set before we turned in to rest up for the next day! 

Monday morning bright and early, we were picked up by our private Egyptologist for our Nile River cruise. Let me introduce George! We made our way to the High Damn of Aswan, Lake Nassar and the red granite quarry before getting settled in our cruise boat. George gave us the history of the area and insight to the role of Aswan in Egypt from spices to essential oils and red granite. Aswan has more of an old world feel, a beautiful gem on the Nile. We had lunch and then made our way to the Philae temple. Another boat ride to a small island, The Philae Temple was completed around 690 A.D. and is known to be the last of the ancient temples constructed in classical Egyptian style. George guided us around the temple and explained all the nuances of this specific temple. Fun fact – When the damn was created, the Egyptian Antiquities had to move 17 temples to higher grounds. The fact that they can deconstruct these masterpieces and relocate them, is truly just as impressive of the sights themselves. The pyramids blew my mind, but the temples continued to impress me with such artistry and precision.  

George gave us an option to add a trip to Abu Simbel before our river cruise began the journey up the river on Tuesday afternoon. We left our boat at 4:30am and began a 3-hour van ride south to Abu Simbel. At this point we are in southern Egypt and the heat of the desert certainly made me realize that. We were 100km away from Sudan. Another pinch me moment of recognizing that we are in Africa. The temples of Abu Simbel are two grand rock cut temples that were built of Egyptian king Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. These temples were also relocated during the building of the damn. Impressive to say the least, I felt moved as I marveled are this spectacular sight. How did they do this? I wish I had a time machine. What did life look like back then? As questions swirled my head, I dozed off and we napped on our way back to the boat and began our journey up the Nile.  

The next few days consisted of visiting multiple temples; Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Hatshepsut, Karnak. We were immersed in granite structures and beauty of the hieroglyphs that tell stories of another world. We rode a horse and carriage to the temple of Edfu, weaving through locals and cars to view another amazing temple. How remarkable that we can visit and take in these ancient places. The next few days were a relaxing ride up the Nile with a few dips in the pool on deck and drinking a Sakara beer. Watching little towns and children splashing in the Nile and waving at every boat they see. The beauty of Egypt and the countryside was unmatched and my favorite way of seeing this amazing landscape. We finished the trip in Luxor with the Valley of the Kings. Another Egypt bucket list moment. Luxor sits on the Nile with lush green farmlands and palm trees with a backdrop of large limestone mountains behind it. Set in a valley tucked back in the mountains, you’ll find the secretive Valley of the Kings. We visited 3 of the rock-cut tombs that were excavated for nobles and pharaohs in the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. We even had the chance to visit the tomb of King Tut. One of the most well-known Egyptian mummies, Tut still resides in his tomb in a temperature-controlled environment. He was so fragile to be moved that he is the only mummy left within the Valley of the Kings. We got to see his sarcophagus and headdress in Cairo but to see his mummy. Pinch me! How am I experiencing this?  

After taking in the tombs of the kings, we made our way to a famous Alabaster factory, where we were greeted by the friendliest crew. The local alabaster artists gave us quite a show while demonstrating their art. We again did not leave empty handed. We had lunch at a local traditional Egyptian restaurant; we discussed the past few days we’ve had with our guide and realized we have truly made a new friend. One more temple to go and that was the end of our journey with George. We wrapped up with Karnack temple and took in the impressive pillars, then it was time to be dropped off to our hotel for the night in Luxor. Luxor became my favorite city in Egypt, stunning and peaceful. What an amazing time we had on the Nile River cruise! This is a must do on a trip to Egypt.  

We flew back to Cairo Friday morning and again Moeman was at the airport to give us transportation. We took the day to relax at the Airbnb and wind down from the high that was the week of adventures. A Friday afternoon nap happened lol. Saturday morning, Moeman arranged for a day trip to the Suez Canal at the top of the Red Sea. We drove two hours to a resort, where we had day access to a private bungalow where we swam in the Red Sea and laid by the pool. Our last day was a perfect relaxing day to prepare for the next day of traveling back to the states.  

We came and conquered our bucket list. We lived in another world and another time. The perspective of this trip will live with me forever. The ancient history moved me, the people filled my heart, the laughs and comradery with someone different than me was good for my soul. The sounds, the sights, the smells were otherworldly, Egypt is full of the wonders and the beauty, but it was the people who I loved the most. Cheerful and hospitable, the Egyptian people are proud of their history and culture. The call of prayer will be one of the most beautiful experiences of the trip. It also was interesting to see myself through their eyes. So many aspects of this trip were such new and fulfilling experiences and I'm beyond grateful that I got to go live this. My takeaway is that Egyptians new and old world are artists and storytellers. Thank you for preserving it and allowing this American girl to hear and see all the stories. My cup is overflowing. 

If you have ever thought about visiting Egypt, please do it! I highly recommend this trip for the traveler who wants to learn and take in all the amazing things this country has to offer. Please reach out with any questions! I have all the contact information for our guides and where we stayed. Also please check out In Bliss Travel Co for organized trips to Egypt. In Bliss is created by my good friend Rhonda who is Egyptian and a seasoned travel expert. She has a trip happening in October 2025!  

Thanking you for following along on my journey and I hope to inspire you to book that trip you’ve always wanted to take. It’s so worth it!  

Happy Traveling :)