Egypt: Nile Cruise & Great Pyramids

(3 Reviews)

Anthony Warrior

Atlanta, GA
Group Travel Agent

Choosing me as your group travel agent opens the door to an exciting and seamless adventure that’s more than just a trip- it’s an experience you’ll share, laugh about, and remember together. I know that group travel is about creating connections a...

Michelle at Giza plateau.

Growing up, we all see pictures and hear stories of Egypt and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Now, Michelle and I have turned that dream into reality with ten incredible days in Egypt for our 40th wedding anniversary! Our adventure began in Atlanta, flying Turkish Airlines, with a brief layover in Istanbul - next time, we'll opt for a longer layover!

Our first day was packed. We kicked things off at the iconic Giza plateau, home to the three Great Pyramids, monumental structures built for the Pharaohs over 4,500 years ago. Standing before these colossal, man-made mountains was simply breathtaking. After marveling at the pyramids, we turned our attention to the Great Sphinx, though smaller than I expected, exuded a commanding presence steeped in mystery. Next, we explored the Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of antiquities reflecting thousands of years of Egyptian history. The architecture of the museum itself is a marvel. Among the most striking displays was the golden funerary mask of King Tutankhamun, glowing with luminous gold and vibrant gemstones. The museum also housed treasures from his tomb and the well-preserved mummies of ancient pharaohs, including Ramses II, leaving us with a profound sense of wonder. Our journey continued with an excursion to Memphis, the ancient capital that once pulsed with the power of Egypt’s pharaohs. Wandering through its storied ruins felt like stepping back in time. Nearby, in Saqqara, we stood before the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest monumental stone structure, designed by the legendary architect Imhotep.

The following day brought new beginnings as we flew to Luxor. After a hearty breakfast, we boarded the elegant cruise boat, the Alyssa Nile, our floating haven for seven nights. That afternoon, we explored the breathtaking temples of Karnak and Luxor. The vast Karnak complex, with its colossal pillars and intricate hieroglyphs, felt like a labyrinth of ancient knowledge. The Luxor Temple, with its graceful statues of Ramses II and the avenue of sphinxes, offered its own mystique. As evening fell, we returned to Karnak for the Sound and Light Show, where the temple complex illuminated under the stars, bringing ancient stories to life. This immersive experience left us even more captivated by Egypt’s allure. On another day, we explored the Valley of the Kings, the fabled burial ground of Egypt’s pharaohs. Our guide led us through dusty paths to tomb entrances concealed in the stone walls. Vibrant hieroglyphs adorned the walls, recounting the pharaoh’s journey through the afterlife. Standing in the tomb of Tutankhamun was humbling, as we left realizing this visit was a journey into Egypt’s enigmatic past. We also visited the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning architectural marvel reflecting the grandeur of her reign and her unique position as one of the few female pharaohs in history.

Next, we embarked on an early morning visit to Abu Simbel, featuring the grand temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. Marveling at the colossal statues and intricate carvings was an awe-inspiring beginning to our adventure. Following this, we toured the High Dam Site in Aswan, a modern engineering marvel that controls the Nile's flooding and generates hydroelectric power. Later, we visited a Nubian Village, where the vibrant colors of homes welcomed us. We immersed ourselves in the rich culture and traditions of the Nubian people, enjoying traditional cuisine and exploring local handicrafts. We were honored to engage with a local family, sharing stories and meal was a highlight of our experience.

We then explored Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, accessible by boat and surrounded by serene gardens. Our next stop was Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus, where we enjoyed fascinating reliefs and learned about Sobek’s significance. Finally, we concluded our temple tour with Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, known for its impressive hieroglyphics and architectural ingenuity.

Upon returning to Cairo, we visited the Salah el-Din Citadel, a historic fortress overlooking Cairo, and ended our trip at the bustling Khan el-Khalili market, a vibrant hub of culture, craft, and cuisine. This ten-day journey through Egypt was not just a celebration of our anniversary, but an unforgettable adventure filled with history, wonder, and love.

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