Luxury, Wonder & a Week Along the Nile
Egypt is one of the most mesmerizing places on earth. It’s a place where history feels alive, where the pyramids rise impossibly from the desert, and where the Nile whispers stories of ancient civilizations as you drift along in a wooden felucca at sunset.
Ever since I first learned about ancient Egypt in Grade 4, I was hooked. The gods, the tombs, the temples—it was all endlessly fascinating. And when I finally made it to Egypt myself, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able to experience it all with my best friend, Taylor.
Some places are historically significant, but Egypt? Egypt is legendary. Seeing the Pyramids of Giza in person is surreal—photos simply don’t do them justice. The tomb of Nefertari in Luxor is one of the most magical things I’ve ever seen, its colors so vibrant they look freshly painted. And the artifacts in both major Egyptian museums are mind-blowing—standing face to face with statues and relics that have endured for thousands of years is something I’ll never forget.
This seven-day itinerary (not including travel days) is how you do Egypt properly. It’s a mix of luxury, adventure, and as many boat rides down the Nile as possible. And when it comes to food? Don’t be scared—eat everything. The grilled meats, fragrant rice, fresh pita, ful medames, and endless mezze? Pure heaven.
So let’s get started, shall we?
Cairo: A Glamorous Riverside Retreat
- Fairmont Nile City – Classic, sophisticated, and perfectly located along the Nile. The rooftop pool is a dream, the service is impeccable, and it’s an oasis away from the city’s chaos.
Luxor: Old-World Elegance by the Nile
- Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor – Where royalty and archaeologists have stayed for over a century. It’s grand, it’s historic, and it feels like something straight out of an Agatha Christie novel.
Aswan: The Most Romantic Stay on the Nile
- Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel – A 19th-century palace perched on the banks of the Nile. This hotel is pure magic—think ornate ceilings, palm-lined terraces, and a colonial-era charm that makes you want to sip mint tea and never leave.
(+ Add two extra days for travel if coming from far—trust me, you’ll want the time to settle in.)
Days 1-2: Cairo – The Energy of Egypt’s Capital
- Check into the Fairmont Nile City and have your first drink overlooking the river.
- Lunch at Zitouni (Four Seasons Nile Plaza) – A fabulous introduction to Egyptian cuisine with rich tagines, mezze, and grilled lamb.
- Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum – The new, state-of-the-art home of Tutankhamun’s treasures and thousands of artifacts.
- Dinner at Crimson Bar & Grill – A chic rooftop spot with stunning Nile views and an effortlessly cool crowd.
Day 2 – The Pyramids & Cairo’s Historic Wonders
- Breakfast at 30 North – One of Cairo’s best cafés, because even in Egypt, I need a good coffee.
- Explore the Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx – Seeing these colossal wonders in person is overwhelming in the best way.
- Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge – Yes, a restaurant with a direct view of the pyramids.
- Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization – The royal mummies exhibit is unforgettable.
- Dinner at Kazoku – Contemporary Japanese fine dining in Cairo? Yes, and it’s fabulous.
Days 3-5: Luxor – The Land of the Pharaohs
- Fly to Luxor & check into the Sofitel Winter Palace – It’s pure, old-world glamour.
- Lunch at Al-Sahaby Lane – A hidden gem with authentic Egyptian food and rooftop views.
- Explore Karnak Temple – The sheer scale of this temple complex is mind-blowing.
- Sunset felucca ride on the Nile – This is what dreams are made of.
- Dinner at 1886 at Winter Palace – Colonial-era luxury meets fine French dining.
Day 4 – The Most Magical Day in Egypt
- Pre-dawn hot air balloon ride over Luxor – Because there’s no better way to start the day than floating over the Valley of the Kings at sunrise.
- Explore the Valley of the Kings & Queens – The Tomb of Nefertari is simply one of the most magical things I have ever seen.
- Lunch at Marsam Restaurant – Rustic, relaxed, and ridiculously charming.
- Visit Hatshepsut’s Temple & Medinet Habu – Architectural masterpieces carved into the cliffs.
- Dinner at Sofra Restaurant – A beautiful courtyard setting with traditional Egyptian dishes.
Day 5 – More Temples & Another Boat Ride (Because Why Not?)
- Morning visit to Luxor Temple – Best explored in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
- Board a private dahabiya (traditional sailing boat) for a Nile cruise toward Aswan – Because experiencing the Nile from the water is the most luxurious way to travel.
- Lunch & dinner on board – Freshly caught fish, mezze spreads, and cold wine under the stars.
Days 6-7: Aswan – The Most Beautiful Part of Egypt
- Check into the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel – If it was good enough for Agatha Christie, it’s good enough for me.
- Lunch at The Terrace – Overlooking the Nile with the most enchanting view in Egypt.
- Sail to Philae Temple – A Greco-Roman masterpiece dedicated to Isis, reachable only by boat.
- Dinner at 1902 Restaurant – An ornate, candlelit dining room that feels straight out of a movie.
Day 7 – One Last Adventure Before Flying Home
- Morning at the Nubian Village – A colorful, welcoming riverside town.
- Visit the Unfinished Obelisk & High Dam – A fascinating insight into ancient engineering.
- Lunch at El Dokka – A tiny island restaurant with traditional Egyptian flavors.
- Final sunset felucca ride – Because how else would you want to end a trip to Egypt?
- Fly back to Cairo for a luxurious farewell dinner at Sachi Cairo before heading home.
