Egypt Tour 2025 Review: My Experience with the 10 Day Treasures of Egypt Package

So, I’ve just come back from what feels a bit like a dream, to be honest. You know, I’d always wanted to see Egypt, and for 2025, I finally did it. I chose the ’10 Day Treasures of Egypt’ tour because it seemed to pack everything in: the big-name stuff like the Pyramids, but also a Nile cruise and even Abu Simbel, which is pretty far out there. Honestly, deciding on a tour can be a little much, with so many options out there. This review is, basically, just me telling you how it all went, sharing some of the moments that really stuck with me. At the end of the day, a trip like this is more than just checking things off a list; it’s about the feeling you get standing in a place that’s thousands of years old. I’ll get into the day-by-day stuff, so you can get a real sense of what it’s actually like.

First Stop: The Amazing Scale of Cairo and Giza’s Giants

Okay, so arriving in Cairo is definitely an experience in itself. The city is, like, buzzing with this incredible energy, and the sounds of the traffic are sort of a constant backdrop. Our group was met right at the airport, which was, you know, a huge relief. The first couple of days are really about getting your bearings in this huge, sprawling place. We visited the Egyptian Museum, and frankly, you could spend a whole week in there. You’ve seen pictures of Tutankhamun’s gold mask, but I mean, seeing it in person is something else entirely. It’s almost glowing, and the details are just so perfect, it’s hard to believe how old it is. More or less, everything you see inside this incredible building has a story that could fill a library, you know?

Then, of course, came the moment we were all waiting for: Giza. To be honest, nothing really prepares you for seeing the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. You drive through the city, and then, suddenly, there they are, just rising up from the edge of the desert. They are, you know, way bigger than you think they’ll be. I mean, they are completely massive. We had the chance to go right up to the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, and just touching those giant stone blocks makes you feel incredibly small. The person showing us around gave us some really interesting stories about their construction, stuff you don’t really get from a textbook. And the Sphinx, well, it just sits there, so mysteriously, looking out over everything. You can almost feel the weight of history just by standing near it, and this feeling is something many people write home about. It’s really a ‘pinch me’ kind of moment.

Naturally, the tour also included a trip to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, which is a total overload for the senses, but in a good way. The air is pretty much full of the smells of spices and perfumes, and the sounds of people haggling and craftsmen at work are everywhere. You can find everything here, from little trinkets to these really beautiful, handmade lanterns. Honestly, it was just fun to wander through the narrow alleyways and see what we could find. We also got to try some real Egyptian food, which was absolutely delicious. Something like koshary, a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta with a spicy tomato sauce, is a must-try. This part of the tour really gives you a feel for modern Cairo, you know, the city that lives and breathes right alongside these ancient monuments. It showed a side of the culture that really completed the picture for me, and I was so happy we got to experience this part of the city.

Next Up: Gently Floating Down the Timeless Nile

Alright, so after the whirlwind of Cairo, we took a short flight to Luxor to start the Nile cruise part of the trip. The shift in atmosphere is almost immediate. You kind of leave the city’s hum behind and step into this more relaxed, slower rhythm of life on the river. Our cruise ship was, frankly, very comfortable, with a top deck that had a small pool and lots of chairs for just sitting and watching the world go by. That became my favorite spot. You just float along, seeing these little villages on the banks, fishermen in their boats, and kids waving as you pass. It’s pretty magical, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light just turns the water and the sky these incredible colors. The whole experience of a cruise is just so different, and exploring top cruise selections can make a big difference.

From our base on the Nile, we visited some of the most mind-blowing temples. First up was Karnak Temple in Luxor, which is, well, less a temple and more like an entire city of temples. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive columns, is just unreal. You feel like a tiny insect walking among them. I mean, you can’t even wrap your arms around one. Our guide was so good at explaining the stories carved into the walls, stories of pharaohs and gods. Later, we saw Luxor Temple at night, all lit up, which gives it this completely different, very dramatic atmosphere. Seeing these structures is, basically, like stepping directly into a history documentary, except it’s real. The sense of scale is just something that a camera can never quite get, and learning about these incredible sites beforehand adds so much to the visit.

The next day we crossed over to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings. This is where the pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were buried in these elaborate tombs cut deep into the rock. It was, sort of, a strange feeling to walk down into the earth, into these quiet, cool chambers. The amazing thing is how colorful the paintings on the walls still are, even after thousands of years. They show the pharaoh’s path to the afterlife, and the level of detail is just beautiful. We couldn’t take pictures inside most tombs, which was actually a good thing. It forces you to just be in the moment and really look. Later, we also stopped at the Temple of Hatshepsut, which is this stunning, modern-looking temple built into the side of a cliff. The whole day was really about the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, and it’s a very deep subject that this tour brings to life.

In between these big temple visits, life on the cruise was just so relaxing. The boat would sail to our next stop, and we’d have time to just chill on the sun deck, read a book, or chat with the other people on the tour. The staff on the boat were incredibly friendly, and the food was always fantastic, a mix of Egyptian specialties and things we were more familiar with. We made stops at the Temple of Edfu, which is one of the best-preserved temples, and Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to two different gods. Each stop was, you know, just another layer of this amazing history. It’s pretty much the perfect way to see this part of Egypt without having to pack and unpack your bags every day, which honestly, is a real bonus for this type of trip.

The Grand Finale: Aswan’s Charm and Powerful Abu Simbel

So, our cruise ended in Aswan, which has a completely different feel from Cairo or Luxor. It’s much more laid-back, kind of an African and Middle Eastern blend. The Nile is wider here, dotted with these beautiful granite islands and the white sails of traditional felucca boats. It’s just a really pretty place. One of our first stops was the High Dam, which is an amazing piece of modern engineering and has had a huge effect on Egypt. Then we took a small boat out to Philae Temple on an island, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Just like Abu Simbel, this temple was actually moved piece by piece to save it from the rising waters of the lake created by the dam. Honestly, the story behind its relocation is almost as impressive as the temple itself.

But the real showstopper, pretty much the grand finale of the entire tour, was the trip to Abu Simbel. This requires a very early start. I mean, we were up and on a bus in the middle of the night. You drive for about three hours through the empty desert as the sun comes up. There’s this huge sense of anticipation building. And then you arrive. You walk around a corner, and there they are: the four gigantic, seated statues of Ramesses II carved right into a mountain. It literally takes your breath away. The scale is just epic. Our guide explained how the temple was designed so that twice a year, the sun’s rays would shine all the way inside and light up the statues of the gods. And then you hear the story of how a team from all over the world cut the entire mountain into blocks and moved it to higher ground. It’s just a lot to take in, and I think I’ll be thinking about Abu Simbel for a very long time.

After the massive scale of Abu Simbel, one of my favorite moments of the whole trip was actually something very simple. Back in Aswan, we went for a sail on a felucca. It’s a traditional wooden sailboat, and it’s just you, the wind, and the water. It’s so quiet and peaceful. We sailed around some of the islands in the Nile, past the Aga Khan’s Mausoleum high up on a hill. It’s one of those experiences where you just sit back and absorb the beauty of the place. We also visited a Nubian village, which was so colorful and full of friendly people. It was a wonderful look into a culture that’s very unique to this part of Egypt. At the end of the day, it’s these authentic cultural moments that often stick with you the most, you know?

Some Practical Advice Before You Book Your Trip

Now, if you’re thinking about this tour, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the pace is quite fast. You see a lot in 10 days, which is great, but it does mean a lot of early mornings, especially for the Abu Simbel trip. So, you just have to be prepared for that. You definitely need to bring your most comfortable walking shoes, because you will be doing a lot of walking over uneven ground at temples and historical sites. You can get a much better feel for the daily schedule if you look at detailed travel plans. I’d also say packing light clothes you can layer is a really good idea, plus a hat, sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen. The sun is really strong, even in the cooler months.

Something you’ll encounter a lot in Egypt is the local culture around buying and selling. Especially in markets like the Khan el-Khalili or near tourist sites, you will be approached by people wanting to sell you things. It’s all part of the experience, and a polite “la, shukran” (no, thank you) usually works just fine. Haggling is also expected, so if you want to buy something, don’t be afraid to offer a lower price. Tipping, or “baksheesh,” is also a big part of the culture. It’s sort of expected for many small services. Our tour guide gave us some good advice on how much to tip in different situations, which was really helpful. Knowing some of these local customs before you go makes everything a lot smoother.

Let’s talk about food and water, because that’s always a big question. Generally, the food on the cruise and at the hotels the tour used was really good and perfectly safe. I recommend trying as much Egyptian food as you can. But, for your own safety, the main rule is to only drink bottled water. You know, don’t drink tap water, and it’s probably a good idea to avoid salads or fruits that might have been washed in it unless you’re in a reputable hotel or on the cruise ship. It’s just a simple precaution that can keep you feeling good throughout your trip. I also carried some hand sanitizer with me everywhere. A bit of planning around meals can make a huge difference in your enjoyment, and looking into a guide to local cuisine can give you some great ideas on what to try.

Final Thoughts on this 10-Day Egyptian Adventure

So, the big question: is this ’10 Day Treasures of Egypt’ tour worth it? In my opinion, absolutely, yes. This tour is pretty much perfect for a first-time visitor to Egypt. You know, it takes all the stress out of planning. Everything is arranged for you—the hotels, the transportation, the tickets to the sites, and most importantly, the guides. Having a knowledgeable Egyptologist with you is what really makes the trip special. They bring the ancient stones to life with their stories and explanations. You get so much more out of the visit than if you were just wandering around by yourself, and understanding the benefits of a guided tour is a key part of the decision.

I feel like this specific itinerary is a really great mix of everything. You get the non-stop energy of Cairo, the breathtaking history of Giza and Luxor, the total relaxation of the Nile cruise, and that awe-inspiring final moment at Abu Simbel. It really covers all the bases. This is probably not the trip for someone looking to spend a week relaxing on a beach, but if you have a real interest in history, culture, and seeing some of the most amazing structures ever built by humans, then this is definitely for you. You really do get a comprehensive look at the wonders of ancient Egypt. I still can’t really believe some of the things I saw, and getting help to compare different tour options made me confident this was the right choice.

“Seeing the Pyramids for the first time is one thing. But floating down the Nile, watching 5,000 years of history drift by, is something else entirely. It connects you to the country in a much deeper way.”

Basically, this trip was just incredible. I came home with not just photos, but with a much bigger appreciation for this ancient civilization and the super-friendly people of modern Egypt. It’s a busy trip, for sure, but every single early morning and long bus ride was completely worth it. At the end of the day, if you’re looking for an adventure that will genuinely leave you in awe, this 10-day tour is a fantastic way to experience the very best of what Egypt has to offer. Just be prepared to have your mind blown a little bit every single day. Seeing it all for yourself is so much better than just reading about it, and hopefully, my thoughts here can help you if you are thinking about making your own trip in 2025.

Key Takeaways from the Tour:

• The tour provides a comprehensive, fast-paced look at Egypt’s main historical sites.
• Having an expert Egyptologist guide is invaluable for understanding the context and stories behind the monuments.
• The Nile cruise is a very relaxing way to travel between Luxor and Aswan, offering a welcome break from the cities.
• The trip to Abu Simbel is an absolute highlight and worth the early morning start.
• Be prepared for a culture of tipping (baksheesh) and haggling in markets.
• Stick to bottled water and be mindful of food hygiene for a trouble-free trip.