In This Blog:
- Trip Background
- Cairo: Where Ancient History Meets Modern Life
- Photo Journey
- Cairo Sheraton
- Feluccas
- Khan el-Khalili Market
- Pyramids
- Pyramid of Djoser Background
- Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Background
- Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square
- Background
- Coptic Area and Cave Church
- Pink Bear Retirement Vacation Rating
- Final Thoughts and Tips
Trip Background
Egypt had been on our travel calendar for a very long time. We originally planned this journey for 2020, but like so many trips during that year, it was cancelled because of COVID. For three years, the pyramids, temples, tombs, and treasures of ancient Egypt remained just beyond our reach. When we finally arrived in May 2023, it felt like much more than the beginning of another vacation—it felt like the completion of a journey years in the making.
You can read all about our journeys on https://pinkbearjourney.com/
You can also find our Egypt journey on https://pinkbearjourney.com/egypt-adventures/
Our General Egypt Itinerary:
- Cairo (3 days)
- Hurghada (2 days)
- Viking Ra Pharaoh’s & Pyramids (11 days)
- Cairo (2 days)
Cairo: Where Ancient History Meets Modern Life
Cairo is a city where thousands of years of history exist alongside the energy and activity of modern life. Although the present city was founded in the 10th century, the surrounding area has been at the center of Egyptian civilization since ancient times. The pyramids of Giza stand just beyond the city, while Islamic mosques, Coptic churches and historic neighborhoods reveal the many cultures and eras that have shaped Cairo.
Today, Cairo is Egypt’s sprawling and often chaotic capital. Crowded streets, constant traffic and busy neighborhoods give the city an unmistakable energy. At the same time, the Nile continues to flow through its center, connecting modern Cairo with the river that has sustained Egyptian life for thousands of years.
We had a few days on our own before we joined the Viking Pharaoh’s and Pyramids tour. For Cairo-based independent sightseeing we selected private tours since we wanted to get the most out of this foreign country. At our age and for a personal upscale experience private tours are the way to go. For this trip Pink Bear chose, and we could not have been happier with them. Not only were our tour guide and driver first-rate, but we have stayed in touch with both over the years. In addition, Deluxe Tours went out of their way to assist us when we had a near catastrophe. More about that later in the blog.
Cairo based Independent Tours were arranged through Deluxe Tours:
- Sunset Nile River cruise on a felucca
- El Fayoum day trip
- Alexandria day trip
- Coptic Quarter
Viking Cairo Tours:
- Citadel
- Egyptian Museum
- Khan el-Khalili market and dinner
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
A walk around Cairo by the Sheraton.
We enjoyed our time in Cairo, although the traffic and crowds can be overwhelming. There are virtually no traffic signals and lanes appear to be just a suggestion. It is hard to cross the street if you are not used to it. Locals may approach to help and will expect a tip if you accept. If you are not interested, then do not engage. As with any big city be aware of your surroundings and stay in the main tourist areas. We walked around a little during the day and did not have any issues. Modest dress for women is advised. I am petite blonde and I did not have any issues walking around the city in modest shorts.
Cairo Sheraton
Once we decided where we wanted to go, we decided where to stay. For this trip accommodations included cruise cabin and hotels. For the pre-cruise hotel in Cairo, we chose the Sheraton, since that was the hotel for the cruise package and we would not have to change rooms upon joining the Viking tour portion.
We were very pleased with the Cairo Sheraton. It is centrally located on the Nile River, and many rooms have beautiful views. I had reserved a suite with a Nile view. When we arrived we not only received our request but were upgraded to one of the largest suites on a top floor. In addition, they allowed us to stay in the same suite during our Viking portion. All the staff we encountered were very helpful. The hotel has several restaurants, a spa and fitness center, and a wonderful Club Lounge for suite guests and Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members and above.
Sheraton Cairo exterior views and pool
Our beautiful suite at the Sheraton Cairo.
Pink Bear was very comfortable and really enjoyed the food.
The view from our suite. It was spectacular.
The Sheraton Cairo Club Lounge
The Club Lounge at the Sheraton was one of the best we have encountered. Located on the 26th floor it is a beautiful inviting space with large windows and a 360-degree view of the Nile River. There was a complimentary daily breakfast, all-day light snacks, hot/cold beverages, and a nightly happy hour from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Feluccas on the Nile
Feluccas are traditional wooden sailboats that have traveled along the Nile for centuries. Their simple design and large triangular sails offer a peaceful way to experience the river and provide a welcome contrast to the noise and traffic of Cairo.
Pink Bear thoroughly enjoyed our sunset felucca tour on the Nile and we highly recommend it for a relaxing evening. The felucca journey was arranged by Deluxe Tours. Our guide Zenaty provided lots of history and a great introduction to Egyptian Muslim life.
Views of Cairo from our felucca
Sunset views on the Nile.
Khan el-Khalili Market
Khan el-Khalili is Cairo’s famous historic marketplace, dating back to the 14th century. Its winding lanes are filled with shops selling spices, jewelry, lanterns, perfumes, textiles and souvenirs. Exploring the crowded market offers a colorful and sometimes overwhelming glimpse into Cairo’s long tradition of trade and everyday street life.
We recommend a visit to this market. There are so many vendors with unique items to purchase. As previously noted, they will attempt to get tourists to buy their wares. Be firm and polite if not interested. Also, bargaining is common in Egypt so be prepared for this. Even if you are not interested in shopping it is quite a spectacle. The vendors and local wares are sights unto themselves. We also had a lovely dinner in a restaurant at the Market. It was arranged by Viking. We really enjoyed the food in Egypt.
Market Vendors
Market Area
Sufi Whirling
Khan el-Khalili Market area after dark.
Dinner at the Market. We really enjoyed the food in Egypt.
Pyramid of Djoser
The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, was built at Saqqara around 2650 BC for Pharaoh Djoser. Designed by the architect Imhotep, it is considered the earliest large stone monument in Egypt and an important first step toward the later pyramids at Giza. Its six stacked levels rise above a large complex of temples, courtyards, and ceremonial buildings.
The first pyramid we visited as part of our Viking cruise tour was the Pyramid of Djoser. It is believed to be the oldest pyramid in Egypt. We visited the funerary temple complex where it is located. We entered the main gateway and toured the complex and viewed the pyramid. It was a fascinating experience.
Gateway into the Saqqara complex
Inside one of the Old Kingdom elite tombs, known as a mastaba, which are scattered throughout the Saqqara Necropolis.
It was one of our favorite experiences.
The Saqqara complex and Step Pyramid of Djoser
Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
The Giza Plateau, located just outside Cairo, is home to three of Egypt’s most famous pyramids. Built more than 4,500 years ago as royal tombs, the pyramids were constructed for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and is the only surviving wonder of the ancient world.
Nearby, the Great Sphinx stands guard over the plateau. Carved from a single mass of limestone, it has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, most likely Khafre. Together, the pyramids and the Sphinx remain powerful symbols of ancient Egypt and the extraordinary skill of its builders.
Giza was one of the highlights of our trip. Those iconic pyramids that are pictured in the travel advertisements are what we picture when planning a trip to Egypt. The tour to the Giza plateau was organized by Viking. They did a nice job with the arrangement, and it included a camel ride. The camel guides will take fun pictures with your cell phone but be prepared to give them a tip. We brought USD singles for tipping the local guides.
It was a bit of a challenge getting on and off the camel, but it was worth it. The camels kneel so riders can get on and off, and guides are there to help. However, the movement as the camel rises and lowers can feel surprisingly steep, so hold on securely. We tipped the guide well for taking the cute pictures on the camel in front of the pyramids.
Keep in mind that there will be vendors at the pyramids and elsewhere trying to sell their wares, be polite but insistent and do not engage if you are not interested. We were advised to say “La, Shukan” to the vendors if we were not interested. That is readily understood.
Tom leading the way to the pyramids.
Giza pyramids and camels.
Fun pyramid pictures. The guides were great about taking these pictures.
The Sphinx
The pyramids were iconic but there is so much more to this amazing country.
Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square
Coptic Area and Cave Church
Coptic Cairo is one of the oldest and most historic areas of the city. It is home to several important Christian landmarks. The area reflects Egypt’s long Christian history and is traditionally connected with the journey of the Holy Family through Egypt.
The Cave Church, officially known as the Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, is carved into the Mokattam Mountain. It is located near the community of the Zabbaleen, Cairo’s traditional garbage collectors, and can hold thousands of worshippers. The enormous church, dramatic stone carvings, and unusual setting make it one of Cairo’s most memorable religious sites.
Visiting this part of Cairo showed us a very different side of the city. The historic churches were peaceful and atmospheric, while the enormous Cave Church and its setting inside Mokattam Mountain were unlike anything we had seen before.
The Coptic Area was beautiful and very unique.
The Cave Church. A fascinating experience.
Pink Bear Retirement Vacation Rating:
⭐ Retirement Comfort Level: 7/10 – There is a good deal of walking on uneven surfaces so the tours could pose a challenge for people with disabilities, also the heat could be a challenge.
⭐ Adventure Level: Moderate/Active
⭐ Pink Bear Approved: Yes
Final Thoughts and Tips
Cairo and the pyramids far exceeded our expectations. One of the most meaningful parts of the journey was meeting the Egyptian people. Nearly everyone we encountered was welcoming, helpful and proud to share their country with us. Our conversations also gave us a better understanding of everyday life and challenged some of our preconceived ideas about Egypt.
- Allow extra time in Cairo before or after a cruise because there is so much to see.
- Cairo is a large, crowded city with considerable traffic.
- Stay within the principal tourist areas and remain aware of your surroundings.
- Crossing busy streets can be intimidating because traffic signals are limited and lanes often seem like suggestions.
- Many historic sites require walking over uneven ground and may be challenging for travelers with mobility limitations.
- The heat can be intense, so consider traveling during the cooler winter months.
- Bring small U.S. dollar bills for tips.
- We were very pleased with the Sheraton Cairo and Deluxe Tours.
- For a relaxing evening, we highly recommend a sunset felucca ride on the Nile.
- We also highly recommend our guide, Zanaty, who has since established his own tour company.