Most visitors treat Abu Simbel as a box to tick — a long drive or short flight from Aswan, an hour at the temples, then straight back out. We did the opposite: two nights at the Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort, 1.5km from the temples, with a full day built in to do nothing but sit by Lake Nasser. After three weeks of moving through Egypt at a pace, it turned out to be...
We arrived at the Paradise Inn Le Metropole after a full day on the road from Cairo — the St Macarius Monastery, the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar — tired, a little dusty, and ready to stop moving. What greeted us at check-in was the kind of welcome that instantly resets a long day: a cool drink, croissants, small cakes, and a room overlooking the Mediterranean...
This one had been on our bucket list for years before we ever booked it: a room at the Marriott Mena House with a real view of the Pyramids of Giza. When we finally checked in, we specifically asked for one of the better rooms — and we couldn’t have asked for a better result. This is what that experience actually looked like. View from Marriott Mena House...
We went to Alexandria expecting Mediterranean views and Greco-Roman ruins. What we didn’t expect was to spend an hour talking with a monk in the desert, or to stand at the exact spot where a donkey’s misstep in 1900 led to one of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological finds. Two days were enough to see Alexandria properly, without racing between...
We chose the Steigenberger El Tahrir for one simple reason: it’s close enough to El Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum that we could wander over on foot, and close enough to the Nile that crossing over to the Cairo Tower felt like an easy afternoon rather than a taxi trip. Every review we’d read beforehand backed that decision up — rooms, restaurants...
We almost made the mistake everyone makes with Aswan — treating it as a stopover. A night to break up the journey to Abu Simbel, maybe a quick temple visit, then onward. By the end of our first afternoon on a felucca drifting past Elephantine Island, we knew we’d have been wrong to rush it. Two days here gave us a desert monastery we walked to under a punishing...
The noise woke us before the light did. A low roar — the sound of burners firing — coming from across the river in the pre-dawn dark. We went to the balcony of our suite at the Sofitel Winter Palace and watched the West Bank sky fill with colour. Dozens of hot air balloons rising one by one above the Theban hills, their envelopes glowing red, gold, and blue against...
In November 2023, we did something we had been talking about for years. We packed our bags, flew to Cairo, and spent 21 days travelling Egypt from Alexandria in the north to Abu Simbel in the far south — with a private Egyptologist, a private driver, and a six-day Dahabiya sailing cruise down the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. We had researched Egypt for months before...
If you’re planning a trip to Cairo and have limited time, don’t worry – three days is enough to explore the highlights of this vibrant city. From iconic ancient wonders to bustling markets and delicious cuisine, Cairo offers a rich cultural experience that will leave you awestruck. In this article, we have crafted the perfect Cairo in a 3-day itinerary...
Embark on a journey back in time with a luxurious Nile Dahabiya Cruise aboard the Nour El Nil’s Malouka Traditional Sailboat. This elegant vessel offers a unique and intimate way to experience the beauty and history of Egypt’s iconic Nile River. From the stunning views of ancient temples and bustling markets to the impeccable service and exquisite cuisine...
The Pavillon Winter Palace in Luxor is located in the beautiful tropical grounds of its sister hotel Sofitel Winter Palace. Apart from sharing the lush tropical gardens the Pavillon Winter Palace shares the swimming pool too. All rooms have balconies with views over the gardens and the pool. Its location is perfect for visiting Luxor Temple just five minutes away...
Nestled on the banks of the majestic Nile River, the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor is a luxurious oasis steeped in history and elegance. This iconic hotel has been welcoming guests since 1886, offering unparalleled service, exquisite dining options, and opulent accommodations fit for royalty. From its stunning gardens to its palatial interiors, every corner of...