Our second journey to Egypt was a trip we had eagerly anticipated for years. This time, my wife Kiran, our two children, and I were joined by the Poonja family, making it a shared adventure filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. We planned the trip to give our children an immersive experience of Egypt’s ancient wonders, Islamic heritage, and the vibrant life along the Nile. Our itinerary was packed with activities, from exploring the pyramids of Giza to a serene Nile River cruise, with each day offering new and exciting discoveries.
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo (March 23, Saturday)
Our adventure began when the Devanis landed in Cairo on Saturday morning. After checking into our hotel and getting some rest, we were ready to begin exploring the city. Our first outing was to the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar in the evening, a bustling market filled with shops and stalls offering everything from spices to jewelry. The market was even more vibrant during Ramadan, as people gathered to break their fast and celebrate the evening. We wandered through the narrow alleyways, taking in the sights and sounds, and even picked up a few souvenirs to bring home.
Our first full day together was dedicated to exploring some of the most iconic sights in Cairo and Giza. We began our day at the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum’s vast array of treasures, including the gold mask of Tutankhamun, captivated everyone. The Mummy Museum within the Egyptian Museum was a highlight, where we came face-to-face with the preserved remains of ancient Egyptian royalty. The kids were particularly intrigued by the process of mummification and the elaborate rituals that accompanied it.
After immersing ourselves in the rich history of Egypt, we made our way to the Giza Pyramids. Standing before these ancient structures, especially the Great Pyramid, was a humbling experience. We explored the interiors of one of the pyramids, providing a thrilling and somewhat eerie experience that brought us closer to the lives of the ancient pharaohs.
From the pyramids, we moved on to the Sphinx watching over the desert for millennia. The children were fascinated by the stories of pharaohs and gods that Ahmed, our guide, shared as we explored the site.
In the late afternoon, we enjoyed a camel ride through the desert, with the pyramids serving as a stunning backdrop. The kids loved the experience, and it was a perfect way to end our exploration of Giza.
Day 3 Journey to Luxor and Boarding the Nile Cruise (March 25, Monday)
Our adventure continued with an early morning flight from Cairo to Luxor, where we would begin our Nile River cruise. Luxor, often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, is home to some of Egypt’s most famous temples and monuments.
Upon arrival in Luxor, we headed straight to the Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed. The temple complex, with its towering columns and vast courtyards, was awe-inspiring.
In the afternoon, we visited the Luxor Temple, located on the east bank of the Nile. The temple’s grand entrance, lined with sphinxes, led us into a world of ancient rituals and ceremonies. Ahmed, our guide explained the significance of the various statues and reliefs, making the visit both educational and engaging for the whole family.
As the day came to a close, we boarded our cruise ship and settled into our cabins, excited for the journey ahead. That night, we dined on the ship, enjoying the serene atmosphere as we sailed along the Nile under the starlit sky.
Day 4: Valley of the King and Hot Air Balloon Ride (March 26, Tuesday)
Our first full day on the Nile began with an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. Floating above the ancient tombs and temples as the sun rose was an experience we would never forget. The landscape below, dotted with the ruins of once-great civilizations, was breathtaking, and the children were thrilled by the adventure.
After the balloon ride, we returned to the cruise ship for breakfast before heading out to explore the Valley of the Kings on foot. This ancient burial ground of pharaohs is home to some of the most elaborate tombs ever discovered, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. The kids were fascinated by the stories of the afterlife and the elaborate rituals that were performed to ensure safe passage for the pharaohs and they were also tired because of the amount of walking in heat.
We also visited the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded the entrance to a temple complex. The kids were amazed by the size of the statues and the fact that they had stood for thousands of years.
That evening, we sailed towards Edfu, enjoying a relaxing dinner on the ship as we watched the sun set over the Nile.
Day 5: Temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo (March 27, Wednesday)
Our journey continued with a visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The temple’s massive pylon entrance and the intricate carvings depicting the story of Horus were impressive. The kids enjoyed exploring the temple’s various halls and chambers, learning about the ancient rituals that once took place there.
In the afternoon, we sailed to Kom Ombo, where we visited the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. This unique double temple, dedicated to two gods, offered a fascinating insight into the duality of ancient Egyptian religious beliefs. Ahmed’s explanations of the temple’s unusual design and the detailed reliefs that adorned its walls captivated our attention.
As we sailed towards Aswan that evening, we gathered on the deck to watch the stars come out, reflecting on the incredible experiences we had shared so far.
Day 6: Discovering Aswan’s Ancient Sites and Cultural Heritage (March 28, Thursday)
Our cruise brought us to Aswan, a city known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. Our first stop was the Aswan High Dam, a modern marvel of engineering that has played a crucial role in controlling the Nile’s floods and generating hydroelectric power for Egypt.
Our final stop of the day was the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple, located on an island in the Nile, was accessible by boat, adding an extra layer of adventure to our visit. The temple’s beautiful carvings and peaceful courtyards made it one of our favorite sites, and we spent hours exploring the island and learning about the myths and legends associated with Isis.
In the afternoon, we took a boat ride to visit Sir Sultan Mohd Shah’s tomb, a serene and reflective site that added a deeper historical and spiritual dimension to our journey. The children were curious about the legacy of the Aga Khan and the significance of his final resting place. We didn't actually stop by the tomb this time as it requires an appointment but just passing through it was surreal.
Following the visit to the tomb, we continued our boat ride to a Nubian Village. The vibrant culture and warm hospitality of the Nubian people were a highlight of our time in Aswan, and we all learned a a few things about Nubian traditions and customs.
That night, we bid farewell to our cruise ship and prepared for our return to Cairo the next morning.
Day 7: Return to Cairo and Exploring Islamic History (March 29, Friday)
We flew back to Cairo early in the morning, excited to dive into the city’s rich Islamic history. Our first stop was the Citadel of Saladin, a majestic medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. The kids were fascinated by the stories of battles and rulers that Ahmed, our guide, shared as we walked through the impressive site.
Next, we visited the renowned Al-Azhar Mosque and University, one of the oldest and most significant centers of Islamic learning in the world. The serene atmosphere of the mosque, combined with its beautiful architecture, made the visit special. Ahmed explained the history of the mosque and its role in Islamic education, enriching our understanding of its importance.
After a morning of sightseeing, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Al-Azhar Park, a beautifully landscaped oasis in the heart of Cairo. The park provided a refreshing break, with stunning views of the city and the kids relishing the chance to run around and play in the open space.
In the afternoon, we visited a local Perfumery, where we learned the art of creating personal fragrances using natural ingredients. The kids loved the hands-on experience of crafting their own scents, and we all left with unique perfumes to bring home.
We also made a stop at the spice market, where we picked up an assortment of spices and herbs, followed by a visit to a traditional sweet shop to purchase Egyptian delicacies for our friends and family back home.
That evening, we treated ourselves to a grand Iftaari dinner at the Mena House Hotel, a beautiful hotel with a view of the pyramids. We had stayed at this hotel during our previous visit to Egypt, and it was wonderful to see how much it had been upgraded. The meal was unforgettable, and the spectacular view of the pyramids under the night sky made it the perfect way to end our day.
Day 8: Last Day in Cair (March 30, Saturday)
Our final full day in Cairo was dedicated to exploring more of the city’s Islamic heritage and picking up a few last-minute treasures. We began the day with a visit to the Al Hussain Mosque, a significant religious site where we saw the tomb of Imam Hussain, a revered figure in Islamic history. The mosque's peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architecture made it a memorable stop.
Afterward, we visited another mosque nearby with a stunning ceiling adorned with intricate calligraphy and artful designs. The beauty of the Islamic architecture was awe-inspiring, and we took several pictures to capture the essence of the space, though the name of the mosque has escaped us.
In the evening, we headed to Cairo’s jewelry district, where we browsed through a variety of shops selling precious and semi-precious stones and jewelry that had been mined in Egypt. Both families were able to find some unique pieces to bring home, a lasting reminder of our time in this ancient land.
That night, the Poonja family had to leave early to catch their flight back home. It was a bittersweet moment as we said our goodbyes after a week of shared adventures. The Devani family, however, still had one more evening in Cairo, and we decided to make the most of it.
We made a final trip to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, where we soaked in the vibrant night-time atmosphere, full of Ramadan festivities. The market was bustling with locals and visitors alike, and we enjoyed the lively scene one last time before returning to our hotel.
Back at the hotel, it was time to pack and prepare for our early morning flight. It was hard to believe that our incredible journey through Egypt had come to an end.
Day 9: Return (March 31, Sunday)
The next morning, the Devani family caught their flight back to Chicago, reflecting on all the unforgettable experiences and memories we had created along the way. Egypt had given us a deeper appreciation of its ancient history, its rich Islamic heritage, and the beauty of its people and culture. It was a trip we would cherish forever, and one we hoped to revisit again someday.