5 min read…
After our unforgettable escapade through the golden deserts of Morocco, my friends and I knew we had barely scratched the surface of Africa’s magic. So, when the opportunity came to explore another iconic land steeped in mystery and legend, we packed our bags with excitement and curiosity and headed to Egypt.
Egypt greeted us not just with its ancient wonders, but with a vibe that felt entirely different from Morocco’s wind-swept dunes and camelback adventures. This was a land where time seemed layered, pharaohs still whispered through hieroglyphs, and gods watched over cities carved into stone.
A day in Cairo – The Great Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum
We kicked off our journey in Cairo, standing in awe before the majestic Pyramids of Giza—structures so grand, they barely seemed real. But the real goosebumps came at the Egyptian Museum, where we stood face to face with actual mummies. It’s one thing to read about ancient history; it’s another to stare into the linen-wrapped legacy of a civilisation that shaped the world.
4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor
From there, our journey flowed southward—quite literally—as we boarded a guided cruise in Aswan, bound for Luxor. Drifting down the Nile, with breezes full of history and tales, we visited temple after temple, each more mind-blowing than the last. With every column and carving, we were drawn deeper into the folklore, rituals, and stories of ancient Egypt. It felt less like a vacation and more like a pilgrimage through time.
Day 1 – Whispers of Isis and the Nile’s Embrace
Our cruise adventure kicked off in Aswan, where we were picked up from the hotel and taken straight to the beautiful Philae Temple, tucked away on an island and only accessible by a short ferry ride. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was already magical, but our guide’s storytelling made it feel like history was unfolding right in front of us. After the visit, we boarded the cruise, enjoyed a relaxing lunch on deck, and spent the rest of the day soaking in the calm of the Nile.
Day 2 – Abu Simbel at Dawn and the Nile in Motion
Day two began before sunrise, with sleepy eyes and a sense of anticipation as we set off for the optional tour to Abu Simbel— and it was absolutely worth it. The colossal statues of Ramses II, carved right into the mountainside, felt surreal, like stepping into a scene from a history epic. Later, as the cruise sailed toward Luxor, we watched Egypt slowly unfold along the riverbanks. By evening, we joined another optional tour to the Kom Ombo Temple—unique in its dual dedication to two gods, and full of fascinating stories that added even more colour to our growing tapestry of ancient wonders.
Day 3 – Sun, Stillness, and Cocktails
On day three, we traded temple-hopping for total relaxation, skipping the optional tour to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Instead, we soaked in the sun from the top deck. The day was all about swimming under the warm sky, sipping cocktails, flipping through books, and laughing over card games with the river as our backdrop. No schedules, no alarms—just the steady rhythm of the Nile and the beauty of being fully present in the moment.
Day 4 – Final Glories of the Pharaohs
On our last day, after checkout, we made our way to the legendary Valley of the Kings, wandering through tombs etched with the secrets of ancient rulers. The grandeur continued at the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, where towering cliffs framed one of the most striking monuments we’d seen. After lunch, we visited the sprawling Karnak Temple—a true finale of epic proportions. As we headed to the airport, it felt like we were leaving a dream behind, hearts full and stories waiting to be told.
Here’s some useful information
- Buy a local SIM and don’t rely on Airalo, as the reception can be poor.
- There’s no free Wi-Fi onboard the cruise (€5 per device for 1GB).
- Tipping is essential everywhere – be sure to have small bills handy.
- Carry enough local currency, as many places may not accept cards.
- Put on your bargaining shoes – negotiation is part of the shopping experience.
- Pickup times for temple visits will be coordinated via WhatsApp, so keep it handy.
- Get a visa through an agent who can help you navigate immigration smoothly.
- For the cruise, temple entry fees are not included in the initial booking through GetYourGuide; you can choose and pay for them based on your interests.
- Beware of money scams, especially around the Pyramids – always stay cautious.
Though there was no shortage of history, we still found the experience incredibly relaxing, thanks to the cruise and the amazing guides. For someone who was first introduced to Egypt through The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, this truly felt like a dream come true. It was the perfect mix of adventure and leisure – an unforgettable journey everyone should experience at least once. If you need any help planning your own Egyptian getaway, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to assist!
KaviNinja 