Luxury in the Land of Pharaohs

Egypt, a land of mystique and timeless beauty, has captivated travellers for centuries. From the grandeur of the pyramids to the serenity of the Nile, the allure of ancient Egypt continues to inspire awe. But Egypt isn’t just a destination for history buffs; it’s a paradise for luxury travellers seeking exclusive experiences that blend cultural richness with opulent indulgence.

Our Egyptian adventure began in Cairo, a vibrant metropolis where the past and present coexist in fascinating harmony. We stayed at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, offering stunning views of the Nile and world-class amenities. With a private guide named Ibrahim, who proved to be a wealth of knowledge about ancient civilization, we set off to explore Egypt’s timeless wonders.

Our touring included visiting Saqqara, an ancient burial ground located about 30 kilometres south of Cairo. Famous for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest stone pyramid, Saqqara offers a fascinating glimpse into early pyramid construction and is a significant archaeological site. Serving as the necropolis for the ancient capital of Memphis, it’s home to tombs, pyramids, and mastabas (flat-roofed tombs) that span different periods of Egyptian history. A visit here transports you back thousands of years.

Next, we visited the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), soon to be one of Egypt’s premier cultural attractions. Located just two kilometres from the Giza Pyramids, the GEM (when fully open) will be the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization and will showcase over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures. Its modern design and advanced technology offer an immersive experience into Egypt’s ancient history—a must-visit for any traveller.

Afterwards, we continued to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Opting for a more adventurous experience, we climbed inside the Great Pyramid to see the King’s Chamber, where Khufu’s sarcophagus lies. Though looted in antiquity, the pyramid’s precision and grandeur are still astounding. We also visited the Egyptian Museum, where we marvelled at King Tutankhamun’s treasures, including his gold death mask and sarcophagus. You need a full day to explore the whole museum but sadly our time in Cairo was limited.

From Cairo we travelled south and after arriving in Aswan, we checked into the luxurious Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel, a peaceful oasis that embodies both grandeur and serenity. Perched majestically above the Nile, this historic hotel, famous for hosting celebrities and royalty, offered the perfect escape after our explorations. We enjoyed a private boat ride to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and relished an intimate tour after the main crowds had left.

As the afternoon turned to evening, we sailed on a felucca during sunset. The sky was painted in shades of orange, pink, and gold, casting a warm glow over the river, and illuminating the landscapes around us. It was a serene, magical experience, one that felt timeless and unforgettable.

The next day, we visited the magnificent Abu Simbel temples. Arriving by plane and met by Ibrahim, we were in awe of these colossal monuments built by Ramses II. The temples’ grandeur, set against the backdrop of the desert, is a testament to the power and vision of ancient Egypt. It’s an absolute must-see for any traveller seeking an extraordinary cultural experience.

Of course, no luxury trip to Egypt is complete without a Nile River cruise. We spent four nights aboard the Oberoi Philae, a luxurious five-star vessel sailing between Aswan and Luxor. With every comfort provided, we relaxed and enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Nile, stopping at historic temples like Kom Ombo and Edfu along the way. The cruise was the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, with gourmet meals, onboard entertainment, and personalised service making the experience unforgettable.

We concluded our journey in Luxor, known as the world’s greatest open-air museum. We explored the Valley of the Kings and Queens, where we descended into tombs that held pharaohs of long ago. We also visited Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, enjoying a nighttime tour that added an extra layer of mystique to this incredible structure. While traveling throughout Egypt, we felt completely secure. Egyptian tourism authorities and hotel staff prioritise the safety of visitors, with visible security measures in place throughout. Popular tourist sites are well-guarded, and reputable hotels offer an extra layer of security and comfort. But what really stood out throughout our time in Egypt was the wonderful hospitality we received from the people of Egypt, who made us feel safe and welcome. I would 100% recommend this as a destination to those looking for a luxurious cultural journey – I guarantee it will exceed your expectations and give you a renewed perspective on this ancient civilisation.

Ready to go on a journey to Egypt?

Get in touch with Jon to learn more about this fascinating destination and to start building a luxury tailor-made itinerary.