Egypt had been high on my travel wish list for years, and after finally experiencing it for myself, I can confidently say it exceeded every expectation. From standing inside the Great Pyramid and exploring ancient temples along the Nile to snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, Egypt is a destination filled with unforgettable moments, fascinating history and incredible contrasts.
One thing that surprised me most was how safe and welcoming we felt throughout the journey. Despite ongoing news coverage of events elsewhere in the Middle East, it was very much business as usual on the ground in Egypt. Tourism is thriving, attractions are busy, and locals are warm, friendly and genuinely excited to welcome visitors.
Cairo: Home of the Pyramids
No visit to Egypt is complete without Cairo.
The obvious highlight is visiting the Giza Pyramids. Seeing them for the first time is one of those true "wow" moments that photos simply can't prepare you for. For those who are able, I highly recommend purchasing entry into the Great Pyramid itself. Climbing through the narrow passageways and standing inside a structure that has been here for over 4,500 years is an unforgettable experience, hot and sweaty, but amazing!
We also visited the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and wow, it's impressive. It's the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilisation and is absolutely worth a visit
Many of the artefacts from the old Egyptian Museum have now found a new home here, making it one of the best places to dive into Egypt's incredible history.
Cairo is so much more than just the pyramids. It's a city full of energy, history and culture and the perfect introduction to everything that makes Egypt such a fascinating destination.
Aswan: Life on the Nile
Aswan offers a completely different side of Egypt. Situated on the banks of the Nile, it feels calmer, slower paced and incredibly scenic.
Our first activity in Aswan was kayaking on the Nile, passing the Nubian villages and taking in the peaceful riverside views.
Following that, we visited Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. It was dismantled piece by piece and moved to a nearby island to save it from rising waters after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. From the new location, you can still see parts of the original site poking out of the water. Philae can only be reached by boat and is such a beautiful temple.
Abu Simbel: Egypt's Ultimate Wow Factor
If I could talk you into one temple visit, let it be this. Abu Simbel was an absolute highlight and maybe even my favourite part of the trip. About a 3-hour drive from Aswan, the temples were built by Ramesses II - the Great Temple dedicated to himself and the smaller temple dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari. The size and detail of both temples are absolutely mind-blowing and the history behind them is just as fascinating.
Due to rising waters from the creation of Lake Nasser, the entire site was carefully cut into huge blocks and moved up the cliff to its current location, piece by piece. It’s incredible to think it still exists in such perfect condition today.
For anyone planning a trip to Egypt, Abu Simbel is an absolute must-do.
Luxor: The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum
Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum, and honestly, after visiting, it’s easy to see why. It’s home to some of Ancient Egypt’s most iconic sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Luxor Temple
The Valley of the Kings was a real highlight for me. Walking through these ancient tombs, still covered in incredibly bright colours and detailed hieroglyphics, genuinely feels like stepping back in time. It’s amazing how bright some of them still are after thousands of years.
My favourite was the Tomb of Ramesses IV - the colours inside were some of the most impressive we saw on the whole trip!
If you’re visiting, it’s also worth getting the extra ticket for King Tutankhamun’s tomb to see one of the most famous resting places in the world up close.
Hurghada: Egypt's Coastal Paradise
After days spent exploring temples and archaeological sites, Hurghada provided the perfect change of pace.
Located on the shores of the Red Sea, it’s all about beach days, boat trips, and some of the best snorkelling and diving you’ll find anywhere.
The water here is unreal! Crystal clear and full of life. On our snorkelling trip we explored coral reefs packed with colourful fish and the visibility was next level. It was easily some of the best snorkelling I’ve ever done.
Orange Bay was another highlight, white sand and bright turquoise water that feels like a completely different world compared to the deserts and temples we had just visited.
I could have easily stayed longer in Hurghada. It’s such a good place to switch off, slow down and just enjoy the Red Sea before heading back into Cairo.
Final Thoughts
If Egypt isn’t on your bucket list already, it should be. Everything about this country left us speechless - the history, the landscapes, the warm and welcoming people and experiences you just don’t get anywhere else.
From standing inside the Great Pyramid and cruising along the Nile to exploring the Valley of the Kings and snorkelling in the Red Sea, every stop offered something completely different.
Most importantly, we felt safe and comfortable throughout the journey, tourism across Egypt continues to operate normally. For travellers considering a visit, there has never been a better time to experience this fascinating destination.
Egypt left me wanting more and I already know I'll be back to spend more time exploring Cairo, discovering hidden archaeological treasures and soaking up the beauty of the Red Sea once again.