After all my previous sold-out Egypt trips, I was thrilled to be hosting, photographing and co-guiding yet another trip to this bucket list destination with my company Wanderlust Group Trips!

This country was always a lifelong dream. of mine and when I first traveled to Egypt back in 2018, it was life-changing.

Now, I love getting to share this beautiful country with so many of you!

(In fact, in 2024 alone, 54 people traveled to Egypt with me on 3 separate trips!)

So here is a visual representation of everything we got up to on my 3rd Egypt group trip of the year. Swipe and enjoy photos from our picturesque trip!

Read: Wanderlust Group Trips: 10 Reasons To Join A Trip

Shop my Egypt clothing recommendations here!

The post Egypt: Wanderlust Group Trips October 2024 appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

ATV at the Pyramids of Egypt:
Add it to your bucket list!

If you’re coming to Egypt, I highly recommend booking an ATV tour around the Pyramids. It’s an incredibly fun way to experience the Sahara Desert and soak up some stunning pyramid views.

This is the exact ATV tour I did at the Pyramids of Giza.

Actually I had so much fun, I’ve done it more than once!

Pack a scarf for your ATV tour

You’ll be zipping through the Sahara Desert so you’ll definitely want to pack a scarf. The guides will be able to tie it around your head.

Tips aren’t included

I would suggest giving a small tip to your guides! They do a great job helping capture pictures throughout the tour.

Your driver may try to bring you to a shop at the end of your tour

Emo Tours has really, really low tour prices. In order to offer these prices, they bring tourists to stores where they receive commission after the tour if you buy anything.

If you feel like shopping, it’s perfectly fine to accept. However, you can also say no without feeling bad! We told them we wanted to go right back to our hotel after the ATV tour and our guides were perfectly fine with that. So just know if you opt for hotel pick up, they will likely try to bring you shopping.

Book your ATV excursion here.

Book your ATV excursion here.

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Where to Stay In Cairo Egypt

Where to Stay In Cairo, Egypt:
My top 3 recommendations

If you’re coming to Cairo, there is no shortage of amazing places to stay. After years of traveling Egypt as tourist, a travel blogger then as a travel host and guide with my company Wanderlust Group Trips, I’ve stayed at a wide variety of hotels in the city. But these are my 3 favorite places to stay by far!

You are going to love Cairo and an incredible accommodation will enhance your stay enormously. Here’s the top three places I suggest.

Pro tip: I stayed at the two Marriott hotels for free using my Marriott Bonvoy points that I earn through my Marriott Bonvoy business credit card.

With the card, I am eligible for free upgrades, late check out, early check in and earn a lot of free nights! If you’re a business owner who travels, it’s a really great credit card with a ton of perks.

1. Almas Pyramids View Hotel

If you’re looking for an incredible local place to stay in Cairo with a great price, check out Jimmy Pyramids View! It’s locally owned and feels like you’re staying at a cozy bed and breakfast.

Prices vary during peak season versus low season but you often can book a room in one of their standard rooms for just $40.

I opted for the Nefertiti Suite which has a bathtub and full pyramids view! It was beautiful and absolutely worth the additional price.

You can book a room at Almas Pyramids View Hotel here.

*Although I will note, there isn’t much hot water. The water starts really hot but gets cold quick. It’s advertised as a jacuzzi and while it’s really Instagrammable and super beautiful, you might not get jacuzzi levels of hot water if you’re there in the winter.

Another real highlight of this hotel is the stunning rooftop and delicious home-cooked breakfast by the owner’s sweet mother! Watch the video below to see her explaining everything she cooked.

The rooftop has a perfect uninterrupted view of the pyramids. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can visit the rooftop for lunch or dinner! I highly recommend the falafel.

2. Marriott House Mena

Can you imagine waking up in the morning with a view of the Great Pyramids of Egypt from your bed?

Or walking out onto your porch with an uninterrupted view of this legendary World Wonder?

If you’re coming to Cairo, there are a lot of hotels that are more affordable.

But the Marriott Mena House really packs a punch. It’s walking distance to the Pyramids, the hotel is steeped in history and the views are unparalleled!

It’s absolutely stunning. A complete jaw-dropping, luxurious hotel. And I think it’s worth the splurge!

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can find some great rates. (Try checking in on a weekday here instead for example!)

3. Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino

This historic hotel was originally built as a palace in 1869 but was eventually converted into a luxury hotel. And oh my goodness it is luxurious indeed!!

My photos alone absolutely don’t do the building justice so be sure to watch my TikTok showing each one of these hotels.

The pool is beautiful but it’s the interior of the palace that really is spectacular. There are plenty of restaurants and shops onsite which make it exceptionally convenient.

You can book the Cairo Marriott here.

Shop my styles for Egypt in my Amazon Storefront!

More on Egypt:

• ULTIMATE EGYPT: WANDERLUST GROUP TRIPS 2022
• EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• WHAT TO WEAR IN EGYPT: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING COMFORTABLE AND FASHIONABLE WHILE TRAVELING 

Where to Stay In Cairo, Egypt

The post Where to Stay In Cairo, Egypt: My top 3 recommendations appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Egypt Wanderlust Group Trips

Ultimate Egypt
Group Trip Highlights 2022

After traveling around Egypt in 2018 and totally falling in love with the country, I have been itching to come back ever since!

So I was over the moon when I launched my first Egypt trip with my company Wanderlust Group Trips and all 16 spots filled up with amazing people.

You can watch a full recap of the trip here:

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo

As everyone began arriving in Cairo, they were met by our airport representative to assist with everything from visas to sim cards before dropping them off at the stunning Marriott Mena House. 

As everyone trickled in, some napped to recover from jetlag while Jen and I went to get pizza with the view of the sphinx and pyramids! 

We spent the afternoon enjoying the stunning Mena House which provides unreal views of the pyramids.

Read: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE HOTEL IN CAIRO, EGYPT

That evening, we had a delicious dinner at Andrea El Mariouteya New Giza overlooking Cairo.

The restaurant was absolutely beautiful, an open-air oasis bursting with plants and unmatched views.

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza & Spinx

We woke up early to take full advantage of the delicious breakfast buffet at Mena House and shoot some photos in the gardens before departing for the pyramids. 

We arrived before 8am to beat the heat and the crowds. Our guide Medo gave a super informative explanation on the history of the pyramids before turning us loose to explore the complex. 

 Despite visiting the Pyramids of Giza before, I had never been inside a pyramid!

It’s an additional ticket to go inside but quite the experience. The passageway leading to where the sarcophagus rests is tiny and hot. I definitely do not recommended if you are claustrophobic!

But it is a ton of fun. And we all thoroughly enjoyed the climb. Standing inside the Great Pyramid is pretty unforgettable.

After some free time to explore the pyramids and shop with vendors, we went to the Giza Plateau for sweeping views of the pyramids from a distance. 

The Pyramids and the Sphinx

Our guide Medo (who is a brilliant Egyptologist getting his PHD in Ancient Egypt history) gave us a ton of really interesting information about the construction of these incredible world wonders. 

We then continued on to the Sphinx.  We got up close to this iconic piece of history and  I photographed everyone at one of my favorite view points in all of Egypt, the Sphinx with the Great Pyramid behind it. 

Hopping aboard our bus, we headed into downtown for some local cuisine at El Tahrir.

We all ordered a heaping bowl of koshary, which is an Egyptian dish comprised of a variety of noodles, rice and optional hot sauces.  The entire meal cost us about $2 USD for a massive portion + a drink. A total local gem!  

After a delicious meal, we headed to the Egyptian museum to see thousands of ancient artifacts including mummies, statues, the treasures from inside King Tut’s tomb and much more. 

Our guide really brought this place to life and took us around to all of the highlights of this massive museum! 

Once we had thoroughly explored the museum, we went back to Mena House to freshen up before boarding the overnight sleeper train to Luxor.  

This overnight train is a favorite of mine! I find train travel so dreamy. 

Dinner was brought to our private cabins and we fell asleep as we rattled on towards Luxor. Some stayed late chatting and getting to know one another!

Day 3: Nile Cruise

We awoke the next morning as the train conductor knocked on the door to announce we would be arriving in one hour.

Breakfast was served in our cabins before we disembarked.  

Our first stop of the day was Karnak Temple! This archaeological site is truly awe-inspiring.

After some historical explanation and free time at the temple, we headed to see a papyrus making demonstration nearby. 

We had a great time shopping for papyrus art and specializing the papyrus with our names in hieroglyphics.  

Then it was time to board our Nile River cruise!

We were set to spend 5 days/4 nights onboard the M/S Royal Esadora. We had lunch onboard and relaxed at the pool on the topdeck.

That night, we went into the town of Luxor to visit the local markets.

As always in Egypt, the markets are a bustling place of noisy vendors shouting and haggling prices. It’s definitely an experience! 

That night, we went to bed early to be ready for our 3:30am wake up call for the sunrise hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings. 

Day 4

We awoke that morning with an insanely early wake up call from the front desk… time to head downstairs for our hot air balloon departure. 

We were taken to a small boat where we had coffee, tea and cakes as we crossed the Nile River in the dark.  

When we landed on the other side of the Nile, we got in a van which carried us to our balloon site.  

When we arrived, our jaws dropped. There were SO many balloons going up that day.  It was set to be a spectacular morning no doubt. 

A few minutes passed…then a few more… and we still hadn’t gotten the okay to take flight. I was growing increasingly nervous that we wouldn’t be able to fly when all of a sudden, there was a loud whistle blow and a lots of excited shouting! It was a GO!

We got the approval and all at once, everyone began excitedly running to the balloons. The moment went from quiet and nervous to raucous excitement. People were overjoyed the balloons were going ahead! And to catch the morning sunrise, the crew was hustling to get them in the air now. 

We enthusiastically boarded our balloon and set sail into the sky..and wow, what a view! 

This morning was a real trip highlight for everyone. i will never forget soaring over Egyptian ruins and tombs high in the sky. Not to mention seeing everyone’s excited faces as we took off!

After our balloon flight, we enjoyed breakfast from our hotel on our way to the Valley of the Kings.

That afternoon we visited the tomb of King Tut (where we actually saw his mummy!) among other tombs of the Pharaohs. It was steaming hot inside but amazing to witness the brightly colored hieroglyphics inside the tombs!

From there, we continued on to the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut before shopping for local handicrafts.

That evening, we relaxed on the cruise as we sailed the scenic Nile River.

Read: WHAT TO EXPECT ON A NILE RIVER CRUISE IN EGYPT

Day 5: Kom Ombo Temple

That day, our cruise stopped at the gorgeous Kom Ombo Temple.

Again, our guide Medo gave us a wonderfully detailed and very entertaining explanation of the history here. I had a great time capturing photos of everyone at golden hour as the temple lit up!

Day 6 : Abu Simbel

The next day was a VERY early start as we departed towards Abu Simbel, a stunningly large temple built by Ramesses II.

It’s a long drive from Aswan (just under 4 hours!) but worth it! Especially because our local guide Medo is SO intelligent.

We were able to ask him any questions on the drive back about life in Ancient Egypt, mummies, Queen Cleopatra…everything! It was a fascinating discussion and we were lucky to have such a fountain of knowledge.

That night we had an Egyptian party on the cruise with traditional dancers, music and Egyptian cuisine!

Day 7: Philae Temple & Nubian Village

The next day we headed to the beautiful Philae Temple which is located on an island and only accessible by boat.

Palm trees and gorgeous little boats dotted the waterway to the temple. And we had another day of perfect weather!

After we visited the temple, we went to a beautiful restaurant on the banks of the apartment. It was nice nice watching the traditional feluccas lazily floating up and down the Nile.

That evening, we went on a sunset felucca ride across the Nile before having dinner with a local Nubian family.

It was so touching to eat with the family and learn more about their culture. They were so kind and welcoming. The family gave us temporary henna tattoos and invited us to sing and dance with them following dinner. The entire evening was unforgettable!

Day 8 : Aswan & Nile River Kayaking

For our final day in Aswan, we had a free morning.

Some of us visited the unmarked obelisk, the Nubian museum and the famous hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile.

That evening, we all went kayaking on the Nile River to Philae Temple at sunset. It was spectacular! The views were phenomenal.

When we finished kayaking, we jumped into the Nile River in the moonlight. It was magical.

Day 9: Fly back to Cairo

The next morning, we took a quick flight back over to Cairo. We arrived early enough to explore the Coptic Cairo.

We then visited the famous (and tiny bit overwhelming!) Khan el-Khalili souk.

Our guide Medo got us the most fantastic falafel sandwiches for lunch as we headed to our hotel in downtown Cairo. We got all checked in and freshened up before heading out to one last dinner together!

Day 10: Departure

That morning, we said our goodbyes as some left for home while some of us continued on to Jordan!

This shorter 5 day itinerary was an add-on for after Egypt since the two countries are so close by to one another.

Thank you to everyone who made the first annual Ultimate Egypt
with Wanderlust Group Trips such a great success!

Read: JORDAN GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 2022

Egypt Wanderlust Group Trips

Egypt Wanderlust Group Trips

The post Ultimate Egypt: Wanderlust Group Trips 2022 appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Instagrammable Hotel In Cairo

The Most Instagrammable Hotel In Cairo, Egypt

Can you imagine waking up in the morning with a view of the Great Pyramids of Egypt from your bed?

Or walking out onto your porch with an uninterrupted view of this legendary World Wonder?

If you’re coming to Cairo, there are a lot of hotels that are more affordable.

But the Marriott Mena House really packs a punch. It’s walking distance to the Pyramids, the hotel is steeped in history and the views are unparalleled!

It’s absolutely stunning. A complete jaw-dropping, luxurious hotel. And I think it’s worth the splurge!

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can find some great rates. (Try checking in on a weekday here instead for example!)

Pro tip: I stayed at this Marriott hotel for free using my Marriott Bonvoy points that I earn through my Marriott Bonvoy business credit card.

With the card, I am eligible for free upgrades, late check out, early check in and earn a lot of free nights! If you’re a business owner who travels, it’s a really great credit card with a ton of perks.

Marriott Mena House

“Overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza, Marriott Mena House, Cairo is surrounded by 40 acres of green gardens and has a spa, fitness center and a pool. The rooms are decorated with handcrafted furniture.

All accommodations at Marriott Mena House, Cairo have air conditioning and include luxurious fabrics, a seating area and LCD TV.

Each room and suite has a spacious private bathroom with a bathrobe and slippers. Breakfast is available in the dining room facing the garden. Dining choices range from Italian specialties at Alfredo Restaurant, while Daily Buffet Breakfast and unforgettable vistas with its cocktails served at 139 Pavilion.

Recreational Facilities include a winter heated swimming pool tucked away in the landscape gardens. The Giza Pyramids are less than half a mile from the Marriott Mena House. The concierge can arrange horse and camel rides to the pyramids. Cairo Airport is 19 mi away.“

Read: EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Stay here for FREE by travel hacking!

The first time I stayed at this beautiful hotel in 2022, I was able to book my room entirely for FREE with my points from my Marriott Bonvoy Business card.

The sign up bonus alone would likely be enough to cover the cost of the room. If you are a business owner (especially one who travels a lot) this is a great credit card for hotel perks!

Marriott Mena House is located just across the street from the Pyramids of Egypt!

If you’ve read or watched my videos on Egypt, you’ll know the hassling can be quite aggressive in this country. So if you stay at Marriott Mena House and plan to go to the Pyramids, I would still suggest going with a tour guide vs. going alone. There are a lot of great highly recommended tours on Get Your Guide.

Join me in Egypt & stay at the Marriott Mena House

Looking for a great multi-day tour to Egypt? I host several trips a year to Egypt with my company Wanderlust Group Trips.

Follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming group trip announcements!

Read: WANDERLUST GROUP TRIPS: 10 REASONS TO JOIN A TRIP

Looking for more amazing hotels in Egypt? Check out the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract!

Shop my styles for Egypt in my Amazon Storefront!

The Most Instagrammable Hotel In Cairo, Egypt

The post The Most Instagrammable Hotel In Cairo, Egypt appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

What To Expect On A Nile River Cruise in Egypt

If you’re headed to Egypt, there is no better way to experience the country than to float down the Nile River on a cruise stopping off at each city along the way to see the sites.

Most of the major points of interest fall right along the Nile because with the frequent droughts and lack of rain, the Nile always was and still is a major lifeline for the population. It’s how ancient Egyptians moved from city to city and how they were able to grow crops in a hot, dry land surrounded by deserts.

So with each stop along the Nile River, you will be able to disembark from the ship and go visit world class ruins, incredible temples and ancient history right before your eyes!

Take the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor

The majority of travelers will fly into Egypt’s capital city of Cairo to begin their trip. This sprawling metropolis is situated right on the Nile River.

Some may choose the long river route and board a cruise in Cairo. However many will take the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor and board their river cruise in Luxor.

The train is listed as a 5 star experience. By Western tourism standards, it isn’t 5 stars but we LOVED it nonetheless!

Old timey train travel has always evoked such feelings of romanticism, nostalgia and history to me. It feels like an Agatha Christie novel brought to life!

You can take an overnight bus to Luxor but I highly recommend taking the train instead. Although it is a more expensive option, it includes a private room, meals and a comfy bed. And I loved the calming feeling of being rocked asleep by a train at night!

If you book a package tour, your guide will be able to arrange your tickets and get you to the train platform. Having a guide made the whole experience so seamless and easy!

Board Your River Cruise in Luxor

We first boarded our cruise in Luxor and were thrilled! We had paid so little for our river cruise, we weren’t sure what to expect.

But especially taking in the price of these cruises, the value is incredible!

The dining room on our ship was lovely and included a full buffet for each meal. All meals were included, only alcohol was an additional cost.

The room were spacious, private and comfortable. After a long and tiring day in Egypt, it was nice to come back to our rooms and collapse in the AC.

Egypt is a magical destination to visit but if you’ve been before then you know that the constant barrage of vendors hassling you, the pounding sun and lots of walking around monuments can really tire you out. Good AC and a private room to relax are a must!

Balcony Views Over The Nile

We loved so many things about this Nile River Cruise: the silly evening entertainment, the beautiful pool on the roof of the ship, the local cuisine in the buffet… but our favorite was the the little balcony in each room.

Although it was small, it was so lovely to open the sliding doors and watch the scenery change as we floated past. There was a constantly changing view of monuments, cows on the beach, palm trees and ancient civilizations.

Popular 4 Night/5 Day Itinerary

Most cruises will be about 4 nights and 5 days to go from Luxor to Aswan but it depends what company you use when booking!

I did the river cruise through the “Essential Egypt” tour I booked on TourRadar. Our guide took care of all our transfers from the airport to downtown Cairo, to the overnight train and then to the actual boat itself.

You can easily book a very similar cruise on Get Your Guide as well! All the river cruises follow the same layout and itinerary.

Our Nile River cruise Itinerary

Day 1 of Cruise

On arrival in Luxor – check-in on board the 5-star Nile cruise ship. Then head to visit the world’s largest temple complex, Karnak Temple to see the Temple of Amun and the Temple of Luxor. See it’s courtyard and the granite statues of Ramses II, then we’ll proceed by bus to visit the Karnak Temples. This temple was built by various Pharaoh’s during different ages. You will see the Avenue of Sphinxes of the Hypostyle Hall, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis the temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarabeus of Amenophis III and the Sacred Lake.

In the evening optional sound & light show in Karnak temple.

Day 2 of Cruise

Begin with the optional sunrise hot air balloon over the the Valley of the Kings for an unforgettable morning. Visit the West Bank of the Nile where you see Valley of the Kings, Colossai of Memnon and Hatshepsut’s mortuary Temple. The Valley of the Kings contains 63 tombs and chambers ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers. The amazing Temple of Queen Hatshepsut widely considered one of the “incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt” located beneath the cliffs at Deir el Bahari. The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

That evening, we will set sail to Edfu enjoying a leisure dinner on board. Overnight on board cruise ship.

Day 3 of Cruise

Visit the Edfu Temple, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on board and set sail towards Kom Ombo.

Later, visit the Kom Ombo Temple, which is shared by the two Gods, Sobek and Horus.

Day 4 of Cruise

Enjoy a full guided tour in Aswan. Begin with the High Dam and the largest known ancient obelisk, located in the northern region of the stone quarries of ancient Egypt, the Unfinished Obelisk. Afterwards, proceed to the beautiful Temple of Philae, which is devoted to the two goddesses Isis and Hathor. Optional tours to the Nubian village or botanical garden are available in the afternoon.
Overnight on board cruise ship.

Enjoy happy hour or go for a dip in the pool on the deck!

Read: VISITING THE COLORFUL, ENCHANTING NUBIAN VILLAGE IN EGYPT

Day 5 of Cruise

Disembark from your Nile cruise after breakfast.

Option to arrange a day tour to Abu Simbel before taking the overnight train back to Cairo.

Take the train back to Cairo

At the end of our river cruise, we boarded the overnight train back to Cairo.

Overall, the combination of train travel and dreamy Nile River cruise made for an unforgettable week in Egypt.

I can’t recommend enough taking yourself on a trip back through time to ancient Egypt. It truly is the experience of a lifetime!

Nile River Cruise Highlights

• Happy hour and snacks on the rooftop deck each evening
• Watching sunset from the pool on the deck
• Optional tours: Sunrise hot air balloon, traditional felucca ride and visiting a Nubian village
• Silly but fun entertainment in the evening on the cruise with the staff
• Meeting other travelers from all over the world

More on Egypt + Things To Know Before You Go?

• How To Travel Egypt On A Budget – 8 Day Guided Tour
• What to Wear in Egypt: A Women’s Guide To Feeling Comfortable and Fashionable While Traveling Egypt
• VISITING EGYPT’S NUBIAN VILLAGE
• 17 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOUR VISIT TO CAIRO, EGYPT
• OUTFITS FOR EGYPT – WHAT TO PACK!

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Follow along on the adventure…

Shop my styles for Egypt in my Amazon Storefront!

The post What To Expect On A Nile River Cruise in Egypt appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Outfits For Egypt

Right after my trip to Egypt, I wrote a blog post entitled WHAT TO WEAR IN EGYPT: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING COMFORTABLE AND FASHIONABLE. Clearly this is a question many ladies were wondering because the post has been shared on social media nearly 1,000 times and has been read over 10,000 times so far. The “what to wear in Egypt” question is something that has always baffled female travelers. And since Egypt recently began having another surge in tourism- I wanted to do another round up of my favorite pieces for Egypt.

I felt most comfortable in Egypt when my….

• Shoulders were covered
• Chest was covered
• Skirt or dress was mid to full length
• Shoes were comfortable for long days of walking
• Clothing was lightweight to stay cool in the heat

Maxi Dresses

3/4 Sleeve Green Maxi Dress

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Teal Maxi Dress

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Dresses under $30

Button Up Dress

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Backless Maxi

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Peach Maxi Dress

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Purple Floral Maxi Dress

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Learn from my mistakes…

My first day in Egypt, I wandered off into a market by myself. While I was wearing a long skirt, my arms were showing and I recieved a lot of unwanted attention from local men. After that, I purchased more scarves and long sleeve tops in the shops near my hotel to cover myself more fully.

While some tourists will wear strappy tops and short denim shorts in the heat, I found I was able to enjoy my trip more when I wasn’t being catcalled. Egypt is a marvelous place to travel but I received more unwanted attention here than anywhere else in the world.

Maxi Skirts

Lightweight Skirt

Buy Now

Green Flowy Skirt

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Boho Maxi Skirt

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Comfort is key- Egypt is hot & you will be walking A LOT!

Wearing flowy, light-weight clothing will be your lifesaver while in Egypt, especially if you travel during the summer! In the winter, it can be quite cool in the desert, particularly before sunrise and after sunset. We went to watch the sunrise over the Pyramids of Giza and could barely stand how cold it was without coats!

Two Piece Outfits for Egypt

Tan Jumpsuit

Buy Now

Green Two Piece Set

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Pair With Skirts Or Over Dresses

Tan Blouse

Buy Now

Khaki Top

Buy Now

Scarves

Scarves will be your saving grace! Anytime I felt like I was being stared at- I would pull a scarf out of my day bag and toss it on over my shoulders or hair. Plus they absorb sweat, give your outfit a pop of color and photograph well!

Accessories

MORE ON EGYPT?

• EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• How To Travel Egypt On A Budget – 8 Day Guided Tour For Under $500
• What to Wear in Egypt: A Women’s Guide To Feeling Comfortable and Fashionable While Traveling Egypt
• VISITING EGYPT’S NUBIAN VILLAGE

My Egypt Trip With TourRadar

Shop an amazing collection of budget trips to Egypt

Shop TourRadar Now

Interested in booking the exact tour to Egypt that I did? I booked the Essential Egypt tour with TourRadar. You can search their tours here.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at absolutely no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping to support my site!

The post Outfits For Egypt – What to Pack! appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Cairo Egypt Photos

Cairo, Egypt:
Photos to Inspire Your Travels

Cairo, Egypt is a little unlike anywhere else in the world. Chaotic, loud, unruly but brimming with history- this city never ceases to amaze me. I can’t deny it’s exhausting at times.

Between the hot weather, the crowded markets and the catcalling/sales hassling that happens in Egypt- it isn’t the most relaxing city.

But it’s fascinating, challenging in a good way and definitely an awesome culture shock!

My time in Egypt is some of my most treasured travel experiences.

After traveling there in 2018, I have returned several times. I now even host and photograph group trips to Egypt with my company Wanderlust Group Trips. (Check out the Travel With Me page for info on upcoming trips!) So you’ll see a mix of my old photography from my early travels mixed with my improved photography from later trips!

I could write paragraph after paragraph about Cairo.

But they say a picture’s worth a thousand words, so I’ll let my images do the talking.

Read: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE HOTEL IN CAIRO, EGYPT

Read: What to Wear in Egypt: A Women’s Guide To Feeling Comfortable
and Fashionable While Traveling Egypt

Cairo Egypt Photos

More on Egypt?

• EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• What to Wear in Egypt: A Women’s Guide To Feeling Comfortable and Fashionable While Traveling Egypt
• VISITING EGYPT’S NUBIAN VILLAGE

 I get asked so frequently for clothing suggestions for Egypt, the Middle East and the Holy Lands that I’ve dedicated an entire section on my Amazon Storefront!

The post Cairo, Egypt: Photos to Inspire Your Travels appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Visiting the Colorful, Enchanting Nubian Village in Egypt

Nubian Village in Egypt

If you’re heading to Egypt, there are plenty of excursions to go on, temples to visit and places to take pictures. Of course we knew the pyramids would be an awe-inspiring site and the crypts & tombs an eerie, historically fascinating tour. But what I didn’t expect, was to fall in love with a tiny little town which is only accessible by boat down the Nile River in Aswan. The Nubian Village in Egypt left us feeling totally enchanted!

Bright pink and baby blue colors wash over the small rounded buildings. While camels wearing bright, vibrant saddles decorated with playful tassels pass by, bringing guests from the shore into the village.

The day we went, it wasn’t too busy and the weather was ideal. Warm and sunny, we visited late in the afternoon and watched the sunset from the beach and boat as we returned back to our cruise ship.

Since we booked the experience with no prior knowledge about the village, we were pleasantly surprised to drink tea, get henna, shop, explore the brightly colored village and meet people.

While some of the sales tactics or experiences may be a little “toursity” (i.e holding a crocodile), we found the overall experience to be highly rewarding as we were able to talk and connect with many of the people living and working in the village.

Since Egypt heavily relies on tourism, it’s difficult to find experiences that aren’t partially catered to tourism. We treated these experiences as opportunities to connect with local Egyptians working in the tourism industry.

Scenic boat ride down the Nile River

Details of your arrival might change depending on who you book the tour with, but if you do Tour Radar’s Essential Egypt Tour like we did, you will take two scenic boat rides to get reach the village.

First, you will ride on a felucca.

Feluccas are traditional wooden sailing ships that seat 10-12 people. With no motor and only the wind to guide the ships, it really feels as though you’ve traveled back in time.

If you can, I suggest sitting at the front or back and dangling your feet over the edge. There’s nothing quite like feeling the sun on your face, the breeze in your hair and your toes in the water as you sail down the Nile.

After the felucca, (again, depending on company you book with!) you will transfer over to a larger boat to continue the journey down the Nile.

Again, I suggest climbing up to the roof of this boat to sit for the best uninterrupted view. You’ll cruise past palm trees, villages and scenic beaches alike.

The boat rides alone make this excursion worth the trip!

Enter the village on camel back

Talk about a way to make an entrance!!

When you disembark from the ship, you will find yourself on a beach filled with camels. A guide will take you over and help you get situated.

If you’ve never ridden a camel before- hold tight!! It feels as though you might be thrown off as the camels rock back and forth to stand up. Try to lean with the animal as it moves and make sure you have a strong grip and your feet in a solid position. And away you go!

As you enter the village, other people will be coming and going as occasional camels run past! If you’ve never seen a camel run before, it’s quite comical. Their lips swing back and forth and their big goofy smiles are shown! All while drooling immensely. We couldn’t stop laughing at the sight! We absolutely loved getting to spend time around these beautiful, goofy animals. Their height is so impressive and they are incredibly lovable.

Fortunately, our guide was patient and kind with our camels. I can’t deny I have mixed feelings about riding camels abroad because so often you see them mistreated, under fed and forced to carry a large burden.

Vibrant, colorful buildings

As you arrive in the village, you will see a fun and beautiful array of colorful buildings. Pinks, blues and rainbows are everywhere you look!

Between the colorfully decorated camels and the homes- it’s quite the sight to see! And it’s certainly fun to photograph.

Tour the Nubian home

As you near the village, your guide will take you to the first stop- a Nubian home open to the public. Just as colorful on the inside as it is on the outside, this building is bursting with life.

Paintings line the walls and cooking utensils or instruments dangle from every bit of ceiling space. We were served tea and held the crocodiles they keep as pets.

My only complaint: The crocodiles are in very small cages and I am very bothered by animals having a low quality of life just so tourists can get a selfie with them The unethical treatment of animals is a heartbreaking reality in a lot of countries still.

Read: AN OPEN APOLOGY FOR USING UNETHICAL ANIMAL EXPERIENCES

Get A Henna Tattoo From A Local Woman

While in the house, you’ll have the opportunity to get beautiful henna done! It was incredibly cheap and the women are such talented artists.

They will paint a wonderfully intricate design in a matter of minutes. It lasted for the rest of the trip and didn’t wash off until I was back home!

Shop at unique, local shops

Aside from the Nubian house and camel rides, the village is mostly little market shops.

Be prepared to haggle– we paid less than half of what the original asking price was!

Our guide was the one who helped us haggle an appropriate price since I’ve never been great at haggling! I’m always too friendly and cave too quickly.

When vendors recognized us as Americans, they would assume we had more money and therefore drive up the price. Our guide frequently told us to say we were from the United Kingdom instead of the United States because of the perception held about US citizens by Egyptians.

So have fun shopping but don’t be afraid to haggle! If you stop by the beautiful spice stand, the kind gentleman we met was happy to explain in great detail (and with lots of enthusiasm!!) about each of the colored spices. Aren’t they beautiful?!

Connect with local people

Although some of the Nubian village certainly exists for tourists, it is still a great opportunity to connect with people from other cultures and learn about a different way of life.

For instance, our camel guide was a delight! We asked him all about our camels, the Nubian village, and overall just had a great time talking with him.

Be curious, ask questions, show genuine interest in the people and you will have a fantastic time

Affordable with TourRadar

Now there are multiple ways you can book this excursion. Search on TripAdvisor, ask your guide or see if your Nile cruise offers it as an add on excursion.

If you have booked the “Essential Egypt” trip with TourRadar like I did, it will only be a $40 add on. Other companies charge $70 or more.

Overall, a worthwhile experience

As the sun began to set and we caught the boat back to our ship, our hearts were so full from the wonderful interactions we had at this Nubian village. Were parts a bit touristy? Perhaps, yes. But the people were genuine and we had a great day with our guide exploring this little village.

Joyful and memorable, this was one of our favorite days in Egypt. I highly recommend it.

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions in the comments below!

Travel Egypt isn’t always easy but it’s definitely worth it, I highly recommend booking with TOURRADAR.

I booked the Essential Egypt tour with TourRadar. The Nubian Village in Egypt visit was included in my package. You can search the tours here.

My Egypt Trip With TourRadar

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More on Egypt?

• HOW TO TRAVEL EGYPT ON A BUDGET – 8 DAY GUIDED TOUR
• EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• WHAT TO WEAR IN EGYPT: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING COMFORTABLE AND FASHIONABLE WHILE TRAVELING EGYPT

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Travel Scarf

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My favorite travel shoe!

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The post Visiting the Colorful, Enchanting Nubian Village in Egypt appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

What To Wear In Egypt

Ladies, if you’re planning a trip to Egypt anytime soon- you might find yourself standing in front of your closet feeling like you don’t know what to pack or what to wear on your trip.

Truthfully a lot of Cairo is modern, though still more conservative. And if you plan on only visiting tourist sites, much of the wardrobe you have at home could work.

But when I found myself in the market alone or in more rural parts of Egypt, I was desperately wishing I had packed more suitable clothing to blend in and cover myself.

It was very obvious I was an American tourist and I received a lot of unwanted attention my first day. I wish I had known what to wear in Egypt to avoid standing out in such a bad way. I was catcalled aggressively when alone.

Read

So that same day, I made up my mind to purchase some local clothing to feel more covered, despite the fact that I was already wearing a maxi skirt and t-shirt.

If I had packed the right clothing ahead of time, I could have avoided feeling uncomfortable that first afternoon.

As a female traveling alone through Egypt, I felt most comfortable when my arms, stomach and shoulders were covered. Depending where I was, I sometimes felt more comfortable covering my hair.

If you go with a tour group (especially one with guys) you won’t be subject to as much hassling. However, if you plan to do any solo traveling as I did or if you plan to be away from any tourist hot spots, there are some clothing considerations to take in mind.

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So if you’re also planning a trip to Egypt, do yourself a favor and pack things that will make you feel comfortable, confident AND fashionable when you wear them.

If you’re looking for a place to start shopping, I can recommend a few outfits for your trip

 I get asked so frequently for clothing suggestions for Egypt, the Middle East and the Holy Lands that I’ve dedicated an entire section on my Amazon Storefront!

Just click on the images below and have fun shopping!

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses provide excellent comfort for traveling- plus they photograph well!

A variety of scarves, accessories, and a different top over the dress can make a maxi dress a very versatile item- making packing light a breeze!

Button Up Dress

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3/4 Sleeve Green Maxi Dress

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Peach Maxi Dress

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Purple Floral Maxi Dress

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Scarves

I never left the hotel without a scarf in Egypt! If I was alone and in a more rural area, I would cover my head. If I was in a tourist destination, I wore it for a pop of color with my outfit!

Bring one or two scarves with you but plan on shopping for some while you are there!

Cute scarves are for sale everywhere in Egypt and very affordable.

Two piece sets

I packed several two piece sets for Egypt because they provide such versatility! I obviously love the sets together, but it’s easy to mix and match the pieces for more outfit options when packing light.

When relaxing on our Nile river cruise or exploring tourist destinations, I felt more comfortable with my arms bare. But I always kept a scarf in my in my bag to toss on and cover up!

Green Two Piece Set

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Shoes

I absolutely love these sandals by Minnetonka Moccasins and they’re a Minnesota brand! My home state!

I wore these shoes every single day in Egypt. They are comfortable, easy to walk in and looked great with every outfit.

If I wasn’t wearing my sandals, I wore my tan combat boots around Egypt. These were the only two shoes I packed and it was plenty!

The sandals can be dressed up for a nice dinner and the combat boots can be worn if it gets chilly in the evening. You’ll be doing a lot of walking so you want to make sure you’re comfortable!

Otherwise, my go to travel shoe is usually a pair of birkenstocks! They are comfortable, durable and can be dressed up or down. They pair well with everything from locally bought outfits to denim shorts to sun dresses.

Birkenstocks

My favorite travel shoe!

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Khaki Tops and Pants

The khaki top I packed for Egypt was one of my essentials! I would tie it at the waist over a maxi dress or pair it with my two piece sets when I didn’t want to have my shoulders bare.

Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly in Egypt so it’s a good idea to dress in layers! The khaki is stylish and goes with anything!

Accessories

I purchased scarves and two purses locally but the rest of my accessories, I shopped for before I left!

Instead of the same jewelry I wear at home, I came to Egypt with a few cute head pieces and I wore them all the time!

You can’t go wrong with a classic tan hat for your travels! They photograph well and help to complete any outfit. (Or hide any messy traveler’s hair!) This particular hat is my favorite that I’ve ever owned.

Purses

I purchased one of these tan, wicker bags while I was in Bali (they are everywhere there!) but you can also find them on Amazon now and they make the perfect travel bag for Egypt!

I love the look of the round bags but they don’t hold as much. If you like to pack a lot in your purse every day, try this one!

Books

Leading up to any trip, I enjoy reading books, watching movies and listening to music about a destination. Before you go to Egypt, you should definitely consider reading The Alchemist.

A brilliant, life changing book full of life lessons.

Without giving too much away, it’s tells the story a young shepherd boy who sells his sheep and sets off on a great adventure to the Pyramids of Egypt.

It’s the most profound book I’ve ever read. It’s a quick read – I read it cover to cover for the second time on my flight to Egypt. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Camera

If you haven’t already upgraded from cell phone photography to a DSLR camera, you might want to consider it before your trip to Egypt!

I personally shoot with the Canon 80D.

While it is definitely an investment to make a camera purchase, if you’re serious about travel photography- you won’t regret it!

Shop Local

It’s important to go prepared with the right clothing so you feel comfortable and confident on your trip but as always, I suggest leaving a little room in your suitcase to shop locally!

Be sure to check out the market Khan el-Khalili in Cairo for some great local finds!

Haggling

Egypt is particularly affordable and it’s a great way to support merchants there as well. While hassling happens a lot in the markets, haggling can be quite fun!

Typically whatever price they set, offer half then go from there!

Have fun haggling

If you used any of my shopping tips for your trip- send me a picture through email or Instagram and I’ll feature it on my account!

Have fun traveling

Want more on Egypt? Keep reading:

• EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• HOW TO TRAVEL EGYPT ON A BUDGET – 8 DAY GUIDED TOUR
• VISITING EGYPT’S NUBIAN VILLAGE
• 17 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOUR VISIT TO CAIRO, EGYPT

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The post What to Wear in Egypt: A Women’s Guide To Feeling Comfortable and Fashionable While Traveling Egypt appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.