Egypt through Expert Eyes: Cat’s Egypt Highlights

My two-week trip through Egypt took me to Cairo, down the Nile on a cruise between Aswan and Luxor, some Red Sea beach time in Hurghada, and up to the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria.It felt like a really well-rounded way to experience the country – ancient history, everyday life, time on the water, and a change of pace by the sea.

Travelling through Egypt feels incredibly rich, with so many different layers to uncover. More than anything though, it feels really safe.Of course, there are the famous sights, but what really stood out for me was how much there is to discover beyond them.From walking through different neighbourhoods in Cairo to learning about modern religious history and the Roman-Greco era, it quickly becomes clear that Egypt isn’t just about pyramids and temples.There’s a lot more depth once you start peeling back the layers. (And when you know where to look!)

The pyramids are a worthy calling card of course, but one of my favourite parts of my time in Cairo was visiting the historic side of the city and walking along El Moez Street.It’s around a kilometre long and full of life – locals going about their day, bazaars, handicraft shops, and people creating artwork and traditional Egyptian pieces as you walk past.It was a wonderful way to experience the city on foot, and take in all the fascinating architecture lining the street.

Absolutely. Cruising the Nile between Aswan and Luxor is such a special way to see Egypt.Along the way, I visited the impressive temples that line the river, including Philae, Edfu and Kom Ombo, before exploring both the East and West Banks of Luxor.Seeing these sites from the water adds a completely different perspective and breaks up the journey in a really relaxed way.Also, the experience of a cruise in itself is a must-do in Egypt. There are so many different options (and luxury levels!) to choose from, there's sure to be a cruise that's perfect for you.

Floating above Luxor in a hot air balloon has to be right up there.It was something I had always dreamed of doing, and seeing the West Bank from above as the sun came up was incredible.It felt calm, peaceful and very special – a complete contrast to exploring the temples on foot later that day.And otherwise, just going back to Luxor, 25 years after my last visit and seeing how much it had developed into a far more lively and thriving city. The ancient sites, of course, hadn’t changed, but seeing one of my favourite Egyptian cities brought back fond memories and a chance to revisit those sites with fresh eyes and a better understanding of what I was encountering.

My favourite meal was actually quite a simple one, but my goodness was it done well.It has to be the Gambari Maklee, a crispy fried shrimp dish, which I had whilst staying in Alexandria. This combined with warm pita bread and a fresh tahini dip, I just couldn’t stop myself. Being on the Mediterranean, all my seafood dishes here were exceptional. I'd go back to Alexandira just for the Seafood alone!

Egypt has so many wonderful accommodation options to choose from. There's something to suit every taste and budget.One of my favourite places I stayed on this trip was Al Moudira, on the West Bank of Luxor.It feels like its own little oasis away from the busier parts of the city.The hotel is made up of a honeycomb of courtyards, with buildings designed around Lebanese and Egyptian styles.With its gardens, restaurants and pool, it’s the perfect place to switch off after busy days exploring Egypt.

Without a doubt. My favourite interaction on this trip has to be with my guide in Cairo, Abeer. She was an absolute delight from start to finish and a real fountain of knowledge on all things Ancient and modern Egypt. The way she explained everything so well, and made me feel relaxed during the whole experience was a cherished moment during my time in Egypt.These connections are what travel is all about. You get right to the heart of the place through the words and experiences of a local. I always recommend it.

What surprised me most was just how much there is to Egypt beyond the ancient sites.Learning about its more recent religious history and its connections to the Roman-Greco world really changed how I viewed the country. It’s a destination with layers of history that stretch far beyond what most people initially expect. There's so much to explore and learn and I can't wait to weave those discoveries into Egypt holidays for our travellers.

Including specialised, guided tours are a must. They get you right below the surface of Egyptian culture with the knowledge and insights of a local expert. I recommend joining the Women of Egyptian Food and shopping tour to not only learn about some of the tantalising Egyptian dishes, but also understand the increasing, refreshing involvement of women in the local culture and developments.

Make sure you have lots of small notes on you (i.e. 20 EGP notes), as you will need these for public toilets outside of hotels, buying any soft drinks as you are walking around and tipping boat transfers. I also suggest getting an e-SIM so you can access the internet and use WhatsApp when out and about without spending a fortune on mobile data when there's no WiFi.

If you're planning an Egypt holiday, I’d generally recommend timing your trip between September and April, if you can, when the weather is at its most comfortable.I travelled in November, which was a great time to be there. For the Red Sea, I’d avoid December and January as it can cool down more than you might expect, especially in the evenings.May to August can be extremely hot, but visitor numbers are much lower, so many of the main sights are noticeably quieter. So, if you can handle the heat, these would be good months to consider for better prices and fewer people!