Advisor Adventures

A Small-Group Luxury Trip in Egypt

Have you ever dreamed of standing in awe before the Pyramids of Giza or delving deep into the history of ancient Egypt? Those dreams became a reality recently for Roxann Dalton, Luxury Travel Advisor, who went on a small-group journey to Egypt with Abercrombie & Kent—a luxury five-star adventure tour company that offers tours all over the world. The nine-day Egypt and the Nile trip included visits to Egypt’s top attractions as well as a four-night cruise on the Nile River.

We sat down with Roxann to find out more about her trip. Here’s what she shared.

What was the itinerary like?

We flew into Cairo, where we spent two nights at the beautiful Marriott Mena House, Cairo. We visited the Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and other attractions. Then, we flew Egypt Air to Abu Simbel, where we spent a few hours touring two beautiful temples. Next, we took another flight to Aswan, where we met the ship to visit multiple cities and take in sights along the Nile.

The itinerary was chock-full of cultural experiences, visits to historic sites and interactions with local residents. An Egyptologist, a specialist in the history and culture of ancient Egypt, was with us the whole way.

Tell us about the Nile River Cruise.

We cruised on the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, a luxury river ship with a pool, a spa and an onboard restaurant that combined five-star fare with impeccable service. They incorporated Egyptian foods and provided Western dishes for those who preferred that. Another highlight was getting a massage in the onboard spa while listening to sounds of the river and watching cities and landscapes float by along the Nile.

What were some of the other highlights of your trip?

Without a doubt, seeing the ancient wonders of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx up close was awe-inspiring. We even rode camels in front of the pyramids, which was my favorite experience. We explored King Tut’s tomb and visited the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The elaborate tombs and vibrant colors were incredible.

What type of traveler is this trip ideal for?

This trip is perfect for those who like history, culture and luxury. Travelers should be physically able to handle a fair amount of walking and navigating archaeological sites. When exploring the tombs, for example, there are times when you’re down on your knees crawling through some areas.

What are your top tips for first-time travelers to Egypt?

Avoid the heat by traveling during the cooler months between October and April. You’ll need a visa to enter Egypt, which you can get before you go or purchase upon arrival. You can’t get Egyptian currency in the US before your trip, but we were able to exchange cash on the ship for tips for the staff. Most places took credit cards.

Note that this trip isn’t about relaxation; it’s a packed itinerary filled with exploration.

How do you help your clients plan similar trips?

Exploring Egypt is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m happy to assist clients in crafting tailor-made itineraries based on their preferences and interests. I also specialize in travel in the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, cruising and more.