From Pyramids to Paradise: A Journey Across Egypt
Egypt, a realm of timeless wonders and unparalleled beauty, offers an intoxicating mix of history, culture, and natural splendour. From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the serene waters of the Red Sea, Egypt beckons luxury travellers with promises of both adventure and relaxation. In this guide, we will share with you what we think is the best way to travel through Egypt, how to experience a luxurious journey through its most enchanting destinations, and answer all of your burning questions along the way.
Table of contents
The Adventure Begins: Cairo and the Pyramids
Kickstart your Egyptian odyssey in Cairo, touching down at its bustling airport, brimming with anticipation for the ancient marvels ahead. A short drive from the airport transports you to Giza, where we opted for the Pyramid Edge Hotel. Here, panoramic vistas of the iconic pyramids unfold from your sumptuous suite, complete with a spa bath for leisurely contemplation. While the room is plush, the hotel is more of a budget-friendly option, costing us only $115 USD per night. Numerous hotels in the vicinity boast similar uninterrupted pyramid views, and we think this feature is worth trading in the perks of a 5-star hotel.
As night falls, the pyramids come alive with a captivating light and sound show, narrating the tales of Egypt's illustrious pharaohs. If you can live without the history lesson, you can even enjoy this spectacle from the comfort of your own bed.
With dawn, it's time to intimately acquaint yourself with these architectural marvels. Drawing near, a palpable sense of wonder envelops you as you marvel at the pyramids' majestic architecture, pondering the ancient civilizations that birthed them millennia ago. Wander around the pyramids, taking in their grandeur and intricacy, and if you are brave enough (we weren’t) you can even descend into one.
While exploring this historic site, exercise caution and remain vigilant against potential scams or solicitations. It can sometimes be difficult to carve out a quiet corner to simply enjoy the pyramid’s majesty.
Unveiling Aswan and Nubian Culture
A brief domestic flight whisks you to Aswan, a city steeped in history and cultural richness. Extend your stay, if time permits, to delve deeper into the region and unwind at a nearby resort. Aswan's Nubian villages dazzle with a kaleidoscope of colors, while the Nile here is dotted with feluccas (traditional sailboats) gracefully skimming its waters.
Nile Odyssey from Aswan to Luxor with Mayfair Cruises
A Nile cruise stands as the pinnacle experience of any Egyptian escapade, promising a luxurious and unforgettable journey along this fabled river. Embarking from Aswan, we chose the M.S. Esplanade with Mayfair Cruises, and in return were greeted by its refined accommodations, attentive crew, and rooftop pool.
By day, the meticulously crafted cruise itinerary, which is nearly identical among all various operators, grants you seamless access to Egypt's historical gems. All logistics, from transportation to ticketing, are expertly managed, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in history's embrace. Can you tour Egypt on your own? Certainly, but this approach significantly diminishes your travel-planning stress.
From the majestic temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu to the captivating tombs of the Valley of the Kings, on every excursion you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, who provides fascinating insights into Egypt's rich history and culture.
One of the most enchanting aspects of the Nile cruise is the serene and scenic sailings between destinations. As you lounge on the sun deck or take a dip in the pool, watch the picturesque landscapes of farmlands, villages, and wildlife pass by, all illuminated by the warm orange glow of the setting sun. These serene moments provide a welcome reprieve from the frantic pace of sightseeing, allowing you to unwind and simply soak in the beauty of the Nile River.
However, it is worth noting that privacy can be limited once you have arrived at your destination, as all of the cruise ships will link up next to each other in a giant stack at each port every evening. Usually, you need to walk through two or three other boats to get on or off your ship, which can be a bit of a surprise for first-time cruisers. Additionally, if you were to open your bedroom curtains, you would likely come face to face with the couple on the ship next to you, regardless of how luxurious a cruise you booked.
Despite this, the luxurious ship, excellent dining, and curated experiences aboard the M.S. Esplanade make it a standout choice for a Nile cruise, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free exploration of Egypt's ancient wonders.
Luxor: The City of Temples and Hot Air Balloons
Upon your cruise’s arrival in Luxor, explore the city's fascinating history, exciting activities, and delicious foods. We chose to stay at the Sofitel Winter Palace, where luxury meets history, and the President had been a guest only the night before (we even had the chef in the morning cook us the same breakfast). Your cruise will likely take you to explore the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple with your guide before its conclusion, but if not these sights are not to be missed!
Luxor is the perfect spot to indulge in a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering a unique perspective of the city and its ancient wonders. We could argue that this is one the best spots in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride, as you have the city of Luxor on one side, the ancient Valley of the Kings on the other, the Nile slicing down the middle, and the beautiful orange rising run overtop it all. Surrounded by fellow balloons, the sight is a photographer's dream and yet, remarkably affordable. Just brace yourself for an early wake-up call, slightly alleviated by a refreshing coffee on the brief Nile crossing to the launch site.
We enjoyed the best meal of our entire trip through Egypt in Luxor at Sofra, where you should dive in head first and order one of everything. Regrettably, traversing the tourist trail in this country often eliminates the opportunity to experience authentic Egyptian cuisine, which is a culinary treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Final Destination: Relaxation in Hurghada
Conclude your Egyptian journey with a relaxing retreat on the Red Sea in Hurghada, a paradise known for its stunning beaches and world-class diving opportunities. Rent a car and driver for a comfortable 4-hour journey to Hurghada, where you will find a plethora of luxury resorts to choose from.
We stayed at the Ras Soma location of the Steinberger Resorts, as it was newly opened in 2021. This was evident as we were greeted with a jaw-dropping lobby, pristine accommodations, two stunning pools, and direct beach access. While the food could be hit or miss (just ask the chef which dishes to order), the resort's luxurious amenities and breathtaking views make it a perfect place to unwind and recharge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Egypt
Is it safe to go to Egypt right now?
Egypt has taken significant measures to enhance security and ensure the safety of tourists. Major tourist destinations, including Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, are generally considered safe for travellers. However, it's always advisable to check for any travel advisories or updates from your government before planning your trip.
Which tour is best for Egypt?
For a seamless and luxurious experience in Egypt, we highly recommend booking a Nile cruise to see the majority of the country. Known for their exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and knowledgeable guides, the many cruise lines in Egypt offer a variety of itineraries to suit different interests and budgets.
What is the cost of a luxury Egyptian vacation?
Egypt extends exceptional value for luxury travellers, boasting a gamut of accommodation, dining, and activity choices across various price points. From premium rooms in elite hotels to lavish suites in mid-range establishments, Egypt promises luxury at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.
How many days are enough for Egypt?
While it's possible to see many of Egypt's highlights in a week or 10 days, spending at least two weeks would be ideal, and will allow you to explore the country more thoroughly and at a more relaxed pace. This will give you enough time to visit Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and possibly even a beach getaway in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
Conclusion
Your luxurious journey through Egypt is now complete, leaving you filled with history, culture, and relaxation. From exploring the ancient pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor to sailing along the majestic Nile and relaxing on the pristine beaches of Hurghada, Egypt offers an unforgettable experience for luxury travellers. Depart from Hurghada International Airport, conveniently located nearby, with direct flights to destinations all over Europe, concluding your Egyptian adventure with memories to last a lifetime. Safe travels!
Comments