Highlights of Egypt: Adventures in a Land of Magic and Mystery

What You’ll Learn Reading This Tour Recap:

• About My Trip to Egypt
• Our Egypt Tour Itinerary  
• Tips - What to know about Egypt before visiting  
• Final Thoughts on My Egypt Trip

About My Egypt Tour: 

I'm so excited to share my highlights of Egypt with you and hope this provides you with some travel inspiration! Imagine traveling back in time and seeing the ancient world for yourself.

That's what you can do in Egypt: explore one of the world's oldest civilizations and learn about their ancient culture and heritage. Egypt is home to the awe-inspiring pyramids of Giza, the great Sphinx, the sprawling temples of Luxor, and so much more that will make you feel the magic and mystery!  

U30X’s Egypt trip is filled with so much to do and see here that you'll never get bored. We cruised down the Nile River, explored the colorful markets of Cairo, and cycled along the banks of Luxor. We admired temples with intricate carvings and paintings, explored the tombs of famous rulers, and even dived into the Red Sea to marvel at the coral reefs and marine life. 

That was just a sneak peek of the awesome times we had, so keep reading to learn all the stories of our journey and some travel tips before you head to this place full of wonders! 

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Cairo; Welcome to Egypt, habibi!

We touched down in Cairo and made our way to the hotel to join the rest of our group. After a quick refresher, we headed to the colorful Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where you can walk through a labyrinth of stalls where local artisans sell their wares, haggle for souvenirs, taste delicious street food, and smell the exotic spices. I made sure to grab a bag of za’atar—a tasty blend of spices that goes great on salads and sandwiches!  

After soaking in our new surroundings and worked up an appetite in the process, our guide led us to a local restaurant where we were treated to koshary – a mouthwatering mix of rice, lentils, pasta, crispy onions, all generously topped with a zesty tomato sauce.

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza and More! Wonder of wonders!

I was giddy with excitement at the prospect of finally getting to see the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx– the only remaining ancient world wonder and a site of great mystery and intrigue for its architectural marvel and historical significance. We got to ride camels in the desert with the pyramids as a splendid backdrop. 

After that, we explored the Egyptian museum that houses more than ten thousand ancient artifacts, including Tutankhamun’s golden mask and elaborate coffins. We wandered through the halls filled with mummies, statues, and artifacts that reveal the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt. 

At the end of this eventful day, we made our way to our “home” for the night—our overnight train aboard the Egyptian Railways, heading to the picturesque city of Aswan. We curled up in the bunks of our train compartment and watched documentaries on Egyptian archaeology while the lush Nile valley sped past us. I will always cherish this special memory!

Day 3: Philae temple, Kayaking on the Nile, and a Nubian dinner 

After a hearty breakfast on the train, we kayaked the Nile River, the longest river in the world, paddling along this tranquil island setting. The Philae temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is a stunning testament to ancient Egyptian architecture and spirituality. We marveled over how it was painstakingly relocated to Agilkia Island piece by piece to save it from flooding. 

After, we made our way through a Nubian village, with its colorful houses and painted walls. A lovely local family invited us into their home, treating us to a feast of delicious local dishes and sharing stories of their everyday lives.

Day 4: Abu Simbel  

The next day had us on a super early start; we got on our bus at 4 am heading to one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in Egypt – Abu Simbel, a jaw-dropping complex of colossal rock-cut temples commissioned by Ramses II. The intricate carvings and detailed paintings are still so vibrant to this day. And next to it stands the equally stunning and impressive temple of Nefertari, Ramses' wife.

The temples are also a marvel of engineering, as they were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding. This relocation, we learned, was so exact that it preserved the temples' original alignment, so the sun continues to illuminate the inner sanctuaries twice a year, just like the original design.  

We made our way back to Aswan, still in awe and gushing about all that we had seen so far. In the city, we enjoyed drinks and a beautiful sunset at the Old Cataract Hotel – I highly recommend this gorgeous spot!  

Day 5: Set sail on the Nile!  

Dreaming of a Nile cruise? After a few activity-filled days, we set sail along the Nile River in our private Felucca, which would take us to Luxor. It was incredible to relax in the tranquility of the river and soak in a day of stillness. We ate wonderful meals prepared freshly on the boat, laughed with our lovely group over hot tea, and slept under the stars as the river swayed gently around us.

Day 6: Luxor and Karnak  

Today, we visited what is often called the "world's greatest open-air museum” – Luxor. It is home to so many incredible ancient temples, tombs, and monuments that transported us back in time to an era of pharaohs and gods. 

We explored the magnificent Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious sites in the world dedicated to the god Amun. The sheer scale of Karnak, with its sprawling courtyards, colossal statues, and lofty obelisks, is mind-blowing. I caught myself thinking how incredible Egypt and Egyptian civilization must have been in all its glory 2,000 years ago, given how impressive it is still today.

Day 7: Walk among the Valley of the Kings 

We were still not done temple-hopping, and this day had me thinking we definitely saved the best for last.  

Walking through the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs were buried in grandeur, was a surreal experience. The tombs are carved deep into the limestone cliffs, and many are adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and vivid wall paintings that are still vibrantly intact and depict the journeys of the pharaohs into the afterlife. The valley is an ancient necropolis (a large elaborate cemetery) that houses over 60 tombs, including the one where you can see the mummified remains of King Tut.

Next, we headed to the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that have been standing guard at the entrance of Amenhotep III’s temple for over 3000 years. We were awed by their height and grandeur while our guide regaled us with stories of legends and mysteries in the area.  

We ended this splendid day with a side trip to the temple of Hatshepsut – the only female pharaoh breaking glass ceilings since 1478 BC. She and her temple carved deep into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri, stand strong centuries later.

Day 8: Hurghada - An Underwater Perspective  

We woke up in the gorgeous seaside town of Hurghada on the second to last day. As a certified ocean girlie, I couldn’t think of a better spot to wrap up our trip than at the Red Sea. While some from our group chose to catch some sun on our boat, a few of us dived into the sea. We saw vibrant and healthy coral reefs and played tag with Ribbontail rays, clownfish, puffers, and tons of other sea creatures. And as we headed back to dry land, it hit me – Egypt is just as magical underwater as it is on land!

We enjoyed our final dinner as a group, sharing highlights from the trip and what we would take back home with us. I felt incredible happiness at having spent such a wonderful time in this amazing country with a great group of people.

Day 9: Good times and Goodbyes!  

And finally, it was time to head back home. As we said our goodbyes, I reflected on the unforgettable moments I've shared and the friends I’ve made along the way. I left with my heart full of cherished memories and fun stories to tell, carrying a piece of Egypt with me forever. 

After reading all of this, if you’re itching to start on your own Egypt adventures, I don’t blame you at all. Here are a few things I think will help to know... 

What to Know About Egypt Before Visiting: 

1. Best time to visit Egypt: Egypt can get incredibly hot, especially during the summer months. For a more comfortable experience, plan your trip between October and April when the temperatures are milder. 

2. Dress modestly: While Egypt is modern and cosmopolitan in many areas, it's still respectful to dress modestly. Think lightweight cotton or linen long sleeves, pants, or maxi skirts and dresses. This also protects you from the harsh sun in hotter months, so it’s a win-win! 

3. Learn basic Arabic phrases: Although not necessary, as many Egyptians speak English, a few basic Arabic phrases will go a long way in earning you smiles and friendly interactions. Learning these also makes me feel more connected and is a fun way to engage with the culture. "Shukran" (thank you) or "Marhaba" (hello) are some easy ones to get started.  

4. Stay hydrated: I can’t stress this enough: the desert climate can be very dry and dehydrating! Always carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. 

5. Bargain like a pro, you can do it! Haggling is a common practice in Egyptian markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate the price; it can be a fun experience! Vendors anticipate this when they throw out a price, and you can snag a cool new souvenir for way less than what they first asked for. It also helps to negotiate when you have the exact amount in local currency, so remember to hit the ATM. I treated myself to some scarves, a papyrus scroll, and some lovely perfumes.   

6. Try the local cuisine: Egypt has a delicious and varied cuisine, so don't miss the chance to try the local specialties. My favorites are koshary (a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and tomato sauce), feteer meshaltet (Egyptian flatbread pizza), and falafel/ta'ameya (fried fava bean patties). For dessert, indulge in baklava (flaky pastry with nuts and honey) or knafeh (crispy filo crust with a sweet cheese filling). 

7. Keep an open mind: Egypt has a rich history and culture. Get ready to soak in all the different customs, beliefs, and lifestyles you might encounter. The packed markets in Cairo or its busy beaches can feel overwhelming with their bustling crowds and loud noises, but try to take it all in stride and keep a chill outlook on the new stuff you’ll experience.  

Final thoughts about my Egypt Tour: 

Egypt is a place that will make you feel awe and wonder as you discover the stories and secrets of the ancient sites and civilizations that shaped the world. As you walk among the tombs, catacombs, temples of the pharaohs, and the temples of kings and queens of this ancient city, you'll feel like you're part of history. Whether you're into history, Egyptian culture, Egyptian art, adventure, or nature, you'll find it here. It's a place that will enchant you with its magic and mystery and make you want to come back again and again.  

So if Egypt’s been on your must-visit list forever and you just haven’t made it happen, or you’ve mapped out all the details and are ready to take off, or like me, you’ve watched “The Mummy” more times than you can count and want to see those spots in real life – no matter where you’re at, consider this the nudge you needed to go ahead, book that flight, pack up your passport and jet off to Egypt, Habibi!  

And if you are looking for the easiest way to enjoy this destination with an amazing group of fellow travelers just like we did, look no further than Under30’s Egypt trip.