An Unforgettable Bucket List Mother-Daughter Journey
This spring I had an amazing Egypt adventure with my mother! Egypt is one of those countries that many have chosen as their “bucket list” trip and that’s no different for me or my mother. While it is a top on many lists, some people may have some doubts or concerns about going on such a trip to a foreign land or how to see so many amazing ancient sights spread throughout the country. In the end we decided a tour was the way to go. We arrived worry free thanks to the Expat Explore, we decided to get our bearings in Egypt with a 9 day tour around Egypt from the pyramids, to temples and Red Sea we were on a mission to see as much as possible.
Read more: 9 Days in Egypt: Nile Cruise, Red Sea & Timeless Wonders on a Bucket List Mother Daughter TourDisclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Travels of Sarah Fay is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. All views are my own and honest opinion of my experiences this was a press trip with Expat Explore.
Is a Tour the Way to Go?
For most of my adult life, I have traveled solo to many countries, including Morocco, Colombia, etc. But Egypt is one of those places where logistics could be a bit more cumbersome and I was traveling with my mom, so we thought about what could work for both of us. For instance, while checking on an overnight train in Egypt you could only buy the ticket in person vs. online at home. One way to avoid some of the logistical hassles is to take a group tour with Expat Explore. And, this extraordinary trip to Egypt sounded like the perfect way to go.
Why Egypt?
Since I was a kid, I loved learning about Egypt’s ancient pyramids, treasures and culture. I dutifully loved reading my grandparents’ National Geographics, especially when Egypt was involved. On a high school trip to the UK, I visited the British Museum to see so many of the Egyptian artifacts. My mother shared a love for Egypt and visited the British Museum to see their collection, and added Egypt to her list. Our love of ancient Egypt’s history and culture made this the perfect time to have a mother-daughter trip to Egypt. We had the opportunity to go on Expat Explore’s 9 day group tour that encompassed not only an amazing cruise on the famous Nile, but also in-country flights and coach rides to see some fantastic sites!
Expat Explore Tour – Plane, Buses and Nile Cruise
We wanted a tour that would include a Nile River Cruise plus seeing some sites a little off the beaten path, like ancient Abo Simbel and the amazing Red Sea. I found Expat Explore had the “ticket” to our Egypt tour, jam packed with many great places to see on our agenda. This made the 9-day Egypt Nile Jewel with 5* Boat Cruise the way to go. Recently, Expat Explore, headquartered in London, celebrated 20 years in business and they offer 150 affordable tour packages.
For around $1k+ our tour included hotels, a 3 night cruise on the Nile from Aswan to Cairo, internal Egypt flight and bus tours, including a few days on the Red Sea, plus most meals. You do have to cover your flight to and from Cairo, plus entrance fees to various museums, but that makes it affordable since you can pick what ones you want to see. There are some additional excursions that are optional, like the UNESCO temples at Abu Simbel, and of typical course tips for the guides, crew, etc.
Our Tour Begins in Cairo
Our adventure started in Cairo, a city of over 22 million, is where we started our great adventure of the wondrous Pyramids of Giza. Getting to Cairo takes a bit of time so we arranged to arrive a few days early to relax before our expedition. The company had arranged for someone to meet us at the airport then send us on our way to the first hotel. As we drove to the JAZ Pyramids Resort in Cairo, we saw the points of the pyramids in the background melting into the red and pinkish sunset; it was so stunning. Arriving early we rested and we were lucky that the hotel was so close to the Giza Plateau, home of the Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum (called “the GEM”) that would be fully opened in July. Fortunately for us, after resting, we were able to get to 9 Pyramids Lounge inside the Giza Plateau complex and had a view of the GEM museum during its soft opening.
Pre-Tour Day
Since we arrived early for the tour after resting from our flights, my mother and I ate lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge– one of our most cherished memories. Given its great views of the pyramids, with many camels and carriages trekking passing by in the distance, you could just imagine how it was back in the pharaohs’ time. It was just mesmerizing. We just were imagining how great it would be when we actually went into the Great Pyramid with our tour coming up. After this amazing lunch we headed to see the new GEM and tour this massive new museum.
While still a soft opening, the GEM was truly amazing when you entered and saw the gigantic statue of Ramses II staring at you as you entered. While the Tutankamun exhibit at the GEM was not open, there was so much to see and we were able to see his tomb and mummy (Valley of the Kings) and the famous King Tut’s Golden Mask later while on the tour (at the Egyptian Museum). The GEM is massive, with over 5 million square feet (twice the size of the Louvre in Paris). One day I will have to return to see it in its entirety.
Day 1 – Meeting our Awesome Tour Guide
The official tour meets at the Pyramids Resort where we had the opportunity to meet Peter, our knowledgeable egyptologist guide that would take our group on this grand adventure and cruise through Egypt. It was a great way to get to meet some of the 57 folks on our tour from all over including the US, Australia, South Africa, Asia, etc. During the meeting you get some info about the tour and other helpful info, like where you can exchange money if needed. (We wanted some small denomination Egyptian pounds and the small piastres to give as tips, etc.)
Day 2 – Giza Pyramids – Sphinx in Cairo and the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara
After a great night’s sleep, we were reading for the first day to see these UNESCO world heritage sites. We first went to the Giza plateau; home of the Great Pyramid built for and by Pharaoh Khufu. For close to 4,000 years it was the tallest structure in the world at 482 feet high, a testament to early Egyptian engineering.
The Great Pyramid is the only remaining Seven Wonders of the World. The other two large pyramids belong to Khufu’s son and grandson who became successive pharaohs. We decided to buy an additional ticket to go into the Great Pyramid. It was such a wonderful feeling to step in this ancient wonder. We then posed for a few pics of this magnificent structure before going on to take pics of some of the other pyramids and visit the Great Sphinx of Giza (built by his son). It too was a phenomenal site.
Advice: Make sure you bring sunscreen and water since there is limited shade or places to buy it once you are out there. There was a small coffee shop we visited that had good lattes.
Later that day we boarded the bus again and went about 19 miles outside of Cairo to see the Step Pyramid of Djoser. It is the oldest pyramid dating back to the 2600’s BC and oldest colossal structure in Egypt built by Pharaoh Djoser with Imhotep, the grand vizier, serving as the first architect in history. This complex is spread out and interesting to visit and considered part of the Giza Plateau. To end the day, we all packed and prepared to fly out to Aswan where the cruise would start on Day 3.
Day 3 – Aswan – Philae Temple (Isis) – Nile Cruise
We were all eagerly waiting as we were up early to fly to Aswan where our Nile Cruise would start. Given the size of the group, ½ flew out the night before and the rest of us met in Aswan the next day. Aswan’s located in the south of Egypt close to the border of Sudan and flows north to Cairo and then the Mediterranean. The Nile is one of a few rivers that actually flows north and the area is called the Upper Kingdom. Aswan is home to many Nubians that are closer culturally to Sudan, love the bright colors, etc. When we arrived we settled in our cabins. But we would stay overnight here but first see the Temple of Isis at Philae. It was so unique, we took a smaller boat to visit this wonderful temple.
When we had some free time, my mother and I went to the historic Old Cataract Hotel (Sofitel Legend Old Cataract). We were able to explore the hotel, have dinner on the terrace and look out over the Nile with fulucas floating by and an old fort across the river from the balcony. It was a captivating view and many famous folks have stayed here like Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. Agatha did end up staying here for a year and wrote Death on the Nile! Such a touching piece of history. It does cost like $20/person to go in the hotel, but then that can be applied to your meal or afternoon tea. Reportedly they charge this since they want to limit the amount of folks that come to take pics, etc. which we can see why, many spend a lot to stay at this unique hotel.
Day 4 – Kom-Ombo – Nile Cruise (and option excursion Abu Simbel)
On day 4 we (and many of the group) decided to take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel that consists of the two massive temples built by the Great Pharaoh Ramses II in 1264 BC. One temple is dedicated to Ramses II, with its 4 colossal statues in front, while the second temple is dedicated to goddess Hathor and his wife, the Royal Queen Nefertari.
This bus excursion required us to wake up very early to meet the bus around 3am since the complex is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the ship and many buses head that way since this is one of the top UNESCO sites that had to be moved to this area given the dam that would have caused it to remain under water.. While I didn’t feel 100% this day, I did get to walk through the temples that are more decorated when compared to say the Great Pyramid. Truly amazing. Notably, if you have issues with walking out to the temples, they did have golf carts for those with disabilities, but note you do pay extra for this ride (but it was well worth it for my mother).We definitely felt this additional excursion is worth it (about $125/person and they provided boxed breakfast for the drive).
After returning we had lunch on the ship that headed north to the next place. The ship docked right next to the Kom Ombo Temple. This unique temple is dedicated to two gods, Sobek the crocodile god and the falcon god Haroeris (also called Horus). It was built in 180-47 BC. After exploring this area, we boarded the ship and went off to Luxor (part of ancient Thebes).
Day 5 – Luxor – Karnak Temple – Nile Cruise
On Day 5 we went up the river to explore the east bank of the Nile and the Karnak Temple Karnak temple complex that was dedicated to the ram-head god Amun. This complex contains temples, chapels, statues, obelisks, etc. and many pharaohs contributed to building it from 2055 BC to 100 AD. It was an impressive and large site, although the temperature was quite hot and we had some dust blowing. But as you went to exit, there were some shops to buy soda or water.
Although we had a minor sandstorm, we did have time to go see the famous Luxor Temple right in the center of the old town of Luxor (Thebes). Like Karnak, Luxor was not completed by just one pharaoh, but over several from 1550-1295 BC. This temple was dedicated to 3 gods; Amun, his wife Mut, and son. All three were worshiped here. It was unique in that it was located across the street from the main market, known as the “El Soul” (market) where we had free time to explore. You could smell the fantastic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, etc. from the market stalls. Luxor had a unique McDonald’s Cafe that had wonderful views of Luxor that was across the street especially from the higher level floors (plus they deliver the food to your table). Then we returned for dinner on the ship.
Day 6 – Valley of the Kings – West Bank of Luxor – Hatshepsut – Hurghada
Today was our last breakfast on the cruise and then we were off by coach to see the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Luxor. This was one of my favorite places. While there were over 60 burial chambers built into the rock cliffs, the entrance fee covered only 3, but there were extra fees to see the amazing King Tut (Tutankhamun) and others including Ramses IV and V. King Tut was impressive since it still had his sarcophagus and mummy remains, plus the hieroglyphs on the walls, etc. He only ruled from 1332-1323 BC, but his story is so known since his tomb was never looted like others. This was a fantastic tomb to see. Plus I went to Pharaoh Ramses IV and V tombs since they too had great hieroglyphs to explore. Given the time we had there, I saw 4 total tombs. While I didn’t get to see the 3rd free tomb, it was worth seeing King Tut, a priority for me and many travelers.
After this visit we went on to the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. This woman Pharaoh had an impressive temple with many steps to get to the top 2 levels built high in the cliff. While I ventured to the top, my mother loved the exterior view and did not climb up all the stairs to see the interior since she read it had little in terms of hieroglyphs in the temple itself. Often a woman Pharaoh was rare and some like to hide the fact there was a woman in that great position. As you drive around the west bank area of Luxor there are so many other places like Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Nobles, etc. There is just so much, you can’t see it all but we saw most of the best sites!
Next we were back on the bus to the Red Sea town of Hurghada. Hurghada is about a 6 hour bus ride and we arrived at the wonderful waterfront Sunrise’s Alora Aqua Park Resort resort for a 2 night stay. This was a great time to relax, go in the pool, or experience other things like water sports including wind surfing (or just sit back and watch them whizz through the sea breeze). It was an all-inclusive resort and had many families staying here. The food was good and there was a wide array of dishes. They loaded our mini-bar with water, soda, etc. When we first arrived we went to eat and unpack to relax after all these day trips and early morning rises (to fit in more fun activities). After dinner, we listened to some of the entertainment by the pool and retired for the night.
Day 7 – Hurghada (Red Sea) – Free Day
Today, we just wanted to relax a bit, but before that I arranged to go on an ATV tour with Get Your Guide (https://www.getyourguide.com). The ATV ride took me through the desert and waterfront; what a marvelous time (notably they did pick me up at the hotel). My mother relaxed by the pool for a bit while I did my adventure. When I returned we decided to go see a nearby town of El Gouna. It’s about 20 minutes away from our resort, but we read that the ocean front development is a well-laid out luxurious, sustainable town with laid back charm. We walked through the marina, shopping, and some of the beaches before having a latte at the Boho Cafe • El Gouna with great views of some awesome yachts. Later we started back to have dinner again at our resort, relax and pack for our return to Cairo.
Day 8 – Hurghada (Red Sea) – Cairo
On day 8 we woke early again to get more time back in Cairo to see The Egyptian Museum and then visit the local souk (market). This museum was erected in 1902. While some of the artifacts it once held have been moved to the new GEM, it had one wonderful thing, the Gold Death Mask of King Tut that we were dying to see. It is worth the visit. We saw so many more sarcofigi, treasures, statues, etc. After we were done, many met in the coffee shop outside the museum, a welcome respite before heading to explore Khan el-Kalili, the largest and oldest souk in Cairo that sold spices, jewelry and so much more.This souk was a center of trade dating back to when Sultans ruled (1382) and was such an interesting web of narrow streets and walkways.
Before leaving the souk, we stopped in for tea at the famous Naguib Mahfouz Cafe. Back in April 2025, the Egyptian President El-Sisi and French President Macron, stopped and ate at this cafe/restaurant. It was great to talk with the staff while we enjoyed the tea. They were so proud that these presidents visited the cafe. What a final fun time at the market before returning back to Pyramid Resort for our final dinner (and packing) before tomorrow when we leave the wonders of Egypt.
Day 9 – Final Day Back in Cairo
On the final day we all got to have breakfast at the hotel’s morning buffet and then met up before folks would start flying out on the way home. It was a good wrap up and good time to say goodbye to the amazing folks we met on the trip.
Memories of Egypt Etched in our Hearts
Like the ancient hieroglyphs, memories of Egypt are now etched in our hearts. This bucket list mother-daughter tour to Egypt with the marvelous cruise on the Nile was so wonderful with memories we will both treasure forever. Being on this tour alleviated so many concerns on how to navigate Egypt’s many historical and cultural sights. The tour with Expat Explores did provide a great framework to experience the wonders and treasures of Egypt. Being in the tour bubble gave many a sense of community and safety that maybe traveling solo couldn’t provide. If ancient wonders, a Nile cruise, and cultural history and immersion are on your Egypt list, this is the tour to take— whether solo, with a partner, or like us, on this memory-making mother-daughter journey.
Remember- enjoy the journey!
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May 31, 2025
This is simply amazing! Always on my bucket list!