For my husband Lakshit’s birthday this year, I wanted to do something unforgettable — and Egypt gave us exactly that.
From waking up to the pyramids in Giza, horse riding on the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh, to cruising along the Nile in Cairo — this trip gave us history, adventure, celebration, and plenty of firsts.
We traveled from June 8th to June 13th, and this blog captures the real experience — the good, the overwhelming, the magical, and the memories we made along the way.
Giza: Waking Up Next to the Pyramids
We started our Egyptian journey in Giza — and it couldn’t have been more magical.
We stayed for two nights at Seven Pyramid View Inn, a modest but perfectly located hotel right next to the pyramids’ ticket counter. No taxis, no waiting — just a few steps from our room and we were standing in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Our room had a direct view, and the rooftop gave us front-row access to the Sound & Light Show every evening — at no extra cost!
What I loved most? The natural stone interiors that kept the room cool and comfortable, even in the scorching June heat. We also booked our local tour right from the hotel reception, which made exploring smooth and stress-free. The hotel staff — like almost every Egyptian we met — were warm, friendly, and always happy to help.
June weather tip: It’s hot during the day (think dry desert heat), but nights are surprisingly cool and breezy — perfect for sipping chai on the rooftop.
What we did in Giza:
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Explored the Great Pyramid & the Sphinx
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Took a camel ride through the desert (touristy, yes — but unforgettable!)
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Watched the sunset with a cup of chai from the rooftop
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Shopped at local ittar/perfume shops — a must-do! These traditional perfumeries sell handcrafted oil-based ittars, including amazing dupes of luxury scents like Chanel, Gucci, and more. They’re unique, long-lasting, and perfect to take back as gifts.
And most of all, the Egyptian people made it special — their warmth, generosity, and friendly smiles stayed with us long after we left.
Sharm El Sheikh: Beachside Birthdays & Underwater Adventures
After soaking in Egypt’s ancient wonders, we flew to Sharm El Sheikh for two nights of beachside bliss — and to celebrate Lakshit’s birthday in style.
We stayed at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort, a luxurious escape with palm trees, sea views, and the kind of atmosphere that immediately makes you relax. Everything about Sharm — from the ocean breeze and adventure sports to nightlife and music — felt like stepping into a whole new world.
What we loved in Sharm El Sheikh:
Horse Riding & a Sunset Photoshoot
We booked a sunset horse ride on the beach — one of the most romantic, dreamy things we’ve ever done. The lighting was perfect, and we even got a little photoshoot out of it. Pure magic.
Scuba Diving in the Red Sea
Lakshit went scuba diving for the first time and came back absolutely raving about it. The trainers were helpful and friendly, and the underwater world — coral reefs, colorful fish — was just incredible.
Techno Party Under the Stars
Sharm surprised us with its nightlife. We stumbled into an open-air techno party that went on until late — the music, the vibe, the people, and the stars overhead made it a night to remember.
Dress Code Tip:
Unlike Cairo and Giza, Sharm is very relaxed. I wore a bikini at the beach and pool and felt completely comfortable. It’s a resort town, built for tourists and beach bums.
Cairo: Culture, Chaos & The Nile
For the last leg of our trip, we headed to Cairo, Egypt’s bustling, history-rich capital.
Cairo is energetic and chaotic, filled with stories — but it’s definitely a bit intense if you’re not used to the pace. The city leans more conservative, especially in places like markets, mosques, and museums, so I dressed modestly — covering shoulders and knees when heading out.
We stayed at the Grand Nile Tower, which gave us a welcome pause from the city rush. Our room overlooked the Nile River, and the view at night — city lights dancing on the water — was absolutely magical.
Highlights in Cairo:
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Visiting the Egyptian Museum — a treasure trove for any history lover
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Exploring the local bazaars — packed with spices, souvenirs, and stories
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Taking a quiet evening stroll along the Nile
Would I spend more time in Cairo next time? Maybe not — but I’m really glad we ended our journey here. It gave us a moment to reflect, soak in the culture, and close the trip on a thoughtful note.
Food & Friendly Faces
The people of Egypt? Absolutely lovely.
Everywhere we went — Giza, Sharm, Cairo — we were greeted with warmth, smiles, and genuine kindness. Whether it was hotel staff helping with tours or strangers guiding us in markets, there was this comforting hospitality that stayed with us.
Food, however, was a bit challenging for me as a vegetarian. Egyptian cuisine is delicious but heavily meat-based. It was sometimes tricky finding purely veg meals at local spots.
Lifesaver moment: I found a Pizza Hut in Giza, and basically survived on veggie pizza and fries for two days. If you’re vegetarian, I’d recommend packing snacks or researching veg-friendly places in advance.
Cost & Quick Travel Tips
Is Egypt expensive?
Not really. Once you’re there, entry tickets, transport, and local food are quite affordable. The bigger expenses are flights and hotel stays, especially in places like Sharm.
Quick tips:
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Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency — but we carried US Dollars, and they were widely accepted, especially in hotels, tours, and souvenir shops. Still, keep some local currency (EGP) handy for tips, local transport, and small vendors. -
Transport: Uber in Cairo, taxis or hotel shuttles in Sharm. -
Best time to visit: October to April is ideal. June is hot but manageable. -
Packing list: Light cotton clothes, sunscreen, scarf, sunglasses, swimwear, and comfortable shoes.
Final Thoughts
Egypt gave us more than just a vacation — it gave us moments we’ll hold in our hearts forever.
From pyramids and perfumes in Giza, to sunsets and scuba dives in Sharm, and finally the historic hum of Cairo, it was a journey packed with soul, sand, and celebration.
Would we go again?
In a heartbeat.
