12 Core Memories for your Egypt Bucket List

You've probably seen enough "Must-see in Egypt" posts.. but what are the experiences that leave you breathless and realizing "I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM HERE!"

As an American who came to Egypt and started working in tourism six years ago, now having hosted hundreds of clients, these are my personal and my guests ALL TIME favorite memories that left them speechless and pinching themselves.

1. Enjoying the sunset while sipping Bedouin tea in the Sahara

Picture this.. you just spent the last few hours in a 4x4 blasting over and through sand dunes, stopping only for photos and hidden oasis' and now your Bedouin driver has pulled over, laid out the picnic blanket and built a fire preparing hot tea. You're sitting nibbling on dates and bananas and the sun begins to set in the distance. It's a surreal moment realizing you're in the Sahara, in the middle of nowhere Egypt, and having a TRUE adventure!

2. Stepping into the Mosque of Muhammad Ali

The moment you step inside the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, you'll instantly feel awe and ease wash over you as 365 oil lamps hang above your head. This mosque gives a serene and spiritual vibe as you walk barefoot admiring the lamps, architecture and details. Inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and located in the heart of Cairo's great Citadel of Saladin, Muhammad Ali's mosque is a true must-see.  Nicknamed the "Alabaster" Mosque for the alabaster covering its walls and with its 365 oil lamps, representing the days of the year.

3. Felucca feast sailing the Nile

After a long day of adventuring in Cairo... nothing hits the spot more than an authentic Egyptian dinner on the world's longest river, the Nile. There's plenty of Nile Dinner Cruises that provide buffet dinners, but my personal preference is being on a small felucca so you can feel the breeze, take all the Titanic photos, and devour delicious sambousek, kofta, and bechamel! Talk about Full-FILLING.

4. First laying eyes on Abu Simbel

When you arrive to the Abu Simbel complex, you're greeted with an unassuming parking lot. It isn't until you pass the visitor center, and take a short walk around a "hill", that THEN you'll see it. The towering colossal statues of Abu Simbel looking back at you. Abu Simbel Temple overlooks Lake Nasser, and as you take in this epic view, it almost feels like you’ve stepped into a hidden world in which the Ramses' statues have decided to emerge from the cliffs just for you to see.

5.  Sunrise over temples from a hot air balloon

It requires an early morning wake up call... but it's ABSOLUTELY worth it! Soaring over Luxor from a hot air balloon, as the sun starts rising you'll be able to see ancient ruins and the Nile come into view beneath you. Flying high and getting to see a panoramic sights will definitely make you understand how timeless this land is and as if you've stopped walking among gods and turned into one yourself.

6. Cooling off with date juice at Cleopatra’s hot springs.

Imagine going for a quick dip in a beautiful stone-lined natural hot spring, believed by the locals to have been visited by Cleopatra in the past (hence the name), then coming out to enjoy local date juice.. what could feel more healing? Even just enjoying the view of this fairy-tale looking spring, or dipping your feet in, while sipping on your date juice is bound to make your day instantly better.

7. Henna tattoos and dancing in the Nubian Village

Visiting the Nubian village you will see a rainbow of colors as their homes are brightly painted and murals are on almost every street. Be sure to have some fun by joining in learning a traditional Nubian dance. After you've danced your toes off, relax with some hibiscus juice and choose a henna design. The beautiful local women will show off their henna skills and artfully tattoo the design of your choosing. The village may be small, but the warmth here fills every corner

8. Arriving by boat to the Temple of Isis

This is no ordinary tourist attraction. This feels like you've stepped into a movie!

You'll need to hire a boat when visiting the Temple of Isis. Once on the boat you'll be enjoying the river scenery, when you start approaching an island. Then you'll see the Temple start to appear. Now this feels like you've gone back in time or you're the main character in a movie. Originally built to honor Isis, Goddess of magic, fertility, and motherhood, it is believed to be the place where she tried to resurrect her love, Osiris. As you near the temple, you can almost imagine Isis herself waiting to greet you (to give you your next quest).

9. Dinner served under the Milky Way

After an afternoon adventuring through the deserts outside of Siwa, stop at a camp in the sahara for a Bedouin style feast, slow cooked all day for you! Above you the stars will start emerging and if the moon isn't out you'll be able to see the Milky Way. It's hard to tear yourself from the magnificence of the sky to eat dinner. But trust me this is one of the best meals you'll have in Egypt! Savor your dinner, and then go lay down by the fire and go back to being captivated by the star gazing.

10. Exploring the Forest of Columns in Karnak

Meandering through the massive, ancient columns at Karnak Hypostyle Hall, it'll blow your mind that you're walking in the steps of where Pharaohs and priests once did. You're roaming through 3,000 years of history, this site will humble you by it's size and the amount of columns soaring above your head.

11. Camel Riding at the Pyramids of Giza

And of course, you cannot not mention riding camels at the Pyramids!

You've stepped into your history books and National Geographic.. you're at THE PYRAMIDS!

Half the adventure of being at the Pyramids is mounting your camel, and then taking off into the desert to get a better view of the 9 Pyramids. It's a surreal experience realizing you're actually here, some of our clients say it feels like it's a greenscreen, how can this moment be real! But you're doing it! And it's probably going to be one of the most epic memories you have and give you a sense of pride that you came and scratched this off your bucket list!

 Lastly, 12. Booking with Escape To Egypt

Booking with the right people can help smooth out the challenges guests can experience when planning for Egypt. Let us, Bethanie and Beshoy, arrange all these bucket list experiences for you and help you make core memories on your epic adventure!

As an American, I bring my Western perspective so guests feel comfortable and Beshoy brings his Egyptology degree with his local connections to bring the best of both worlds to you. We know just how to balance it all out so that our guests feel well cared for while having the adventure of a lifetime in Egypt.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to start planning your Escape to Egypt, where you’ll return home not only with unforgettable memories, but also lifelong friends!

Book your own customized private tour or join our all inclusive Group Trips!