🇪🇬 Egypt Uncovered: My Epic 2023 Adventure! 🇪🇬
This is a detailed guide for true adventurers. If you just want eye candy, scroll through the photos. But if you're planning a trip, grab a coffee and dive in!
Egypt is a must-see destination, and there are tons of ways to experience it. But after leading two tours this October – one to Siwa and the other to the White Desert – I'm sharing the *perfect* itinerary. This isn't about pushing tours – it's about ensuring your $52,000 (total cost estimation in VND) trip is unforgettable, in a good way! 😉
1. Pre-Trip Prep: Gear Up for Glory!
- Visa Victory: If you have a valid US, Australian, Canadian, or UK visa, you *might* get a Visa on Arrival (VOA). But it's risky with some airlines (Saudi Airlines might deny boarding). Play it safe and get your visa in advance! Avoid last-minute scrambles and potential changes to the VOA policy.
- Food Fight: Egyptian food is tasty but repetitive. Pack your favorite Vietnamese snacks, dipping sauces, instant noodles, and self-heating rice! (Hello, 46kg baggage allowance with Qatar or Emirates!)
- Cash is King: Exchange money at the airport or with your guide. Bring lots of small bills. Grab a Vodafone or Orange SIM card at the airport – 22GB+ is your friend.
2. The Ultimate Itinerary: A Historical Odyssey
Follow this flow for a seamless journey through Egyptian history. Emirates lands around 10 AM, Qatar around 6 PM. Choose your arrival based on your energy levels!
A. Days 1-4: Desert Dreams – From the Sands to Civilization
Desert Time! Egypt boasts three deserts, but choose wisely based on your stamina. My October groups explored two:
a) White Desert Wonder:
6-hour drive from Cairo. Experience surreal landscapes, winding desert roads, and awesome campfire dinners. Perfect for those who don't want a super long trek. Day 1: Relax. Day 2: Explore the White Desert. Day 3: Return to Cairo and catch the Pyramids light show from your hotel. The White Desert gives you an extra day to explore Alexandria or other sites, or even shorten your trip!
b) Siwa Oasis Escape:
For true adventurers! If you're drawn to Siwa beyond the hype and can handle a long journey, this is your paradise. Fly Qatar, arrive in Cairo, grab dinner, and immediately head to Siwa overnight. 13-14 hours including meal stops. It's a grueling round trip, but you'll be rewarded with a charming, rustic town, two massive lakes, and stunning palm groves.
- Salt Lake Serenity: Find a large, clear lake with easy access. Remember, these are active salt mines, not tourist attractions. Each lake is unique to each visitor. Everyone wants to swim...but no one wants to ask a local guide to take photos! Trust me, you don't. 😂
- Cleopatra's Pool & Oasis Camp: After your salty dip, refresh at Cleopatra's Pool. Enjoy a smoothie and lunch before heading to the desert camp (similar to the White Desert). Spend the night under the stars or splurge on an extra hotel night. Day 4: Full day travel back to Cairo.
B. Day 5: Old Kingdom Glory – Pyramids Power!
One full day to conquer the Pyramids! But start EARLY. Be at the Cheops Pyramid when it opens at 7:15 AM. Capture those crowd-free, epic photos! Ride a camel (trust your driver with your life for that perfect shot!), and then see the three pyramids at different angles, including the panorama view. After a visit to the Sphinx, visit the Old Cairo, or the Step Pyramid, or the new GEM museum (though it's still a bit empty). Hotel tip: Stay at the Pyramids Hotel, opposite the GEM. Feeling thrifty? Skip the hotel and catch a first-class overnight train to Aswan (13 hours, departs 5 PM, arrives 8 AM).
C. Days 6-11: Nile Cruise Adventure – From Ancient Wonders to Red Sea Bliss!
Days 6-7-8-9-10-11: River Nile Cruise – From the New Kingdom and the Ptolemaic Period to Modern Hurghada.
Fly to Aswan early. Visit Philae Temple, then check into your Nile cruise (Monte Carlo, Blue Shadow, Nile Cruise, Hapi 5 Nile Cruise...) Afternoon: Relax or explore the Nubian village (skip it if you went with me in October, its a bit boring).
Day 7: Abu Simbel Temple trip. Afternoon: Relax. Cruise to Kom Ombo.
Day 8: Enjoy temple Edfu by horse carriage. However, the experience can be chaotic. Instead, rent a private car and enjoy a relaxed breakfast on the cruise, then visit Edfu later in the morning when it is less crowded. Continue to Luxor for lunch, then visit the Karnak Temple in the afternoon and Luxor Temple in the evening. If your cruise is still to reach, enjoy shisha at Luxor market with the locals. You can also grab KFC near Luxor Temple. For a refreshing change!
Day 9: Hot Air Balloon Ride Early. If it's not slot 1, its a waste of money. After the ride, explore the Valley of the Kings and by afternoon, travel to Hurghada and relax in the resort.
Day 10: Red Sea day trip, with private cruise. The Red Sea has beauty comparable with Maldives, Enjoy delicious fresh seafood, snorkelling, diving and other water activities.
Day 11: Morning flight back to Cairo. Visit the Egyptian Museum to admire Egyptian artifacts, especially King Tutankhamun's tomb which provides a visual climax to the tour after experiencing so many historic sites. Khan el-Khalili market for souvenirs. Don't forget to bargain!
Finish the day with delicious Thai Food in a restaurant in the supermarket. Depart for the airport for flight back home.
D. CONCLUSION
In 12 days, you will experience everything from deserts to the sea, Cairo to Aswan, and ancient to modern Hurghada. With experienced guides, you will have memories to remember. The perfect itinerary and amazing photos will entice others to choose Egypt as their next destination.
Remember, "Traveling with someone who takes great photos is a vacation, traveling with someone who doesn't is just sightseeing." Whether you go solo (lots of planning and scams!), or take a tour (easy but less control), the choice is yours. Just make sure you have an unforgettable experience! Thanks!
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