A Dream Trip, 23 Years in the Making

Traveling through Egypt with your best friend of 23 years? Already magical. Now add an Egyptologist friend, ancient tombs, bustling markets, and camel rides through the desert—and you’ve got the kind of trip you never forget. If you’re looking for the perfect Cairo Egypt itinerary, this adventure has everything.

Our time in Cairo was short but epic. After finally reuniting with Katie, we met up with our dear friend Miryam, an Egyptologist with deep local knowledge and a huge heart. She guided us through two whirlwind days of ancient wonders, modern markets, and snack-fueled adventures.

Day 1: Tombs, Pharaohs, and Souvenirs

First Stop: Saqqara and Memphis

Our first full day started with a drive to Saqqara, home of Egypt’s oldest pyramid—the Step Pyramid of Djoser—which predates the Great Pyramid by centuries. With Miryam’s stories bringing the ruins to life, we also ventured inside a tomb, with intricately carved walls and ancient hieroglyphs that had survived thousands of years.

We followed that up with a visit to Memphis, once the thriving capital of ancient Egypt. The highlight? Seeing the colossal statue of Ramses II, lying beneath a protective roof, still jaw-dropping in scale and craftsmanship.

Next Stop: El Azhar Park + Khan el-Khalili

After our ancient history fix, we headed back toward the heart of Cairo. What followed was a mini adventure on foot, trekking through winding streets to reach El Azhar Park, a green oasis with panoramic views of the city skyline. We stopped for snacks—pastries, sodas, and a few of the many Egyptian treats we’d picked up from a local shop earlier.

From there, we strolled through the iconic Khan el-Khalili market, dodging scooters, browsing souvenirs, and soaking in the colors and chaos. We loaded up on jewelry, scarves, and handmade trinkets before ending the night with a Cairo must: a hearty bowl of koshary, Egypt’s national dish—a carb-lovers dream of pasta, rice, lentils, crispy onions, and spicy tomato sauce.

Day 2: The Giza Plateau, Camels, and Rooftop Views

An Early Start at the Pyramids

The day before had brought a sandstorm and scorching heat, so we wisely postponed our pyramid visit. The next morning, we got up early, fueled by freshly pressed sugarcane juice, and walked from our hotel straight to the Giza Plateau.

The stillness of the morning added a special energy to the moment. We entered the Great Pyramid, crawling through narrow tunnels and marveling at the engineering. We visited the Sphinx, took time to learn about the incredible architecture and spiritual beliefs behind these iconic structures, and of course…

Camel Ride with a View

…we rode camels through the desert, getting that bucket-list view of the pyramids from afar. It wasn’t just about the photos (though they were amazing)—it was about feeling the wind in our hair, the sand underfoot, and the full weight of Egypt’s grandeur around us.

Sunset Dinner with a Pyramid View

We wrapped up our adventure with a meal back at our hotel’s rooftop restaurant, with local Egyptian dishes—grilled meats, warm flatbreads, and fresh salads—served up under a pink-hued Cairo sky. A peaceful way to end a powerful day, before our early morning flight to Dahab for some Red Sea adventures.

Tips for Your Own Cairo Adventure

• Hire a local guide like Miryam for Saqqara and Memphis—you’ll gain insight that makes everything come alive.
  
• Visit the Giza pyramids early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
  
• Load up on snacks at a local shop for long sightseeing days.
  
• Don’t skip koshary—it’s affordable, filling, and a total flavor bomb.
  
• Walk between sights when possible. It’s chaotic, yes—but that’s part of the charm.
  

Ready to Plan Your Own Egyptian Adventure?

Whether you’re dreaming of camel rides by the pyramids or wandering through ancient tombs, Destined for Adventure ´s travel concierge service is here to help you make it happen.

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