I spent two weeks in Egypt in June 2023 for a friend’s wedding. It was a life-changing trip sandwiched in the middle of several life changes back home. We spent the first week in Cairo and the second week on a cruise up the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Both chapters of the trip were amazing, and I can’t wait to go back.
Week 1: Cairo
We stayed at the Marriott Omar Khayyam in Cairo on Zamalek Island. Built in a former palace, it’s a beautiful hotel with a great pool and a great breakfast buffet.
I’d like to say I spent most of the time sightseeing in Cairo, and we certainly did a lot of that, but I’ll be honest that I spent most of my time napping by the pool.
Notable bites
- Abou el-Sid they sell a cookbook at Diwan next door
- Koshary Abou Tarek koshary is a must
- Yemeni Restaurant best meal on the trip, worth bringing a translator
- Simonds surprisingly good croissants!
Week 2: Nile Cruise
Nearly everyone I’ve talked to about traveling to Egypt has mentioned a Nile cruise, and now I know why. Honestly the perfect way to see the country. We took a 5-day cruise from Luxor to Aswan, stopping at temples and towns along the way.
- KFC in Luxor, Egypt why don’t they sell rizo in the US??
- Nebyt Dahabiya
- BenBen Hotel