Want to Visit North Africa

Egypt

Duration 10 days Cost ~EUR 1,800 for two Season October-April Currency EGP (Egyptian Pound) USD 1 USD = 47.5 EGP Lang Arabic

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.”

— Moorish Proverb

Egypt’s ancient monuments, vibrant Cairo, and the timeless Nile create a destination that feels mythical. From 4,000-year-old pyramids to hearty street food like koshari and ful medames, it’s a place where history comes alive.

Why I Want to Visit

Standing before the Great Pyramid — the last surviving Ancient Wonder — is a must. The temples of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and sailing the Nile at sunset are equally compelling.

Planned Itinerary

Cairo (3 days) - Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili, Nile felucca
Luxor (3 days) - Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut’s temple, Colossi of Memnon
Aswan (2 days) - Philae Temple, Nubian villages, Unfinished Obelisk, Elephantine Island
Abu Simbel (1 day) - Ramesses II rock temples at sunrise
Alexandria (1 day) - Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay, seafront

What I’m Most Excited About

Pyramids of Giza at sunrise before the crowds
Painted tombs inside the Valley of the Kings
Felucca sailing on the Nile
Khan el-Khalili bazaar in old Cairo

Where to Eat

Abou El Sid (Cairo) — Atmospheric Zamalek restaurant with candlelit Egyptian-salon decor. ~EGP 400-800. 📍 Maps
Felfela (Cairo) — Beloved downtown institution since 1963 for Egyptian comfort food. ~EGP 100-250. 📍 Maps
Zooba (Cairo) — Modern Egyptian street food chain elevating classics. ~EGP 80-200. 📍 Maps
Sofra Restaurant (Luxor) — Restored Ottoman house with rooftop Nile views. ~EGP 200-450. 📍 Maps
Al Sahaby Lane (Luxor) — Rooftop restaurant directly overlooking illuminated Luxor Temple. ~EGP 250-500. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

Kempinski Nile Hotel ★★★★★ (Cairo) — Luxury Corniche hotel with Nile views between the Egyptian Museum. ~EGP 5,000/night. Book
Steigenberger Nile Palace ★★★★★ (Luxor) — Elegant riverfront hotel with pool. ~EGP 4,000/night. Book
Nefertiti Hotel ★★★ (Luxor) — Budget East Bank hotel with rooftop Nile and temple views. ~EGP 800/night. Book
Hotel Longchamps ★★★ (Cairo) — Charming Art Deco hotel in leafy Zamalek. ~EGP 1,200/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx Tour — Egyptologist-guided tour of the pyramids. 5h, ~EGP 1,200. Book
Luxor Valley of the Kings Tour — Royal tombs, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak. 8h, ~EGP 1,500. Book
Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo — Sunset cruise with buffet, belly dancing, and tannoura show. 3h, ~EGP 800. Book
Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan — Early morning desert drive to Ramesses II’s temples at sunrise. 10h, ~EGP 2,000. Book
Cairo Islamic Quarter Walking Tour — Al-Azhar Mosque, Khan el-Khalili, and medieval madrasas. 4h, ~EGP 900. Book