Egypt is a land that captivates travelers with its rich history, breathtaking monuments, and vibrant culture. For those eager to explore the marvels of Ancient Egypt while balancing cost and comfort, a well-planned itinerary is essential. In a recent three-week journey through Egypt—from Cairo and Aswan to Luxor and the Red Sea coast—travelers experienced the grandeur of antiquity alongside the challenges and quirks of modern Egypt. Here’s a detailed recounting of that adventure, including where they stayed, what they saw, lessons learned, and how much the entire trip cost.
Journey Overview: Cities and Stays
Starting from Morocco, the travelers flew to Cairo, spending three nights immersed in Egypt’s bustling capital. From there, they journeyed south to Aswan for five nights, then embarked on a three-night Nile cruise to Luxor, where they stayed for seven nights. The adventure concluded with a three-night stay in Hurghada on the Red Sea coast before returning to Cairo for the final two nights. This itinerary provided a balanced mix of city experiences, historical exploration, river cruising, and coastal relaxation.
Accommodations with Iconic Views
Cairo (Giza): Their first stop was near the Pyramids of Giza, in a simple hotel that offered spectacular, though not unobstructed, views of the pyramids at breakfast. Staying here allowed a daily visual connection to the ancient wonders.
Aswan (Elephantine Island): They stayed at the Nubian Soul Guest House, nestled on Elephantine Island right in the middle of the Nile River. The only access was by boat, creating a remote, peaceful atmosphere unlike bustling city hotels.
Nile Cruise (Aswan to Luxor): A three-night cruise onboard a ship provided an intimate way to experience the river and its temples.
Luxor (West Bank): An efficiency apartment with a rooftop was chosen to enjoy sunrises over the Nile and sunsets behind the Valley of the Kings, enriching the stay with natural beauty.
Hurghada (Red Sea): The guests stayed in a resort apartment directly on the sea, offering a change in pace with beach relaxation.
Final Cairo Stay: The last two nights were spent in a Hyatt hotel, seeking comfort after a less comfortable stay in Hurghada.
Exploring Egypt: Highlights and Experiences
Giza: The Gateway to Ancient Egypt
The trip commenced with a tour of the iconic Pyramids of Giza, including a camel ride around the complex and a descent into one of the pyramids themselves. The daily view of the pyramids set an evocative mood for the entire trip. However, an unexpected challenge emerged—the street outside their hotel, where the camels were stabled, was often smelly and slimy despite daily cleaning, making getting around unpleasant at times. This experience highlighted the importance of choosing accommodations carefully, even with great views.
They also visited two key museums in Cairo:
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): A modern, world-class facility praised for its organization, presentation, and informative English-guided tours led by a trained Egyptologist. It offered deep context into Egypt’s history and artifacts.
The Egyptian Museum: Though older and less well-labeled than GEM, it still provided valuable insights and historical collections.
Visiting GEM first enriched their understanding and appreciation of subsequent museum visits, especially regarding mummies and papyrus collections.
Aswan: Tranquility and Ancient Temples
Aswan offered a more tranquil chapter of the journey. Elephantine Island itself was an archaeological treasure, featuring buildings dating back to Egypt’s earliest eras. The travelers enjoyed private tours booked directly through the local rest house, which were cheaper and more personalized than group tours arranged on third-party websites.
Activities included:
A felucca sailboat trip along the Nile, experiencing local boat culture.
A boat excursion to Philae Temple, renowned as the last active temple of the Egyptian gods.
A memorable 3.5-hour trip to Abu Simbel, home to some of Egypt’s most grandiose temples, renowned for their architectural and historical significance.
Aswan’s peaceful ambiance and lack of aggressive vendors added greatly to the enjoyment.
Nile Cruise: Drifting Through History
The three-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor was deemed the trip’s highlight, offering a magical experience on the river that nurtured one of humankind’s greatest civilizations. Scheduled stops included Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple. However, due to late arrivals and crowded conditions, the travelers opted to observe from the ship, enjoying activities like tai chi on deck instead.
The cruise cost totaled $450, a bargain compared to the higher prices charged by travel companies, though tipping the staff was an additional expense. The cruise emphasized the value of booking independently for a more flexible and cost-effective experience.
Luxor: The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum
Luxor provided an immersive exploration of ancient sites clustered in one area, earning its reputation as a colossal open-air museum. Highlights included:
Luxor Temple: Visited on the first night, often included as part of city tours.
Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens: Accessed via a private guide hired directly (costing $50 for the guide), these sites showcased some of Egypt’s most famous tombs.
Valley of the Artisans: Added for an extra $20, it featured vibrant and well-preserved tomb paintings seldom seen in main tourist circuits.
Karnak Temple Complex: The second most visited ancient site after Giza, explored independently.
Choosing to stay on Luxor’s quieter west bank provided proximity to many archaeological sites with more peaceful surroundings compared to the busy east bank. Reliable private guides were available when booked through referrals, offering customization and better prices than popular group tours priced around $50 or more per person daily.
However, without guides, the travelers experienced relentless touts and vendors, making guided tours a practical choice even with a DIY spirit. The Valley of the Artisans was especially memorable for its exquisite art, making it a highly recommended stop.
Hurghada: Red Sea Respite
Following the culture and history intensive days, the travelers spent three nights in Hurghada to relax by the Red Sea. Their resort apartment on the sea delivered the desired tranquility, contrasting sharply with the demands of sightseeing. This break allowed them to recharge before the final stint in Cairo.
Final Days in Cairo: Comfort and Reflection
The last two days were spent in a Hyatt hotel to ensure a comfortable rest before flying out of Egypt, compensating for an unsatisfactory bed in Hurghada. The stay marked a period of relaxation and reflection after immersion in Egypt’s wonders and the hustle of its modern life, which at times proved exhausting.
Key Lessons Learned
Location Matters: Proximity to sites like the Pyramids can be a double-edged sword if the surrounding environment is unpleasant (e.g., camel stables causing foul smells).
Book Locally for Tours: Direct bookings through local rest houses or trusted contacts provided better prices and more personalized experiences than international third-party sites.
Guided Tours Add Value: Beyond controlling costs, hiring guides with referrals helps navigate crowds, touts, and provides rich historical context.
Plan Relaxation Days: The intensity of Egypt’s historical sites requires rest periods, such as the time spent on Elephantine Island and the Red Sea coast.
Consider Your Sleeping Comfort: Luxuries like the Hyatt in Cairo can significantly enhance the travel experience during the final days.
Expenses Breakdown: What the Trip Cost
The total expenses for 24 days in Egypt amounted to $3,418, equating to approximately:
$1,139 per week
$142 per day
This total included:
All tours with entry fees and guides
Transportation around Egypt, including ferries, taxis, and domestic flights (excluding international flights into and out of Egypt)
Accommodation, food, and the Nile cruise ($450 shared between food, lodging, and transport)
The Hyatt hotel stay in Cairo represented about a third of the total lodging costs, highlighting the impact of choosing premium accommodations.
The DIY approach, with longer stays in places like Aswan and Luxor, allowed better control of expenses and a richer engagement with the locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best places to stay in Egypt for iconic views?
Hotels near the Pyramids of Giza offer spectacular views but may come with inconveniences like busy streets and stable odors. For peace and a unique atmosphere, guest houses on Elephantine Island in Aswan or apartments on the Luxor west bank provide tranquility and proximity to major sites.
2. Is it better to book tours through local providers or international companies?
Booking tours directly with local providers can save money and offer customizable experiences. Local rest houses and trusted referrals are preferred over international platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, which are often pricier and less flexible.
3. How much should I budget per day for a trip to Egypt?
Based on this trip, budgeting around $140 to $150 per day (covering lodging, food, tours, and transport) is reasonable for a balanced experience that includes comfortable accommodation and guided tours.
4. Are Nile cruises expensive?
Nile cruise prices vary widely. Independent bookings, like the $450 three-night cruise mentioned, can be very affordable compared to commercial offerings that can be four times as expensive. Additional tipping should be factored in.
5. What are some less crowded attractions in Luxor?
The Valley of the Artisans is a lesser-known site featuring colorful tomb paintings, offering a quieter and more intimate glimpse into ancient Egyptian art compared to the more visited Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple.
6. How peaceful is Aswan compared to other Egyptian cities?
Aswan, especially Elephantine Island, is notably peaceful with fewer aggressive vendors and less tourist traffic, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and cultural exploration alike.
7. How to avoid being harassed by vendors while sightseeing?
Hiring a professional guide or joining a private tour is often the best way to avoid persistent touts. Guides can negotiate on your behalf and provide a buffer between you and the vendors.
Conclusion
Exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders over three weeks is a journey full of awe, history, and occasional challenges. From waking up to pyramid views in Giza, crossing the Nile’s timeless river on a cruise, to unwinding by the Red Sea, each location contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences. Key takeaways centered on thoughtful accommodation choices, leveraging local guides, balancing sightseeing with rest, and budgeting wisely. This carefully curated do-it-yourself adventure proves that with proper planning, Egypt’s treasures can be enjoyed deeply without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort. Whether it’s the grandeur of Abu Simbel or the serene Nubian island, Egypt offers travelers insights and memories that last a lifetime.