Every kid grows up seeing photos of the Pyramids in history books and posters, right? So when I finally made my way to Egypt it was surreal!
(I had the same feeling when I saw the Sistine Chapel and Eiffel Tower)
Egypt is one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been—it’s a country where ancient history and modern life collide in the most incredible way. From standing in awe at the Great Pyramids of Giza to cruising down the Nile, every moment felt like stepping into a history book. But Egypt isn’t just about the past—it’s also about bustling cities, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes.
Before diving in on specifics, I did want to mention that we hired a full service tour guide. This company organized everything from visas to itinerary to transportation and even escorted us through each airport/customs, and historical site. This post isn’t sponsored, but I felt it was necessary to include since we did a TON of things and it would be a lot to organize on your own. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Double yes.
Arrival
We flew in to Cairo and stayed at the airport hotel that night since we had a super early flight out the next day to Abu Simbul (with a layover in Aswan). The airport hotel was gorgeous and and had a wonderful Lebanese restaurant inside!
Stop 1: The Great Temple at Abu Simbel
First up, we flew to the legendary Abu Simbel. Picture this: a temple so massive and iconic, it took 20 years to build! Ramses II wasn’t playing around—he dedicated this masterpiece to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah (and, let's be honest, to himself too). The best part? This entire temple was relocated in the 1960s to save it from drowning under the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Imagine moving a whole temple—piece by piece—just to keep history alive!
A couple hours later, we hopped on the same plane back to Aswan to catch our 4 day/3 night Nile cruise—because what better way to explore Egypt than by floating down the world’s most legendary river?
Pro tip: be prepared to take your shoes off multiple times throughout all these airports! Definitely helpful to be wearing not only comfy shoes, but ones that are easy to slip on and off too.
Stop 2: The High Dam
Built in 1960, the High Dam isn’t the flashiest landmark, but it’s a BIG deal. This engineering marvel protects Egypt from the Nile’s unpredictable floods, while also providing electricity and irrigation to the entire country. Modern Egypt wouldn’t be the same without it!
Stop 3: Philae Temple
If temples were ranked by pure beauty, Philae Temple would be top-tier. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and magic, this island temple is straight-up mesmerizing. Fun fact: it was also relocated piece by piece to save it from floods—Egyptian history refuses to sink! The only way to actually access this temple is via boat, which was very fun.
Stop 4: Kom Ombo
Sailing up the Nile, we stopped at Kom Ombo, the only Egyptian temple dedicated to two gods—the crocodile-headed Sobek (god of fertility and the Nile) and Horus (the falcon god). The murals here are insanely detailed, and there’s even a room full of mummified crocodiles—because, you know, ancient Egyptians loved their pets.
Stop 5: Edfu Temple
Next, we pulled up to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. It’s dedicated to Horus, and walking through its towering columns made us feel tiny. The carvings here are some of the sharpest and most detailed we saw—like time travel in stone.
Stop 6: Luxor
Stepping into Luxor’s West Bank was like stepping into another dimension. We explored some of the Valley of the Kings tombs, including the tomb of Ramses, covered in insanely detailed artwork that still pops with color after thousands of years.
Stop 7: Hatshepsut’s Temple & Colossi of Memnon
Next, we visited the funerary temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s iconic female pharaoh. This place is architectural perfection—a masterpiece carved into cliffs. And then came the Colossi of Memnon—two giant, ancient statues that once guarded a long-lost temple.
Stop 8: Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple hits different at night! With the lights casting shadows over the towering statues and obelisks, it felt like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie. The history? Mind-blowing.
Stop 9: Karnak
If Egypt had a VIP temple, it would be Karnak. Built over 1,500 years, this place is MASSIVE. The Hypostyle Hall with 134 giant columns is pure jaw-drop material. Don’t miss the Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut, the Statue of Ramses, and the Sacred Lake—it’s all next-level impressive and I think my favorite! This was also our last stop on the Nile Cruise and we flew from Luxor back to Cairo and then it was about a 45 minute drive out to our hotel in Giza.
Stop 10: The Pyramids & The Sphinx
No Egypt trip is complete without standing before the Great Pyramids. Seeing them up close is surreal—these giants have been standing strong for over 4,500 years! And the Sphinx? Still rocking its mysterious smile after all this time. We had lunch at a restaurant with a pyramid view—because when in Egypt, why settle for anything less?
Stop 11: The Grand Egyptian Museum
Our final stop was the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to some of the most priceless artifacts on Earth. Think King Tut’s treasures, ancient jewelry, and statues galore. This place is a time capsule of Egyptian greatness.
Departure
I had the joy of leaving the hotel at 1 am to catch my flight out of Egypt, but thank goodness for a private transfer and airport escort to make the transition smooth in the early morning!
For next time
Explore Cairo! It’s chaotic, loud, and totally exhilarating. The streets are buzzing with people, cars, and the sound of the call to prayer echoing from mosques. The Khan El Khalili bazaar is a must-visit, where you can shop for spices, jewelry, and handwoven textiles while sipping on sweet Egyptian tea.
The Desert and Red Sea: Egypt isn’t just temples and pyramids—it’s also home to stunning desert landscapes and gorgeous beaches:
White Desert – A surreal, Mars-like landscape with crazy rock formations. Perfect for a desert safari or stargazing overnight.
The Red Sea (Sharm El-Sheikh & Hurghada) – Some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world! The water is crystal-clear, and the coral reefs are packed with colorful fish.
Explore Alexandria – Egypt’s coastal city with Roman ruins, a famous library, and Mediterranean vibes.
Visit Siwa Oasis – A remote desert town surrounded by palm trees, hot springs, and salt lakes—total hidden gem!
Egypt is a bucket-list destination for a reason—it’s ancient, vibrant, and completely unforgettable. Whether you’re standing in front of the pyramids, exploring centuries-old temples, sailing the Nile, or diving into the Red Sea, Egypt constantly leaves you in awe. The mix of history, culture, adventure, and food makes it a trip like no other.
Tour guide service: Chrismar Travel
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
