Just back from Egypt
Egypt, a land steeped in ancient mystique and timeless wonders, captivates the imagination with its rich history and majestic monuments. Nestled along the banks of the Nile River, this North African nation boasts a legacy that stretches back millennia, adorned with iconic landmarks such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel. Beyond its archaeological treasures, Egypt offers vibrant cities pulsating with life, bustling bazaars teeming with exotic goods, and a tapestry of cultures that reflect its diverse past.
The trip begins with an early morning arrival into Cairo (2:30am to be exact) and the rest of the day spent relaxing by the St Regis’ pool meeting the other travel advisors. The following morning we embark on two flights to the Egyptian border to see Abu Simbel. Dating back to the 13th century BC, during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, this temple was carved from solid rock. It later had to be moved to higher ground piece by piece due to flooding. The scale alone was so impressive! In the afternoon, we flew back to Aswan to embark on our Nile cruise. The vessel, named HISTORIA, stood as the newest addition to the river, boasting breathtaking decor and delicious food.
The next day we sailed to Kom Ombo Temple. This double temple is dedicated to the crocodile head god Sobek and the falcon head god of Horus. On the Temple property was a museum of mummified crocodiles, which was absolutely wild to see! Our group boarded the boat and hung out by the pool for a few hours as we sailed the Nile. Until we reached Edfu Temple which was decided to Horus the falcon god. The rest of the evening was spend enjoying great conversation with our guides and each other onboard HISTORIA.
The following morning we were up before dawn to do one of my favorite activities, sunrise hot air ballooning. We soared over Luxor’s West Bank, above the Valley of the Kings—a truly spectacular sight! Following that, we had a delightful surprise: a special tour led by Dr. Ali, the site manager for the Valley of the Kings. The tombs in the valley were impeccably constructed, and the colors that still adorn the carvings are breathtaking. It’s hard to fathom how much more vibrant they must have been when first created. At the end of the day, we concluded our visits with a tour of an alabaster factory, as well as Karnak and Luxor temples.
The next morning, we disembarked and flew back to Cairo. Our first stop was the brand-new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. It exhibits the world-famous mummies, complete with hair and teeth. Afterward, we visited the Egyptian Museum to admire King Tut’s Mask, followed by a lunch stop at a local bazaar. Then we were off to to check-in at the Four Seasons (the best hotel in Cairo).
On our final day in Egypt, we had a packed schedule of visits. First, we explored Saqqara, an ancient Egyptian village housing burial grounds of royalty. Then, we made a quick stop at the El Sultan carpet school, where both kids and adults learn the remarkable skill of hand weaving. Finally, it was time for what we had eagerly anticipated: the pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest Egyptian pyramid, served as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. Yes, an entire pyramid dedicated to one Pharaoh! Following that, we visited the Great Sphinx of Giza, a limestone statue depicting a reclining sphinx—a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. The face of the Sphinx is believed to represent the Pharaoh Khafre.
Egypt holds a unique allure, with new discoveries unfolding each day. It’s undeniably a bucket-list destination, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should seize.
Are you ready to explore Egypt? Let’s get you booked!
