Extraordinary Egyptian Experience

Official Name: Arab Republic of Egypt

Capital: Cairo

Official Language: Arabic

Currency: Egyptian Pound

Population: 116.5 million (2024)

Best time of year to visit: October to April offer cooler weather and less crowds

Travel Insurance we purchase for every International trip: Columbus Assicurazioni

Our trip: February 20th - 28th, 2026 (9 days)

Welcome to my very first travel blog post! This moment has been a long time coming, and it feels incredibly special to finally share it. Travel has always held a deep place in my heart—it’s more than just a passion; it’s what gives me a sense of purpose and connection to the world.

One destination, in particular, has lived in my dreams for years: Egypt. I still remember being in 5th grade, living in Mexico, completely fascinated while learning about the Nile River—the longest river in the world. Something about its history, mystery, and significance captured my imagination in a way I never forgot.

Now, years later, life has come full circle. My own children are in school, learning about Egypt—its ancient history, the pyramids, and the fascinating world of its gods and pharaohs. Watching their curiosity unfold makes this dream feel more real and meaningful than ever.

This journey isn’t just about visiting a place—it’s about reconnecting with a dream, sharing it with my family, and experiencing together the wonder of a civilization that has inspired generations.

And this is just the beginning.

Day 1: Travel to Cairo

Upon landing at Cairo International Airport (CAI) we made our way to passport control. 

To enter Egypt, you need to secure a VISA that you could request ahead of time online or procure at the Banque MISR counter that is located next to the passport control area.

I attempted to apply for the VISA online ahead of time, but the system was not working properly. I had previously read on blogs about the unreliability of this service. What gave me comfort was to read that you could procure the VISA in person. 

Procuring the VISA in person proved to be easier than I imagined! Each VISA costs $25 USD and while the recommendation is to bring cash, they also allow you to pay with credit cards.

You receive a VISA stamp/sticker that is then placed in your passport and stamped by the officer.

Uber is widely available in Cairo and for the most part reliable. However, you should consider making sure the driver will accept the agreed upon price and method of payment - via the APP. Sounds bizarre? I was warned some would try to get you to pay by cash, thereby charging you twice: once in cash and another via the APP through your Credit Card.

A friend recommended staying in Zamalek as Old Town Cairo can be quite chaotic and busy around the clock. Since we were traveling with children, we decided to stay at Novotel Cairo El Borg in Zamalek. Another great hotel to stay at or at least have a meal at is the gorgeous Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah Hotel. 

Day 2: Saqqara, Memphis, and Giza

Seeing the pyramids is an absolute must when visiting Cairo—and choosing a private tour turned out to be one of the best decisions our family made. After reading countless reviews, we booked a highly recommended tour via Viator, and I can confidently say it exceeded every expectation. Our guide, Abdelrahman, was exceptional—knowledgeable, engaging, and wonderful with our kids.

Our day began promptly at 8:00 a.m., when a private vehicle picked us up from our hotel. Ten hours later, we returned—tired but completely fulfilled. It’s a long day and not for the faint of heart, but our children stayed curious, engaged, and (mostly!) energized throughout.

We started in Saqqara, home to some of the oldest pyramids in the world. Our first stop was the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a truly awe-inspiring structure and a fascinating glimpse into the earliest days of pyramid construction. From there, we explored the Pyramid of Teti and the Pyramid of Unas, where we saw ancient hieroglyphic texts lining the interior walls—an unforgettable experience. The Mastaba of Ti was another highlight, with its beautifully preserved carvings depicting scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt.

Next, we continued to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Standing before the colossal statue of Ramses II was surreal, and the nearby Alabaster Sphinx added another layer of wonder to the visit.

We paused for lunch at what we initially assumed might be a typical tourist stop, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The food was delicious, and it gave us a much-needed break before the final leg of our journey.

Arriving at the Giza Plateau was nothing short of magical. Seeing the pyramids in person is breathtaking, but the sheer scale is something you truly can’t grasp until you’re standing right in front of them. Before taking the bus to see the pyramids up close, we started our tour in Giza by going on a camel ride, the kids ecstatic. Riding camels across the desert with the pyramids rising in the background felt surreal—like stepping into another time. It was easily one of those “pinch me” travel moments we’ll never forget.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu—the largest of the three—towered above us, and learning that it was built over 4,500 years ago made the experience even more mind-blowing. Our guide pointed out how it is believed the stones were cut and aligned, a testament to the incredible engineering skills of ancient Egyptians.

Nearby, we saw the Pyramid of Khafre, which still has some of its original smooth limestone casing at the top, giving a glimpse of how all the pyramids once looked. The Pyramid of Menkaure, though smaller, was equally impressive.

We also had a perfect view of the Great Sphinx, silently guarding the plateau with its mysterious expression. Hearing the stories and theories behind its origins added another layer of intrigue that captivated both us and the kids.

One of the most memorable parts of our visit was climbing a short distance onto the pyramids themselves—feeling the massive stones beneath our hands made history come alive in a way no book ever could. 

All in all, this was a long but incredibly rewarding day. A private tour allowed us to explore at our own pace, ask questions, and fully immerse ourselves in Egypt’s rich history. If you’re traveling to Cairo, I couldn’t recommend this experience more—especially for families looking to make the most of their time.

P.S. Our children especially loved this experience because they had just studied ancient Egypt in school. Before our trip, they even watched Mr. Beast’s “I Spent 100 Hours Inside The Pyramids” YouTube video —so seeing everything come to life in person made it even more exciting and meaningful for them! As a parent, I also recommend you watch this video, it’s incredibly well done and you get inside access to parts of the pyramids most can’t enter. I even cried of joy watching it! 

After a shower and some much-needed rest back at the hotel, we headed out for dinner at Sofitel’s restaurant, Kebabgy Oriental Grill. It was the perfect way to end such an incredible day—beautiful surroundings, a relaxed atmosphere, and stunning views overlooking the Nile River.

Day 3: Exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum

After an unforgettable day at the pyramids, we slowed things down a bit for Day 3 and spent our morning exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)—and it was nothing short of extraordinary.

Even before stepping inside, the museum makes an impression. Its modern design contrasts beautifully with the ancient history it holds, and its location near the Giza Plateau adds to the sense that you’re still very much immersed in Egypt’s story.

Walking into the vast entrance hall, we were immediately greeted by a towering statue of Ramses II—a fitting introduction to what lies ahead. The scale of the space alone is breathtaking, and it sets the tone for the treasures you’re about to encounter.

For a bit of context—and to fully appreciate the sheer ambition of this place—the Grand Egyptian Museum is said to be roughly twice the size of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, and it is dedicated entirely to Egyptian history and artifacts. It’s also rumored to have cost over $1 billion USD to build, which becomes easy to believe the moment you step inside and take it all in.

What makes the GEM so special is how thoughtfully everything is displayed. The exhibits are spacious, well-lit, and incredibly well-organized, making it easy (and enjoyable) to navigate—even with kids.

Of course, one of the biggest highlights was seeing artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s collection. From intricate jewelry to beautifully preserved ceremonial items, every piece felt like a window into the life of the young pharaoh. Seeing these objects up close—after learning about them in books and videos—made the experience feel even more meaningful for all of us.

Another standout was how the museum tells a story, not just through objects, but through context. As we moved from one gallery to the next, we could trace the evolution of ancient Egyptian civilization—from its earliest dynasties to its most powerful eras. It felt immersive in a way that kept both adults and kids engaged throughout.

We also appreciated how interactive and family-friendly the museum felt. There were plenty of moments that sparked curiosity and questions from our kids, turning the visit into a shared learning experience rather than just a sightseeing stop.

After a few hours of exploring, we left feeling inspired—and honestly, a little in awe of how much history one place can hold. The Grand Egyptian Museum is more than just a museum; it’s an experience that brings ancient Egypt to life in a modern, accessible way.

If you’re visiting Cairo, I highly recommend setting aside time for GEM. It’s the perfect complement to seeing the pyramids—offering deeper insight into the history, artistry, and legacy of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. 

After a quick bite to eat at the museum, we called an Uber and made our way into Old Cairo for a two-hour Guruwalk tour. This shift from ancient to more recent history gave us a completely different perspective on the city. Walking through the narrow streets, surrounded by historic mosques, churches, and bustling local life, we got to experience a more intimate and layered side of Cairo that you simply can’t see from a car.

Our guide brought the area to life with stories, pointing out details we never would have noticed on our own. It was a great way to stay engaged after a museum morning and gave us a deeper appreciation for Cairo’s rich cultural and religious history.

After a full and rewarding day, we returned feeling like we had experienced both the grandeur of ancient Egypt and the vibrant heartbeat of the city today. If you’re visiting Cairo, pairing the Grand Egyptian Museum with a walking tour of Old Cairo makes for a perfectly balanced and unforgettable day.

Dinner was a must-do Nile River boat show, and it ended up being one of the most entertaining evenings of our trip. While the food wasn’t necessarily the highlight, the live performances and the experience of cruising along the Nile—with the city lights shimmering on the water—made it absolutely unforgettable.

Day 4: Cairo to Luxor

On Day 4, we traveled by plane from Cairo to Luxor. A two-hour delay had us briefly questioning whether flying was the right choice instead of driving, but in the end, we made it through without any major issues and were ready to start the next leg of our adventure.

Upon exiting the Luxor airport, our Uber driver attempted to request a cash payment and a higher fare than what was agreed upon in the app. Knowing this was a common tactic in the area, we canceled the ride, walked about 10 minutes outside the airport perimeter, and called another Uber. We faced a similar issue, but this time the fare was only about 10 euros—half of what the first driver had demanded—though the app still charged us. We have yet to dispute the overcharge.

We chose to stay at Steigenberger Nile Palace on the east bank of the Nile in Luxor, where Luxor Temple is located and the vibrant boardwalk offers plenty of dining, shops, and nightlife. While the west bank—home to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens—offers a more authentic and rustic experience, it’s quieter and less developed, giving it a very different, more secluded feel compared to the bustling east side.

We enjoyed an early dinner at our hotel’s Thai Restaurant, which was the perfect way to relax and settle in after our day of travel. The cozy atmosphere and convenient location made it an easy and enjoyable first evening in Luxor.

Day 5: Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens

On Day 5, we embarked on a small Viator tour to explore the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, two of Luxor’s most iconic ancient sites. Our day started early, with a 7:30 a.m. pickup in a van for 10 people.

The Valley of the Kings is a breathtaking necropolis nestled in the desert hills on the west bank of the Nile. It served as the final resting place for nearly every pharaoh of Egypt’s New Kingdom, including the world-famous Tutankhamun. 

Visiting King Tutankhamun’s tomb was an absolute thrill—we got to see his mummy, his magnificent sarcophagus, and the brilliantly detailed, colorful wall paintings. The intricate artwork and hieroglyphs brought the history to life, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Walking through the narrow entrances into these elaborately decorated tombs, we were amazed by the vibrant hieroglyphics and detailed wall paintings depicting the pharaohs’ journeys to the afterlife. Each tomb had its own unique story, and our guide brought the history to life with fascinating details about the rituals, gods, and symbolism of ancient Egyptian burial practices.

Next, we visited the Valley of the Queens, where the wives of the pharaohs and royal children were laid to rest. Though smaller and less crowded than the Valley of the Kings, the tombs here are equally remarkable. The intricate artwork, colorful frescoes, and carefully carved chambers revealed a quieter, more intimate side of ancient Egyptian royalty. The peaceful desert surroundings added to the sense of awe, making it easy to imagine the solemn rituals that took place thousands of years ago.

Visiting both valleys in one day was incredible—it offered a full perspective on royal life, death, and the impressive craftsmanship of ancient Egypt. 

We ended our tour with a memorable lunch—not for the food, which was fairly ordinary, but for the incredible views that made the experience truly special. Sitting there, overlooking the desert landscape and the nearby tombs, was the perfect way to reflect on an unforgettable morning.

In the evening, we took a hotel-arranged taxi into town and headed to a restaurant recommended on TripAdvisor, which turned out to be fantastic. The service was authentic, the food delicious, and the staff were mindful of our child’s celiac needs—rice and simple protein staples were an easy and safe choice, making the meal enjoyable for the whole family.

On the way back to the hotel, we chose to walk the 1.5 km, starting along the lively boardwalk and then navigating a narrow, barely-there sidewalk. Taxi drivers kept trying to flag us down, likely surprised to see anyone walking, which added an unexpected, playful challenge to our evening stroll.

Day 6: Luxor Temple and Transfer to Hurghada

On Day 6, we visited the stunning Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the city on the east bank of the Nile. We purchased tickets on the spot and arranged a private tour with a local guide, which allowed us to explore the temple at our own pace and gain deeper insights into its history. Walking through its grand colonnades and towering statues, we were amazed by the intricate hieroglyphs and carvings that tell stories of pharaohs, gods, and ancient rituals. We were especially impressed to learn that the temple’s grounds stretch over 3 kilometers, emphasizing the immense scale and importance of this sacred site. As the evening light bathed the temple in a golden glow, the atmosphere felt truly magical, highlighting the temple’s architectural brilliance and spiritual significance.

After soaking in the temple’s beauty, we embarked on a 4 hour private transfer to Hurghada. The four-lane highway from Luxor to Hurghada was surprisingly safe and well-maintained, making the drive smooth and comfortable. It gave us a chance to relax, enjoy the changing landscapes, and look forward to our next adventure along the Red Sea.

Day 7: Total Relaxation at the Resort

Day 7 was all about unwinding and enjoying the Pickalbatros Palace All-Inclusive Resort in Hurghada. 

We spent the day on water slides, pretending to surf, and soaking up the sun by the pool and beach. On the sand, we played a fun game of bocce, taking turns tossing our balls to see who could get closest to the target ball, or jack. The combination of friendly competition, laughter, and relaxation made it a perfect, carefree day for the whole family.

Day 8: A Fun-Filled Day at the Resort

On Day 8, we had planned a boat tour or snorkeling adventure in the Red Sea, but the chilly water and strong wind gave us the perfect excuse to enjoy a different kind of fun. With temperatures hovering around a pleasant 15°C, the children had a blast on the water slides! It was such a joy to enjoy an extra day of relaxation after our busy explorations of Giza and Luxor. The day offered the perfect balance between city adventures and beachside leisure, giving the whole family a chance to unwind and fully savor the vacation at a more leisurely pace.

Day 9: Departure from Hurghada

On Day 9, we checked out of the resort and took a taxi to Hurghada’s small airport. Our flight was delayed by about an hour, and just before takeoff, we learned that a conflict had broken out in Iran. By the time we arrived in Rome, we discovered that several flights had been re-routed there, making for a chaotic return to “real life.” The experience was a stark reminder of how fortunate we were to return home safely—and a humbling reminder that we never truly know what challenges others may be facing elsewhere in the world.