Welcome to my blog about Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs and one of the oldest civilizations in the world. From the majestic Pyramids of Giza to the sparkling Red Sea,
Egypt is a country full of wonders and history. In this blog, I will be sharing my experiences and insights from my travels to Egypt, including the bustling city of Cairo, the ancient temples of Luxor and Aswan, and the sandy beaches of Hurghada and Alexandria. I hope that through my blog, you will get a glimpse into the rich culture and beauty of this fascinating country and be inspired to plan your own trip to Egypt.
Egypt is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. There are lots to see and experience there.
You are most likely to be landing at the capital of Egypt which is Cairo,
Overview of the itinerary
Day 1-3
Cairo
Overview
Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, located in the northeastern part of the country on the banks of the Nile River. It is a city with a rich history and culture and is home to numerous iconic landmarks and attractions.
Hostel
Holy Sheet Hostel
Restaurants/Cafes
Felfela: This is a popular Egyptian restaurant located in the heart of the city, known for its traditional Egyptian dishes and casual atmosphere.
El-Abd: This is a casual seafood restaurant, it's located on the banks of the Nile and offers a wide range of seafood dishes.
Abu Tarek: This is a famous street food spot that serves kushari, a traditional Egyptian dish made from rice, lentils, and pasta.
Abou El Sid
Ta-el-Teama: This is a traditional Egyptian restaurant, it's a great place to try some Egyptian favourites like Kofta and Koshary.
Naguib Mahfouz: This is a trendy rooftop restaurant, it offers a fusion of traditional Egyptian and Mediterranean food with a great view of the city.
Magda El-Sayed: This is a traditional Egyptian restaurant that serves traditional Egyptian food, it's famous for its Kofta and Molokhiya.
El-Fishawy: This is one of the oldest cafes in Cairo, it's a great place to try traditional Egyptian tea and coffee.
Kazaz Restaurant
Things to do
Visit the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx: The pyramids of Giza and Sphinx are one of the most famous ancient monuments in the world and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and therefore a must-see. The pyramids are located about 20km west of the city, and you can take a guided tour to explore the pyramids and learn more about their history and construction. Make sure to use Uber for all your daily transport or you will be charged excessively.
Explore Egyptian Museums such as the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: This museum, located in central Cairo, is home to a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. The museum has a wide range of artefacts, including statues, jewellery, and pottery. It also houses the bodies of the Pharos. The NMEC has a number of galleries that are organized chronologically, starting with the pre-dynastic period and ending with the Greco-Roman period. Some of the highlights of the museum include a replica of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, a collection of mummies, and a replica of the Rosetta Stone.
Visit the Citadel of Saladin: This medieval fortress, located on a hill in the centre of Cairo, offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can explore the fortress, which contains several museums, such as the National Military Museum, the Police Museum, the Al-Gawhara Palace Museum and the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque.
Visit the Khan el-Khalili: This is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Cairo. Visitors can find a wide range of goods, including spices, textiles, jewellery, and souvenirs.
Take a cruise on the Nile: A cruise on the Nile River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and to enjoy the views of Cairo's skyline and riverfront landmarks such as the Cairo Tower and the Qasr al-Nil Bridge. You can also take a felucca ride and enjoy the sunset on the Nile.
Visit the Al-Azhar Mosque: This mosque is one of the oldest and most important in the Islamic world and a great place to learn more about Islamic culture and architecture.
Visit the Coptic Cairo: This is a part of the city that is home to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt and its associated buildings, including the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus.
Visit St. Simon "The Tanner" Monastery: This is a Coptic Orthodox monastery located in the desert of Wadi Natrun, northwest of Cairo, Egypt. The monastery is named after Simon the Tanner, a biblical figure who was a friend of Saint Peter. The monastery is said to be the site of a vision that Saint Simon had of Saint Peter, which led him to build the monastery there. The monastery is considered one of the oldest and most important Coptic monasteries in Egypt, and it has played a significant role in the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
After finishing from Cairo, make your way down south to Aswan.
Day 3-6
Aswan
Transport from Cairo to Aswan
There are several ways to get from Cairo to Aswan, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some options:
Flight: There are several flights per day from Cairo to Aswan, operated by EgyptAir and other airlines. The flight takes about 1 hour, and it's the quickest option to get there.
Train: There are daily overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan. The journey takes around 15 hours. There are also sleeping trains with private cabins for two people or four people.
Bus: There are several bus companies that operate daily bus services from Cairo to Aswan, the journey takes around 10-12 hours. You can book this with the place you are staying at.
Private Car: If you prefer more comfort and flexibility, you can hire a private car and driver to take you from Cairo to Aswan.
Whichever option you choose, I recommend you to book it in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Overview
Aswan is a city located in southern Egypt, on the east bank of the Nile River. It is known for its ancient temples, tombs, and ruins, as well as its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Hostel
Go Inn Backpackers
Restaurants/Cafes
Nubian House: This restaurant serves a variety of traditional Nubian dishes in a traditional Nubian setting.
Abu Ashraf: This is a traditional Egyptian restaurant that serves a variety of traditional dishes, it's known for its delicious Mezze and Grilled meats.
El-Waha has great Kofta and Koshary.
El-Ezba
El-Gezira
El-Tawfiq
El-Nile
El-Aswan famous for Molokhiya dish.
Kendaka Nubian House
Things to do
Visit the Temple of Philae: This ancient temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is located on the island of Philae in the Nile River. It was originally built in the 4th century BCE and later relocated to its current location in the 1960s to protect it from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam. The temple is known for its beautifully preserved reliefs and inscriptions. You can book a tour for this from the hostel/place you are staying at.
Explore Abu Simbel or Temple of Ramses II: This temple, located on the west bank of the Nile, is dedicated to the Pharaoh Ramses II. It was built in the 13th century BCE and is known for its beautifully decorated walls and columns. You will be able to explore the temple's various chambers, which feature reliefs and inscriptions detailing the Pharaoh's military campaigns and other important events in ancient Egyptian history. This is a must in my opinion and the only way to get there is to book a tour. If you are staying at Go Inn then the owner will be able to arrange a tour for you. The place where temple is located around 3 to 4 hours south of Aswan.
Go on a desert safari: Aswan is located near the Nubian Desert, offering opportunities for desert safaris and sandboarding. You can hire a 4x4 or join a tour group to explore the desert and try your hand at sandboarding.
Visit the Aswan Museum: This museum, located in the city centre, features artefacts from ancient Egyptian and Nubian civilizations. It is a great place to learn more about the history and culture of the region and to see a variety of ancient artefacts, including statues, jewellery, and pottery.
Explore the Nubian village of Kitchener's Island, which offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Nubian people. The island is home to a number of Nubian houses, many of which are still inhabited by Nubian families.
Day 7-10
Luxor
Transport from Aswan to Luxor
Take a felucca ride on the Nile: A felucca is a traditional Egyptian sailboat, and taking a ride on one is a popular activity in Aswan. The felucca will take 2 days and will drop you off in the city of Edfu. Once you arrive at Edfu, either catch a train to Luxor or take a public bus. If you are staying at Go Inn; speak to the owner and he will arrange the felucca for you.
Overview
Luxor is a city located in southern Egypt, on the east bank of the Nile River. It is known for its rich history and cultural significance and is home to several iconic landmarks and attractions.
It is mostly famous for housing the tombs of the Pharos back in ancient Egypt.
Hostel
New Everest Hostel
Restaurants/Cafes
Karnak Restaurant: This restaurant serves a variety of traditional Egyptian dishes and it's located near the famous Karnak temple.
Habiba Restaurant
El-Moudira Restaurant
El-Horreya
El-Kebabgy
El-Tawfiq
El-Nile
Things to do
Take a hot air balloon ride at dawn, enjoying a hot air balloon ride over the city is a unique experience, allowing you to see the ancient ruins and monuments from a different perspective. The price to take the hot air balloon should be around 405-500 EGBP. You will have to wake up before dawn to catch the sunrise and will finish around 6 am, afterwards head to The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the kings to take advantage of the day and the cool temperatures in the morning.
Visit the Valley of the Kings: This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the tombs of many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. The valley contains 63 tombs, many of which are open to visitors and offer a glimpse into the lives of ancient Egyptian royalty. The entrance ticket is approximately 240 Egyptian pounds around £10 but does not include the tombs of Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Rameses V and VI. If you wish to visit any of these tombs, an additional fee of 100 Egyptian pounds equivalent to £4 or $5.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as the Djeser-Djeseru, is a funerary temple located in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. It was built during the reign of the 18th dynasty queen Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt from 1478 to 1458 BC. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Amun and was intended as a place for Hatshepsut's cult to worship her as a divine being after her death. The temple is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of traditional Egyptian architecture with a more classical style influenced by Hatshepsut's campaigns in Nubia. The temple's impressive court, chapels and offering halls are well-preserved, and it is considered one of the most beautiful surviving examples of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Explore the Temple of Karnak: This ancient temple complex is one of the most important religious sites in ancient Egypt. The complex contains several temples, including the Temple of Amun, the Temple of Khonsu, and the Great Temple of Amun.
Visit the Luxor Temple: This temple, located in the centre of Luxor, was built by the pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II. The temple is known for its beautifully decorated walls and columns and offers a glimpse into the religious practices of ancient Egypt.
Visit the Luxor Museum: This modern museum features a wide range of artefacts from ancient Egypt, including statues, jewellery, and pottery.
Go on a Nile River cruise: A cruise on the Nile River is a great way to see the monuments of Luxor and learn more about the history of the region.
Take a guided tour to the Colossi of Memnon: These two massive statues, dating back to the 18th dynasty.
Visit the Medinet Habu Temple: This temple was built by Ramses III and is known for its well-preserved reliefs and inscriptions.
Overall, Luxor is a city with a rich history and culture and is probably my favourite city in Egypt.
After finishing from Luxor, it's time to relax at the beach and thus head to Hurghada.
Day 10-12
Hurghada
Transport from Luxor to Hurghada
There are several transportation options available for travelling from Luxor to Hurghada.
Bus: There are several bus companies that operate daily bus services between Luxor and Hurghada. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, you can buy the tickets either from the bus station or through travel agencies.
Train: There is also a train service that runs between Luxor and Hurghada, but it is not as frequent as the bus service. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, you can get the tickets directly at the train station.
Overview
Hurghada is a popular resort town located on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. Known for its crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, and world-class diving and snorkelling,
Hostel/Hotel
I am not going to give any recommendations for Hurghada, there are various hotels to choose from. Use Booking.com to see the different options, but for this city, I would recommend staying at a resort.
Things to do
Go diving or snorkelling: Hurghada is known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. There are many dive centres and tour operators in the area that offer diving and snorkelling trips to the Red Sea's famous coral reefs.
Visit the Giftun Island National Park: This national park, located just off the coast of Hurghada, is home to a wide variety of marine life and is a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.
Take a boat trip: Many tour operators offer boat trips that take visitors to different spots around the Red Sea, such as the Mangrove Forest and the Suez Gulf.
Go on a desert safari: Many tour operators offer excursions to the nearby desert, where visitors can go sandboarding, try camel riding, and enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner.
Visit the Hurghada Marine Museum: This museum is dedicated to showcasing the marine life of the Red Sea and is a great place to learn more about the area's unique ecosystem.
Take a quad bike tour: You can take a tour on a quad bike, it's a unique way to explore the desert and enjoy the views.
Relax on the beach: Hurghada is home to many beautiful beaches, where you can relax, sunbathe and enjoy the sea.
Spend the next four days enjoying the beaches and water sports of Hurghada
Consider taking a snorkelling or diving trip to see the colourful marine life in the Red Sea
Day 12-14
Alexandria
Transport from Hurghada to Alexandria
There are several transportation options available for travelling from Hurghada to Alexandria.
Bus: There are several bus companies that operate daily bus services. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, and tickets can be purchased at the bus station.
Flight: There are flights available between Hurghada and Alexandria, but they can be a bit more expensive compared to taking the bus. The flight takes around 1 hour.
Overview
Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt, located on the Mediterranean coast in the north of the country. It is a city with a rich history and culture and is home to several iconic landmarks and attractions.
Hostel
Ithaka Hostel
Restaurants/Cafes
El-Masreya: Serves a variety of traditional dishes, it's known for its delicious kushari and molokhiya.
El-Sawy: It's located in an old palace and offers a variety of traditional dishes and a great atmosphere.
El-Fishawi: It's located on the Mediterranean sea and offers a wide range of seafood dishes.
El-Felfela: Serves a variety of traditional dishes, it's known for its delicious kofta and koshary.
Abu El-Sid: Serves a variety of traditional dishes, it's known for its delicious mezze and grilled meats.
El-Sindbad: Located on the Mediterranean sea and offers a wide range of seafood dishes.
El-Mahmoudy: Serves a variety of traditional dishes, it's known for its delicious kofta and molokhiya.
Things to do
Visit the Library of Alexandria: This modern library, which is a replica of the ancient library, is one of the most important cultural institutions in the city. It offers a wide range of books, manuscripts, and other materials, as well as exhibits and events and is one of the most impressive libraries I have seen.
Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: This is an underground tomb complex dating back to the 1st century AD, it features a unique blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman architectural styles.
Visit the Alexandria National Museum: This museum, located in the heart of the city, features a wide range of artefacts from ancient and modern Egypt, including sculptures, jewellery, and pottery.
Visit the Montazah Palace: This palace, located on the Mediterranean coast, was once the residence of the last King of Egypt, Farouk. Visitors can explore the palace's gardens and take in views of the Mediterranean.
Take a stroll along the Corniche: The Corniche is a promenade along the Mediterranean sea, it's a great place to enjoy the sea breeze and to take in views of the city and the sea.
Visit the Qaitbay Citadel: This medieval fortress, located on a promontory at the eastern entrance of the harbour, offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Visit Pompey's Pillar: This is a Roman triumphal column, which was built in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian.
Overall Egypt is a country with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient ruins of Cairo and Luxor to the stunning beaches of the Red Sea and is sure to captivate and inspire you. It will surely leave a lasting impression.