7 days in Egypt

I went to Egypt to celebrate my birthday, and I must say this trip was the best birthday I ever had. On arrival at the Cairo airport, the hotel sent a driver to pick up my guest and me. After riding for about 30 minutes to Giza, then I was greeted by the staff, which they had a little surprise waiting for me. After checking into our room, we went to the rooftop and wow, a surprise birthday cake waiting for me, not to mention the beautiful view of the pyramids.

Next, we didn’t get a chance book tours in advance, so we decided to ask the hotel would they assist. I must say the hotel manager went over and beyond to make sure I was able to see everything in Egypt and believe me it was well worth it and at a reasonable price compared to the other tour companies. I couldn’t believe I was able to visit Giza, Luxor, old Cairo, Aswan, and Alexandria all in one week.

What to do

Day 1: relaxed unpack and enjoyed the surprise birthday party the hotel set up for me on the rooftop.

Day 2: I visited the pyramids of Giza. Next, the Pyramids of Dahshur this was probably the coolest site I have ever seen because who knew that I would be climbing down a steep, 60m long, passage that leads down to the chambers. Did you know that Sakkara is the oldest pyramid in Eygpt? Next, I visited one of the many Ramesses II statues in Memphis. I also learned about the history of papyrus(plant) paper (purchased some goods.) Then that night I took the Nile cruise continuing the celebration of my birthday.
                                                                                   

Day 3: Visit the Alexandria library, Pompey pillars, Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and I enjoyed lunch at the fish market.

My favorite part of the tour was the Royal Library of Alexandria which is one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. This library was a place where many of the most famous thinkers of the ancient world studied. The library of Alexandria is considered the first digital library in the whole world, and it contains a place to include 8 million books, six specialized libraries, three museums, and more.

Day 4: Visit old Cairo and the Egyptian Museum

                                                                                   

Old Cairo was my biblical day where I visited many places of worship that included, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the case of the churches, as well as being officially classed as monuments, they are active places of worship, so guiding & photography are limited. Here are some of the places I visited.

The Muhammad Ali Mosque is the largest Ottoman mosque to be built in the early 19th century
Christ Church, where Mary kept Jesus hidden for three months
Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, also known as the Hanging Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt.
Ben Ezra Jewish synagogue, Moses well is located on the backside.

Next, a 10-hour train ride that night to Luxor (I recommend the business class sleeping cabin (you won’t regret it) although a flight is much quicker. However, if you want an experience, take a train.

Day 5 Luxor: visited the Valley of the kings, Hatshepsut temple who was the fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. She was the second historically confirmed female pharaoh. Next, I visited Luxor’s, east and west bank and took a late night 3-hour train to Aswan.

Day 6: visit Aswan visit Ramsee II temple and Nertifiti temple (Abu Simbel Temples) and the High damn.

After the fantastic tour in Aawsan, I took a flight back to Cairo.

Day 7: Ended our trip on the rooftop looking at the pyramids eating dinner, off to the next destination.

Suggestions: on day 4 fly into Luxor enjoy all day there and take a train from Luxor to Aswan, then fly back into Cairo to save time. We took the train (sleeping cabin) only for the experience.

Where to Stay: Marvel Stone Hotel

Safety Tips:  Do not travel solo as a woman (in my opinion), Make all arrangements prior such as shuttles to and from the airport, tours (on-site at the hotel is okay)

How to get around: Hotel shuttle