Egypt

October 2025

I don’t think there’s another country on the planet that has as much ancient history remnants as Egypt, and since it was one of the first civilizations, they are some of the oldest in the world. The amount of temples, statues, art, etc. that remain is mind-blowing and when you top that with knowing that they are 3000 plus years old it’s almost too much to comprehend.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

On my trip traveling around Egypt I relished in learning as much as I could since the history nerd in me has always been fascinated with Egypt. To see up close the results of mummification such as the leather-like skin, the preserved hair, the linen stuffed into the nostrils and ears of former kings and queens who were sealed in multiple sarcophagi then enclosed in tombs that were lost to records and found (raided) thousands of years later to then be put on display was incredible. To see the intricately carved sandstone reliefs painted in still-visible color line the walls of said tombs was like entering a time capsule that both felt mysterious and intrusive. For as much is known there is still so much unknown, still so much buried in mud under the surface of the Nile River or like the ruins of Alexandria’s lighthouse lying on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea. So much that was stolen and never returned.

I mostly travel solo but when Deedee asked if I wanted to go to Egypt with her I figured this would be my best opportunity, to go with a friend and with a tour group where transportation, lodging, guides, and the schedule was all set up for me. Since I’m extremely frugal I always think I can travel cheaper than with tours but there are some countries where it’s more difficult to travel by yourself, and I figured Egypt would be one. I can absolutely say now having been there that it would have been more stressful just figuring out transportation on my own since we went to so many remote places. So I feel really grateful that I got to share the experience of traveling across Egypt with a friend as well as being stress-free!

Abu Simbel

Camel by Great Pyramids of Giza

Karnak Temple

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo 6:30AM. Walk ~5ish miles around Cairo visiting Hanging Church and National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Stay at Eileen Hotel

Day 2: Meet up with Deedee. Alexandria Day Tour. Check into Helnan Dreamland Hotel

Day 3: Start Tour. Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian museum, Overnight sleeper train to Aswan

Day 4: Aswan, Philae Temple, Nubian Village, Overnight on Nile cruise ship

Day 5: Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo Temple, overnight on Nile Cruise ship

Day 6: Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, overnight on Nile Cruise ship

Day 7: Leave cruise, Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, The Colossi of Memnon, bus to Hurghada on Red Sea Coast

Day 8: Deedee B’day. Free day at resort in Hurghada

Day 9: Part ways with Deedee, bus to Cairo, tour ends, stay at Guardian Guest House with pyramid view room

Day 10: Grand Egyptian Museum, stay at Guardian Guest House

Day 11: Fly to JFK 6:30 AM, Arrive at JFK @11AM