Name of Advisor
Kerry Fee
Destination
Egypt
Accommodations and/or DMC/On Site
Nour el Nil (Nile Cruise)
Winter Palace (Luxor)
Al Moudira Hotel (Luxor)
Mena House (Cairo)
How to get to
Direct flights from JFK to Cairo several times a week make for an easy trip, otherwise, easy connections through EU/UK airport hubs.
Recommended For (families, couples, corporate, celebrations, etc)
Anyone ready for an adventure! A great trip to take with a group of friends, as a couple, or for a milestone celebration.
Not-to-be-Missed Experience or Activity
Seemingly each day in Egypt was a memorable experience and not to be missed moment, making it nearly impossible to pick just one. We've narrowed it down to a few:
1) A cruise down the Nile is an absolute must. We recommend the smaller, traditional dahabiyas sailboats, for 5+ night sail departing from Luxor or Aswan, to really get the full experience. However, if pressed for time, there are some new motor vessels we are excited about, along with 3 day cruises available departing from both Luxor and Aswan.
2) A stay at Al Moudira Hotel. An oasis on the West Bank of Luxor, it is truly the prefect place to unwind in style and absorb the magnitude of Luxor's history. Be sure to spend plenty of time by the pool, and don't forget to hit the juice bar for the perfect iced hibiscus tea and other custom concoctions.
3) A walk into the vast Sahara desert at sundown (with champagne of course) from our dock port at a small oasis on the banks of the Nile. How's that for bucket list?!
4) Hot air ballooning on Luxor's West Bank. Taking flight over the Valley of the Kings before sunrise is an incredible feast for the eyes. The colors, the drama, and views are not to be missed.
5) Early morning visit to the Valley of the Kings (and Queens!). You'll feel straight out of an Indiana Jones film descending into the tombs of the Pharaohs, full of mysticism, symbolism and unbelievable artwork. Most touring group don't arrive until around 9:00am (after their hot air balloon ride), and early arrival guarantees a much better experience. Continue afterwards to the Valley of the Queens, where we had several of the tombs all to ourselves!
Favorite culinary aspect of the hotel or region
We can't think back to our experience without reminiscing about Hibiscus Tea! Allegedly more hydrating than water in these hot desert climates, according to locals, it was the perfect combination of flavors after a busy morning of touring.
We also enjoyed excellent meals aboard Nour El Nil, prepared daily by our lovely crew. Think breakfasts with luscious mango juice, lunches of Nile perch and falafel feasts, and tagine-style dinners filled with rich flavors and local vegetables.
Al Moudira Hotel also had many memorable meals for us, with excellent Lebanese-influenced mezze, breakfast spreads with a plethora of locally produced yogurts, honey, nuts, as well as many items from the properties gardens.
Favorite Wellness aspect of the hotel or region
For the body, a swim in a remote part of the Nile, or in the Al Moudira pool after a hot, dusty day of exploring.
For the mind, cruising the Nile at sunset, as so many others did thousands of years ago, is purely meditative.
Favorite amenity
The striped Malaika linen robes at Al Moudira Hotel. Made in Egypt, the team graciously let me purchase a limited style found in our rooms, that was not sold at the on-property shop (which is also lovely by the way).
Kudos to:
Our private guide, Adel, whom was with us for the entirety of our sail truly made the experience with his knowledge and insight into Egyptian history and culture.
Additionally, the staff at Al Moudira Hotel was just superb! From remembering my drink order, to organizing a solo ride in a vintage mercedes to a sunset picnic sail on the nile, it was above and beyond.
Additional Remarks
Insight is everything when planning a journey to Egypt, as there are ways to to tweak an itinerary in ways that will 1000% improve your experience and stay.
To plan a trip, contact kerry@travellustre.com