Living in Egypt has given me the opportunity to tour extensively—from the dynamic energy of Cairo to the historic landscapes of Upper Egypt, Port Said and the Suez Canal. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the depth and richness of this country in a way that feels both personal and profound. My most recent tour, however, stands out as a particularly special experience. It was a chance to share the wonders of Egypt with a talented group of women who brought their creativity, passion, and warmth to the journey.
This tour, which took us through Cairo’s vibrant streets and the ancient temples of Luxor, was not only about seeing Egypt’s iconic sites but also about connecting with its culture in a meaningful way. And as always, I was grateful for the opportunity to guide a group of like-minded travelers through this complex, beautiful, and timeless land.
The Journey Begins: Cairo, the Heart of Egypt
Our adventure began in Cairo, a city that is both chaotic and captivating. After settling into the rhythm of this vibrant metropolis, we made our way to the iconic Pyramids of Giza for brekfast. Riding camels at the base of these ancient massive monuments was, a memorable experience—I Usually don't use the animals at the pyramids, but this time, we were fortunate to have a professional zoo keeper with us who helped us understand the temperaments of the camels, ensuring everyone felt comfortable on their ride.
We continued to the Saqqara Pyramid Complex, where we explored the lesser-known yet equally stunning pyramids, before heading to Zamalek, Cairo’s “America”—a quiet neighborhood with charming colonial architecture and a unique air of calm amidst the city’s hustle.
Our home for the stay was the House of Kheops, a boutique guesthouse at the foot of the pyramids. This intimate, serene setting was the perfect backdrop for an fashion shoot, as my longtime designer of gorgeous athleisure , Melodia Designs, brought her new collection to Egypt for its first official photoshoot, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the pyramids. It was an incredible moment, as all of us—artists, dancers, and creatives from San Diego—came together to style and photograph each other’s work, capturing the essence of this special place.
Exploring Cairo’s Rich History and Culture
After the excitement of the pyramids and our creative endeavors, we ventured into the heart of Cairo. We spent a morning in Al Azhar Park, a beautiful green space with panoramic views of the city, before wandering through the bustling streets of El Husseim. This neighborhood is home to some of Cairo’s most significant mosques and the renowned Khan el Khalili Market, a place where the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells could easily overwhelm, yet is undeniably captivating.
The next morning we visited the Grand Egyptian Museum. This new museum, housing Egypt’s most extensive collection of ancient artifacts, was an awe-inspiring experience. I had previously visited in August, before the collection was on display, and had been impressed by the grandeur of the architecture. Seeing it all come together, with its stunning treasures, was a highlight.
We also took time to visit the Museum of Civilization, home to Egypt’s largest collection of mummies. This relatively new museum is a testament to Egypt's dedication to preserving and showcasing its rich cultural history.
Luxor: The Heart of Ancient Egypt
After our time in Cairo, we flew south to Luxor, the city that lies at the heart of ancient Egypt. Known as the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor offers a breathtaking collection of temples and tombs that reveal the mysteries of the pharaohs.
In Luxor, our experience extended beyond the monuments. We were fortunate to have Aghnamm, whose grandmother was a Gawazi dancer, teach us the traditional Upper Egyptian folk dance. The following day, men from four different villages in Upper Egypt joined us to demonstrate their unique styles of man-play and the folkloric art of Thatheeb. These dances offered a deep and authentic connection to the region’s cultural heritage and gave us a rare insight into Upper Egyptian life.
Of course, no visit to Luxor is complete without a tour of the Valley of the Kings, where we stood before the tombs of ancient rulers, and the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most iconic sites. In addition to these ancient wonders, we also explored the local Luxor Souq, where we discovered local treasures and sampled sahlab, a traditional Egyptian winter drink.
The Heart of the Tour: Connection and Culture
What struck me most during this tour was not just the magnificence of the sights, but the connections we made—both with the culture and with each other. The women on this tour were not only easygoing, but also brought a sense of creativity, joy, and openness to every moment. They connected deeply with the culture, with each other, and with my Egyptian team, making the experience all the more meaningful.
We shared meals, laughter, and stories with local families and artisans, truly embracing the human side of Egypt. And through it all, I was reminded once again of why I lead these tours: to offer others the chance to experience Egypt not just as a tourist, but as someone who seeks to understand and appreciate its richness on a deeper level.
A Moment of Reflection: The Celestial Alignment at Karnak
The culmination of this journey came in the early hours of the morning, when we traveled to Karnak Temple to witness the annual celestial alignment that occurs at the winter solstice. As the sun rose over the ancient temple, I could feel the profound connection between the past and present, between the earth and the heavens. It was a moment of pure awe—a fitting conclusion to a tour that had already been filled with unforgettable experiences. I had attended this specfial annual event also in 2023, and it was my honor and purest pleasure to watch my group witness this extraordinary moment for themselves.
Looking Ahead: Join Me on Future Tours
This tour was one of the most memorable I’ve had the pleasure of hosting, and it’s only the beginning. If you’re someone who seeks a deeper understanding of Egyptian culture, who enjoys connecting with others in meaningful ways, and who desires an experience that goes beyond the typical tourist path, I’d love for you to join me on a future journey.
Stay tuned for upcoming tours, and be sure to join my newsletter for updates on new experiences, events, and insider Egypt tours. I look forward to sharing these extraordinary moments with you.
See my EGYPT IMMERSION experiences page for all the details and always feel free to contact me directly.
XOXO,
Happy New Year,
Nawal El Tememi
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