Following My Heart to Egypt: A Cairo and Nile Cruise Holiday

Egypt had always felt like a dream — full of golden light, mystery, and ancient stories I couldn’t wait to see in person. I had admired the Great Pyramids in books and documentaries, but nothing compared to standing before them myself.

After going through countless travel packages, I found Memphis Tours. They offered so many options that it felt like every version of Egypt was waiting to be explored. From the very first email, their communication was warm, personal, and professional. They customised my itinerary, handled every detail — flights, transfers, hotels, even my visa — and made everything feel completely effortless.

As a solo traveller, I wanted the right mix of adventure and comfort, and their team helped me choose the perfect program — the Trip to Egypt: Pyramids & Nile by Air. They even suggested that March would be the ideal time to visit, and they were absolutely right — the weather was perfect, and the crowds were just right.
When the day finally came, I got on my flight to Cairo feeling excited and a little nervous. I knew this wasn’t just another trip — it was the start of a journey made just for me, and it turned out to be even better than I imagined.
 

 

My Cairo & Nile Cruise Adventure

 

Day 1 – Touchdown in Cairo: My Egyptian Journey Begins

The adventure began the moment I stepped off the plane at Cairo International Airport. A smiling Memphis Tours representative was waiting with a sign that had my name on it. He took care of everything — visa help, customs, luggage, and transport — so smoothly that I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Within minutes, I was sitting comfortably in a private, air-conditioned car, watching the golden chaos of Cairo unfold outside the window.
It was my first time travelling with them, and I chose to stay at Le Riad Hotel de Charme in the heart of Khan El Khalili. It turned out to be the perfect choice — full of Ottoman charm, hand-painted ceilings, antique furniture, and a peaceful courtyard scented with jasmine. Sitting there with my welcome drink, I felt like every corner of the hotel told a story of Cairo’s old soul.
That evening, my tour manager met me to review the Cairo and Nile Cruise itinerary, confirming all the details for the days ahead. That evening, I had dinner on my own and took a walk through the nearby souks. The lanterns were glowing, the air was filled with the smell of spices, and the narrow streets were alive with music and laughter.
 

 

Day 2 – Face to Face with the Pyramids: A Day of Ancient Wonders

 

We started the day at the Great Pyramid of Giza, and I couldn’t believe I was finally standing there, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, right in front of me. My guide shared stories about how it was built thousands of years ago, and I kept staring at the massive stones, wondering how they managed it all without machines. It honestly gave me chills.
Then came my favourite part — the camel ride. Climbing onto the camel felt a bit funny at first, but once we started moving across the sand, I couldn’t stop smiling. The view was unreal — the Pyramids and the Sphinx perfectly framed behind me.
Before coming to Egypt, I’d seen countless photos of the Pyramids and the Sphinx on social media — people posing, jumping, or riding camels with those incredible views behind them. I always dreamed of taking photos like that myself. So when I finally got there, I didn’t waste a second. I took so many pictures
We also explored the Valley Temple, where ancient rituals once took place — the stone walls are still cool from thousands of years of history.
Afterwards, I had lunch at a small local restaurant nearby, enjoying freshly made falafel, warm pita bread, and creamy tahini. It was the perfect break before heading to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Even though it hasn’t fully opened yet, I was lucky to visit some of the sections already open to the public. The exhibits were amazing — giant statues, royal jewellery, and a preview of Tutankhamun’s treasures. My guide told me the full grand opening will be on November 1st, and I instantly knew I’d have to come back to see the rest. If what I saw was that incredible, I can only imagine how stunning the full museum will be.
In the evening, I returned to my hotel and decided to wander through Khan El Khalili Bazaar. The smell of cardamom coffee filled the air, and the sound of street musicians made the night come alive. It was one of those perfect Cairo nights — full of colour, history, and magic I’ll never forget.

 

Day 3 – My First Day on the Nile

 

After an early breakfast, my tour manager met me at the hotel, and we headed to Cairo Airport for a short flight to Luxor — the next stop in my Egyptian adventure. When I arrived, a friendly face was waiting for me, and soon I was on my way to board the DWA Nile Cruise, my floating home for the next few nights.
The moment I stepped on board, I was greeted with a cool drink and warm smiles. My cabin was cosy and had big windows overlooking the Nile — I couldn’t stop staring at that view.
Lunch was served shortly after, and honestly, I couldn’t resist the food! Everything looked and smelled amazing — from Egyptian fatta to grilled meats and fresh salads. I ate way more than I planned, but thankfully, I later found out there was a small gym on the cruise, so I decided that made it guilt-free! And at least I could balance things out. 
In the afternoon, we explored the East Bank of Luxor, part of my unforgettable Luxor tour. The Karnak Temple completely blew my mind — walking through those massive columns covered in hieroglyphs felt surreal. My guide showed me how the ancient Egyptians aligned the temple perfectly with the sunrise; I even took a few photos pretending to hold up one of the giant pillars!
As the day got cooler, we went to Luxor Temple. The sunset made the whole place glow — it felt like walking into a dream.

That night, I had dinner on the cruise under soft lights. The food was great, the music was relaxing, and the Nile looked beautiful. Later, I sat on the deck watching the moonlight on the water and thought, this isn’t just a cruise — it’s like travelling back in time.

 

Day 4 – Discovering the West Bank’s Hidden Treasures

 

I woke up early that morning to the soft sounds of the Nile and a cool breeze coming through the window. The air felt fresh and calm, so I decided to hit the small gym on the cruise before breakfast. After a quick workout, I enjoyed a hearty Egyptian meal — ful medames, eggs, potatoes, and a hot cup of mint tea. It was the perfect start to the day, and I felt ready for another adventure.
Our Luxor West Bank tour began soon after. We crossed the river and headed straight to the Valley of the Kings, where I stepped inside the colourful tombs of the ancient pharaohs. The walls were covered in bright paintings and hieroglyphs that looked like they were drawn yesterday. I took a few photos and just stood there for a while, amazed by how well everything was preserved.
Next, we visited the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, built right into the cliffs of Deir El-Bahari. The view from there was stunning — the desert on one side and green fields along the Nile on the other. I walked around taking pictures and tried to imagine how grand it must have looked thousands of years ago.
Before heading back, we stopped at the Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues standing proudly in the open. My guide told me their story, and I couldn’t help taking one last photo pretending to hold one up with my hands — just for fun!
When I returned to the cruise, lunch was already served. As we began sailing toward Edfu, I sat on the deck with a cup of tea, watching the riverbanks drift by. The golden sunset over the Nile was the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable day.
 

 

Day 5 - A Journey Through Edfu and Kom Ombo

 

The day started with a peaceful breakfast on board as we continued our Nile temples tour. The morning breeze felt amazing, and I decided to take a short walk on deck before we reached Edfu.   From there, a horse-drawn carriage was waiting to take me through the quiet streets of Edfu. The ride was short but beautiful — palm trees on both sides, kids waving, and that peaceful Nile breeze in the air. When we reached the Temple of Horus, I got off and walked the last part to the entrance. Seeing the temple up close was unbelievable — the walls were massive and perfectly carved with scenes of gods, battles, and ancient rituals.
Inside, my guide showed me the sanctuary where the statue of Horus once stood, and we even walked through the narrow corridors lined with hieroglyphs. The more I explored, the more I felt like I was living inside a story from ancient Egypt. I took so many photos — the giant falcon statues at the gate, the detailed carvings glowing in the sunlight, and even a few selfies to remember the moment. Before leaving, I just stood there for a minute, trying to imagine what life must have been like here thousands of years ago.
Back on the cruise, it happened to be International Food Day, so I went for the Italian dishes — creamy pasta and freshly baked bread that tasted incredible
In the afternoon, we visited Kom Ombo Temple, beautifully set by the Nile. It’s the only temple dedicated to two gods — Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The symmetry and the ancient carvings showing early medical tools were fascinating.
By evening, we sailed toward Aswan. After dinner, I decided to relax a bit and enjoyed a simple spa session on the cruise — the perfect way to end the day
 

 

Day 6 – Wonders of Aswan: Temples, Legends, and the Flow of the Nile

 

After breakfast, we arrived in Aswan, a city that instantly felt calm and full of history. It was our Aswan day tour, and I couldn’t wait to explore.
Our first stop was the Unfinished Obelisk, still lying in its ancient quarry. Standing beside it, I was amazed by its size — almost 40 meters long! My guide explained that it cracked during construction, so the ancient workers abandoned it. Seeing the tool marks still visible on the stone made me imagine how skilled those builders were thousands of years ago.
Next, we took a short boat ride to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple sat on a small island surrounded by calm blue water — it looked like something from a dream. My guide told me how it was moved piece by piece in the 1960s to save it from flooding after the Aswan High Dam was built. Walking through its courtyards, I saw beautiful carvings showing ancient rituals and stories of love and protection. I took lots of photos — between the huge columns, the soft light on the stone, and even a few selfies by the water.
In the afternoon, I joined a short city tour of Aswan. I walked through the local market filled with colourful spices, perfumes, and handmade crafts. The friendly shopkeepers invited me to try hibiscus tea, and I picked up a few small souvenirs — keychains, a scarf, and some postcards — to take home for my friends.
Back on the cruise, lunch was cozy and comforting — tender grilled chicken, fragrant rice with herbs, fresh salads, and warm Egyptian bread straight from the oven. The familiar flavours and the gentle breeze from the Nile made it feel just like home after such a wonderful morning.
That evening, I realised it was my last night on the cruise. After dinner, I went for a quick swim in the pool — the water felt calm and refreshing. Later, I sat on the deck with a warm drink, watching the Nile shine softly under the moonlight. I decided to spend my final night simply soaking in the peaceful view and the cool evening breeze — a perfect ending to my journey in Aswan.
 

 

Day 7 - 8 _A Bittersweet Goodbye: Until We Meet Again, Egypt

 

My last morning on the DWA Nile Cruise was calm and peaceful. I had breakfast while watching the Nile shine in the morning light. After saying goodbye to the cruise, I took a short flight from Aswan back to Cairo for my last day in Egypt.
The next morning, I enjoyed my final Egyptian breakfast — feteer meshaltet with honey, tahini, and cheese. It was simple, local, and delicious. Afterward, I took a short walk through the lively Cairo streets, watching shopkeepers open their doors and hearing the city wake up. I stopped by a small café, ordered a cup of hot Egyptian tea, and just sat there, soaking it all in.
When it was time to leave, my driver took me through Cairo’s busy streets to the airport. As I looked out the window, watching Cairo slowly disappear, I smiled — it didn’t feel like goodbye, just a promise to come back one day.


"I came to see ancient wonders, but I left with laughter, memories, and a love for this magical place." — Olivia, USA

 

Accommodation & Cruise Experience

Before I even arrived, the team at Memphis Tours helped me a lot and gave me several accommodation options, and I chose the Diamond plan that would let me really feel and experience Egypt up close.

• Le Riad Hotel de Charme, Cairo — in the heart of Old Cairo, this boutique hotel felt warm and full of history. My room was cosy and comfortable, featuring traditional furniture and a large, soft bed. From my window, I could watch the lively streets below. The food was amazing — fresh bread, falafel, tahini, and sweet desserts like basbousa. Breakfast quickly became my favourite part of the day.
• DWA Nile Cruise — stylish and elegant, with a gym, spa, and beautiful pool on deck. My cabin had large windows with a great view of the Nile, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing. The food was fresh and delicious, a mix of Egyptian specialities like fatta and international dishes. Every meal was something to look forward to on the cruise

 

Practical Travel Tips for Egypt

 

Here are a few things I learned along the way — and wish I’d known before going:

• Best time to visit Egypt: October to April — the weather is cooler, ideal for sightseeing.
• Packing essentials: Light, breathable clothes; a hat; sunscreen; and comfortable shoes. A scarf or shawl is useful for visiting mosques.
• Hydration: Always carry bottled water.
• Local currency: Keep small bills in Egyptian pounds for tips and markets.
• Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly and respect local customs; Egyptians are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
• Photography tip: Bring extra batteries and memory cards — every corner of Egypt is photogenic!
• Health & safety: I felt completely safe throughout, thanks to the professional organisation by Memphis Tours.

 

What I’d Do Differently Next Time

 There simply wasn’t enough time for the optional Abu Simbel tour, so I had to skip it — but it’s definitely first on my list for next time. I’d also love to add a felucca sail at sunset, a visit to a Nubian village near Aswan, or even a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank. Little experiences like these would make an already unforgettable journey through Egypt’s timeless beauty even more magical.

 

Why I’d Travel Again with Memphis Tours

 

This trip wasn’t just a vacation — it was a life experience. What stood out most was how Memphis Tours made everything feel personal. My guide wasn’t just knowledgeable — he was passionate. Every transfer was punctual, every hotel handpicked, every detail handled.
Another pleasant surprise was their reward program — I earned travel points I can use on my next adventure or share with friends who book through them. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows they care about long-term relationships, not just one-time bookings.
I know I’ve gone on a bit —but trips like this don’t happen every day. Visiting Egypt with Memphis Tours was truly special —from the detailed itinerary to the friendly guides who made every stop unforgettable. The whole trip flowed effortlessly, letting me simply enjoy Egypt’s beauty and history; all I had to do was enjoy the moment. If you’re thinking about exploring Egypt, I really recommend checking out their other tours —they truly know how to craft journeys worth remembering.