Cairo: The Four Seasons & the Nile River Cruise That Made the Trip

After a cozy night in the wonderful room, we woke up and had coffee on the patio overlooking the city and the Nile River. It was one of those quiet, peaceful moments before the day really began, and such a nice way to start the morning.

We then went downstairs to have breakfast at the buffet that was included. We tried new things, which was fun, and everything was fabulous. It really felt like a bit of a show with how everything was presented.

After breakfast, we headed to the outdoor pool, which felt like our own little oasis in the middle of the city. It’s calm, surrounded by palms, and such a nice contrast to how busy Cairo can feel.

I wish I could have spent more time here, but since it was the end of our trip, we were heading to the airport that afternoon.

A full day out in Cairo

Earlier in our stay, we spent the day at the pyramids, and it turned into one of those experiences you don’t forget.

I went inside one of the Queen’s pyramids, and it was intense. Very hot, very enclosed, and by the time I came back out, I had definitely had enough of being inside a pyramid for the day. There was a man standing at the bottom wanting to tell us things for a tip, and another who took pictures of us outside for a tip. It ended up actually being really fun, and the pictures are great and a little silly.

We then walked over to where the buses take you around the site, and there’s a shop and even a gelato stand, which we definitely enjoyed.

From there, we made our way over to the largest pyramid in the area, the Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu. It’s the oldest and largest of the pyramids, built over 4,500 years ago.

What surprised me most was how empty it was. There were barely any people, and no one really watching it, which I could not believe. You could actually climb up on it, if you wanted. We climbed up a bit and got some really neat pictures, then walked back down.

Instead of taking the bus, we walked back to the entrance, where there are more ice cream shops, restaurants, and bathrooms. This area is very new, and even the ice cream shop at the top was a fun stop.

They also do a light show at night at the pyramids. We didn’t do it since this was the end of our trip and we had already done a cruise down the Nile, but I can see how that would be really fun with kids.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

We were able to get a sneak peek of the Grand Egyptian Museum when only a small portion was open at the time, and even that was absolutely incredible.

Now that the museum is fully open, it’s easily one of the most important places to visit in Cairo.

You could spend hours here, and what makes it even more special is the location. It sits right next to the pyramids, and from inside the museum, you can actually see them through the windows. It creates this surreal connection between what you’re learning and what you’ve just experienced in real life.

This is something you have to see, and I would absolutely plan time around it.

I would love to go back with my children, especially to experience the full museum and to go inside the large pyramid next time.

Back to the hotel

After the day at the pyramids and the museum, we took a cab back to the hotel, took showers, and then went to the spa for massages.

After that, we spent time in the hot tub and indoor pool, which felt amazing after being out in the heat all day.

Spa time

That night we had dinner at Riviera, the Italian restaurant at the hotel, and it ended up being one of my favorite meals of the stay.

I started with the Mediterraneo Spritzer, which was the first cocktail on the menu, and it was light, refreshing, slightly citrusy, and exactly what I wanted after such a full day.

We ordered a mix of dishes so we could try a little of everything. We had a beetroot salad with walnuts and goat cheese cream, burrata with roasted tomato, pickled red onion, and basil, ravioli with prawns and lemon beurre blanc, and roasted chicken with mushrooms and sweetcorn sauce.

And then dessert, bread caramelized and marinated in citrus with fresh herbs, which was warm, rich, and the perfect ending to the meal.

There are also several other restaurants on property, offering everything from Middle Eastern cuisine to more casual options, so you really have great choices without needing to leave the hotel.

What else to see and do in Cairo

Cairo has so much more to offer beyond the pyramids.

• Khan El Khalili Bazaar is one of those places you have to experience at least once. It’s busy, a little chaotic, but full of energy and great for walking around and taking it all in.

• The Citadel and mosques are also worth visiting and give you a completely different perspective of the city.

• A felucca ride on the Nile is a really nice way to slow things down, especially around sunset.

• And now that the Grand Egyptian Museum is fully open, it’s absolutely worth building part of your itinerary around it.

A little more on the Nile River cruise

What makes the Nile cruise so special is how different it feels from Cairo.

You’re not rushing from place to place. You wake up slowly, have coffee on deck, and watch life along the river go by. Palm trees, small villages, farmers working the land, kids waving while swimming from the banks... it’s such a different side of Egypt.

We also spent a lot of time just relaxing on the ship, especially by the pool, which ended up being one of my favorite parts.

And then throughout the cruise, you stop at some of the most incredible sites.

In Luxor, you will visit the temples of Luxor and Karnak, along with the Valley of the Kings. Going into the tomb of King Tut was such a cool part of the trip. The whole area felt surprisingly quiet, and we were able to go into several tombs on our own.

Inside each tomb, there are attendants who stay there. They’ll point out details on the walls, explain the history, and show you things you would never notice on your own. They do expect a tip, but it really adds to the experience and makes it much more interesting.

Along the way, you also visit the Dendera Temple complex, Esna’s Temple of Khnum, and Edfu’s Temple of Horus, which you reach by horse-drawn carriage ride that’s actually a fun part of the experience.

There are also more personal moments, like sailing along Aswan on a traditional felucca and visiting a Nubian home and school, which gives you a glimpse into daily life.

It’s that mix of relaxing, exploring, and seeing so much history up close that makes the entire journey feel complete.

Helpful to know

The hotel can arrange all of your touring, which makes everything feel very easy, especially if you don’t feel comfortable navigating it on your own.

Some of the options they can organize include:

• Giza Pyramids and Sphinx tours

• Grand Egyptian Museum tours

• Khan El Khalili Bazaar visits

• Nile cruises and felucca rides

• Day trips to Luxor or Alexandria

If you’re considering a Nile River cruise

If you’re already going all the way to Egypt, I highly recommend adding a Nile River cruise.

Some of the most popular cruise lines for American travelers include:

• Viking: Very easy, structured, and all-inclusive

• Uniworld: More boutique and elevated

• AmaWaterways: A great balance of comfort and value

• Abercrombie and Kent: High-end and very curated

This part of the trip is slower, scenic, and really ties everything together.

Good to know before you go

• Nearest airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI), about 30–45 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic

• Distance to the pyramids: About 45 minutes to 1 hour from the hotel

• Best tip: Plan guided tours or have them arranged in advance. It makes everything feel seamless.

My take

If I were to do anything differently, I would stay more than two days in Cairo.

There is so much to see, and I also would have loved more time to enjoy the hotel itself.

This is exactly the kind of destination where having the right hotel and everything arranged ahead of time makes all the difference.

If Egypt has been on your list, I would absolutely do it, and I’m always happy to help map it out in a way that makes it feel easy.

What to pack and helpful tips

• Egypt is hot, especially when you’re out exploring, so packing the right things makes a big difference. Bring lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a small umbrella for shade. A portable fan is also really helpful, and don’t forget a swimsuit for the pool or if you’re doing a Nile River cruise.

• Stay hydrated, and be prepared for tipping throughout the trip. It’s very common, so having small bills on hand is helpful.

• This is also one of those destinations where having tours and logistics arranged ahead of time makes everything feel much easier.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cairo page.