Egypt: From the Great Pyramids to the Mighty Nile

Arrive in Cairo and get settled into your hotel. For dinner tonight, head into bustling Downtown Cairo for a tasty meal at alku5. This restaurant is adorned with relics and serves up delicious Egyptian fare. We had one of our best meals in Egypt here.

Your expert guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. First stop is the ancient Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx - take a moment to soak it all in before hopping onto a camel for a ride around the desert. Next, head to the Egyptian Museum to marvel at relics and find yourself captivated by the Mask of Tutankhamun. Finally, stroll through the historic Khan el-Khalili souq and find the perfect souvenir.

I will admit, this day was really full-on for me, so be prepared for that. Cairo is an intense city, even for the most well-traveled folks. The city has a never-ending buzz!

Get settled into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening on the Nile before tomorrow's big adventure.

Rise early to catch the morning glow at the Abu Simbel Temples. After a private transfer to Egypt's southern border, learn about the history of these iconic temples and explore this intricate site. This was our favorite temple in all of Egypt - it is really breathtaking and photos don't do it justice. Although it is an early morning, it is totally worth the hassle!

Head back to the small city of Aswan and settle into your home for the next three days: a Nile riverboat. After dinner aboard the boat, visit the stunning Temple of Kom Ombo under moonlight. Our favorite part of Kom Ombo were the mummified crocodiles - something I didn't know about before, but found fascinating!

Set out bright and early to explore the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the notable god Horus. Head back to the boat for breakfast and spend the day enjoying the sights of the Nile riverside. We visited in December so it was a bit chilly (yes, it gets cold in Egypt!), but we spent the day on the rooftop deck anyway and felt so immersed in the scenery of the river. Watching life happen in small villages, admiring the fertility of the Nile and the familiar scent of crops burning made for a really special experience. This evening, enjoy a traditional belly dancing show after a celebratory final dinner.

After disembarking the riverboat, meet with your expert guide and set out for a day of exploring the East and West Banks of Luxor. See the iconic Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple and more. Pick up a unique souvenir at one of the many specialty shops - I am not usually one for souvenirs, but I had been eyeballing the Egyptian cat statues the entire trip. In Luxor I was able to find an authentic alabaster marble one that I adore. Later, enjoy a dinner at Al Sahaby Lane Restaurant - sit up top for a stunning view! We enjoyed it so much we came back the following day.

Take time to explore anything you missed or would like to see again in Luxor. Stroll through the Avenue of Sphinxes, gander at the Mummification Museum, shop in the bazaar or simply relax poolside at your hotel. We needed a rest day and took advantage of the hotel after the museum. For dinner, head to the traditional Nubian House Restaurant.

Head back to the bustling city and from here, opt to spend an additional night in the city or catch a connecting flight back home. We chose to stay near the airport overnight as our flight was early the next day. It was also Christmas Day, so we treated ourselves to a delicious dinner at the Waldorf Astoria's 'Brasserie Ayda' restaurant - definitely worth the visit if you are staying near the airport!