Hello First name / friend!

 

This summer I went to Egypt. It’s been in my dreams for a lifetime. My grandfather spent a lot of his life sailing around the world, and while I have many photos of him from those travels, the one of him in front of the pyramids was always my fav. It was this iconic explorer image that inspired me as a traveler since I was a child and reminded me why I wanted to see the world for myself.

 

My grandfather didn’t have to battle crowds to take in these ancient sites decades and decades ago, and neither did I. Standing in awe of pyramids and tombs with hardly a soul around is something hard to explain. 

 

Which led me to one of my biggest takeaways: Egypt is one of the best destinations I’ve experienced for groups. The most extraordinary moments often cost the same whether you’re two people or twenty…meaning you and your favorite people can have the pyramids, temples, and Nile to yourselves in a way that's breathtaking and life-changing.

 

Below I’ll share the highlights from my trip, takeaways, where I’d stay, and why now is a great time to go.

 

 

The pyramids and Sphinx at sunrise — arrive in the dark, watch the sun rise over the pyramids, then spend hours wandering and taking in the weight of history in the quiet….ahem…I mean, no one else around. The park is just for you and yours.

 

Islamic Quarter & Khan el-Khalili — winding through small streets, visiting mosques and hammams without crowds, and learning the history of old Cairo. If you love a bazaar, Khan el-Khalili is worth seeing (but those in Luxor are better for picking up locally made souvenirs).

 

Chartering a dahabiya on the Nile — a classic sailboat straight out of another era. No engines, just the silence of the river and cabins with glass windows at water level. Drifting between temples before the crowds arrive is magic.

 

A hot air balloon ride over Luxor — floating above tombs and temples with the desert stretching out below.

 

Valley of the Kings after hours — these tombs are long pathways into mountains covered in extremely well-preserved hieroglyphics. After-hours, your guide takes you and your group to several tombs, walking you through their significance. A completely different experience from the daytime (think, blazing hot crammed in tight tunnels and guides aren’t allowed to talk due to the gasses from our mouths deteriorating the walls). If a privatized viewing isn’t in your budget, I have an alternative that’s a good middle ground.

 

A private dinner in Hatshepsut’s Temple — thousands of years of history as your backdrop, in the temple of one of Egypt’s greatest builders (and a female pharaoh). Her story is unique, her temple astounding, and a candlelit dinner here is spectacular.

 

The best experiences are group-friendly. You get the same access whether you’re two or twenty, which makes this one of the most rewarding places in the world to share with your people.

 

It’s safe. After incidents in the 90s, Egypt made huge changes to protect travelers. Tourism is vital here, and I felt comfortable throughout my trip. Groups often have a dedicated guard, but even without, security is everywhere and reassuring.

 

Airports are chaotic. Airport greeters are an upgrade I’d highly recommend. For groups, chartering private aviation to move between regions is very accessible.

 

Hotels have quirks. Smoking and wall-to-wall carpet are still common, and some hotels carry an “antique” aroma. If that’s not your thing, I can steer you to the right places.

 

Egypt is still incredibly affordable, but I don’t expect it to stay that way beyond the next couple of years.

Giza Palace — a new urban resort close to the pyramids with an impressive Egyptian art program and excellent food & drink. A great option if you want to bypass Cairo’s chaos.

 

Four Seasons at Nile Plaza (Cairo) — polished, comfortable, and the best base for exploring the city with Nile views. Certain rooms are much better than others, as they’re mid-renovation…I can guide you on what to book.

 

On the Nile: a dahabiya — the most elegant way to sail. With your own early 20th-century boat and crew, it’s perfect for groups: intimate, unhurried, and straight out of another era. Typically between 5-15 cabins set up for double occupancy. Consider Gaia, Nur el Nil, or the highly anticipated dahabiya from Al Moudira, Set Nefru.

 

BenBen (Aswan) — built into the rocks on the river, a boutique stay that’s not overly luxurious but entirely memorable before you board your Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor.

 

Al Moudira (Luxor) — exotic, hypnotic, soulful. One of my favorite hotels on the planet, and recently included as one of the most beautiful on the Prix Versailles list. Every detail feels personal, and this is a perfect place to finish out your journey with relaxation, spa treatments, and exploring the Egyptian countryside.

 

Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh — if you want to throw in some coastal time, end your adventure here with some of the world’s best snorkeling on the Red Sea.

 

Egypt has been calling many of you. I know, because you’ve told me. And it can be complicated to pull together on your own …plus, this is one place you'll want an insider's edge.

 

So gather your crew and let’s make it happen. This is the trip where you get to experience history in the company of those you most want by your side. And right now, the value is incredible.