Ongoing discussions · Egypt

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to bike around the Mediterranean. I’m supposed to go through North Africa, but it seems a bit complicated. Visas and travel in Algeria and Egypt only work if you book a hotel (no nights spent outside?). Libya is generally very unclear, and it seems you can only travel there with a local guide (which doesn’t exist for bike trips). If necessary, I’d skip Libya, but neither a bus ride nor a boat detour seems possible to enter Egypt.

Does anyone have tips on how to get around these issues and secure a visa?

Thanks for any advice!

February 9 - Day 1

"So, my little wanderers, back at the decks? What’s this mystery destination you’ve got in store for us at the start of the year?"

Yes, the schoolyard bell’s ringing again! We’re hitting the road... or rather, the skies! At first glance, our destination might surprise more than a few. First off, simply because I was here exactly twenty years ago, and I don’t usually like retracing my own footsteps. Secondly, because the name of this place screams mass tourism—basically the opposite of what Flo and I look for.

Despite that, in this land of backsheesh, I’d promised myself I’d come back one day to experience it my way. And since Flo told me, during our wanderer chats, that this destination straddling Africa and the Middle East was in her top 2 travel dreams, the stars aligned for this roots-style trip to quickly make it onto our pharaonic festivities program! Unless you’re totally clueless in general knowledge, you’ve probably guessed by now—we’re off to Egypt! Of course, a few classics will be on our itinerary, but above all, we want to soak up a culture that can’t be appreciated in four-star resorts or on a Nile cruise boat. And let’s be clear, these next two weeks won’t be a walk in the park—neither for our two daughters who are joining us, nor for our bodies!

And that’s clear from the get-go: after our first flight, eight hours of trying (and failing) to sleep on Milan airport’s metal seats, our second flight, landing, passport stamps, our Uber ride, and our first Cairo kilometers, we finally drop our exhaustion at the little guesthouse we booked in Giza. Doesn’t all that energy deserve a little reward?

Oh, absolutely! And here it is: a full-on slap in the face for everyone! But just look at this view from our hotel terrace? For 20 € a night for four, even with this incredible view, I figured the room must be pretty shabby, right? Nope... Is the staff rude, then? Nope... Okay, so what’s the catch? You’re gonna tell me breakfast is included too? Well, yes! Honestly, this Egypt trip is off to a great start.



And the rest of the afternoon, spent rubbing shoulders with locals, only confirmed this vibe. After digesting our pyramid view, we dove into the hustle and bustle of our neighborhood with the goal of exchanging money, eating at street stalls, and testing the hospitality of the locals. Ten out of ten!









Eight little sun breads with baba ganoush and falafel? 80 pounds, or 1.5 €. A dozen Middle Eastern pastries? Same! 80 pounds! Two hawawshis, those little pita breads stuffed with meat and spices? 10 pounds each, or about twenty cents! Not to mention all those smiles and free "welcomes" left and right!!!





What a welcome! We end this first day with a sunset over the three sisters of Giza—where we’ll obviously be gawking tomorrow...







https://voyageforum.com/images/posts/small/1789072399-cCyLDYuFwPLAZTY.jpg

Hi there!

We’re planning a trip to Egypt from January 21 to 28, 2027.

J21 – Arrival in Cairo at 6 PM V22 – Visit the Pyramids S23 – Early flight to Aswan, visit Aswan D24 – Visit Aswan, depart mid-afternoon for Abu Simbel L25 – Morning visit to Abu Simbel, return to Aswan. Is it possible to go all the way to Luxor the same day? Private driver between Aswan and Luxor M26 – Visit Luxor M27 – Visit Luxor J28 – Early flight to Cairo, arrive around 9–10 AM, head back into the city to see 1 or 2 museums (probably just 1 due to time), then flight to Lyon at 7 PM

Does this itinerary seem realistic to you? Does it cover the highlights?

Thanks for your feedback! Best, Christophe

During our trip to Egypt at the end of January, beginning of February, we plan to visit the White Desert and nearby oases for 3 to 4 days, starting from Cairo. If my initial agency searches weren't conclusive, I now have a "too many options" situation. Here’s an alphabetical list of my first findings. If you’ve had any experience (good or bad) with any of these agencies in the White Desert:

badawiya.com

edengardentours.com

westerndeserttours.com

whitedeserttour.com

whitedeserttourseg.com

whitedesertegypttours.com

Please share your feedback.

Hello, my husband and I will be in Egypt this coming November. Cairo seems more challenging to explore without a guide, and we’ll be there for 3 full days. Would anyone have the name of a guide? Thanks!

Hi,

I’ll be in Cairo in early November and I’m looking to join a group for a day trip to Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis. I’m staying in Giza.

Any agencies you’d recommend?

Thanks in advance,

Philippe

Hi there,

I’m heading back to Egypt for the first time in 30 years this July. Last time, I was 20, and we spent two weeks traveling on a shoestring as backpackers.

I’m wondering about a "cruise" on a felucca from Aswan—mainly to avoid being stuck in an air-conditioned tourist bubble (we’re already spending our first week in that setting with our diving club). We’d like to explore the most interesting stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Do you have any thoughts on this option, tips, or maybe some contacts?

Thanks in advance!

Mathieu