I embarked on my first international journey as a solo traveler to Egypt, a country that captivated me (and still captivates me) since childhood. It was a dream come true to explore its rich history and witness its magnificent wonders. I decided to take this journey during a transitional period of my life. I gave myself four days to explore the ancient city as a solo traveler.
Although I was filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety, I was determined to make this trip memorable. To ensure my safety and maximize my experience, I booked private tours (see links throughout this article) and chose to stay at the esteemed Nile Ritz-Carlton hotel. It turned out to be an incredible decision. The hotel’s reputation for security and luxury was spot-on.
Solo Trip day 1: tour the Egyptian Pyramids
Day one, I decided to visit the pyramids and sphinx in Giza. I booked an 8-hour private tour and had a blast! The tour included an opportunity for me to see the pyramids and ride a camel. While in Giza, I visited some nearby shops, including a paper store, a jewelry store and a fragrance shop that sold perfumes and oils known for their soothing properties, such as frankincense and myrrh.
Afterwards, I explored the amazing Egyptian Museum, where learned even more about Egypt and its rich history. Following the museum visit, my tour guide and I headed to a local diner for lunch, where I had the pleasure of meeting another solo traveler from Zimbabwe. It was a great experience exchanging cultural insights and our reasons for journeying on a solo trip to Egypt.
Later in the day, my tour guide and I ventured into the bustling bazaar. Navigating the bazaar can be a bit tricky. Many people vie for your attention. If you have ever traveled internationally and explored one of these markets, you know it can be very challenging to find your way around without local guidance.
As the day came to a close, I returned to my hotel, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and watched the live entertainment. The hotel had an awesome lineup of nightly entertainment.
Solo TrIp Itinerary day 2: Dinner Overlooking The Nile River
The second day, I headed to the airport to claim my luggage. (That’s right, my luggage was lost. Make sure you pack an extra set of clothes). Retrieving lost luggage at the airport was far from a smooth process. Although I was frustrated, I chose to focus on the the fact that my luggage had arrived. At least I’d be able to wear the clothes packed for my adventures in Cairo. With two days ahead, I was determined to keep my spirits high and enjoy my time in Egypt.
After collecting my luggage, I decided to have dinner at Vivo, a beautiful Italian restaurant overlooking the Nile River at my hotel. The food was delicious. After dinner, I decided to walk around to the hotel to see all of its beauty. Unfortunately, the rooftop was closed but the rest of the hotel was magical. When you visit, check out the pool at night. One level above the pool sits a full-service salon and a spa.
Solo TrIp Itinerary day 3: Photoshoot in Cairo, Egypt
Day three was worth celebrating. It happened to be my birthday. To mark this special occasion, I decided to kickstart the day with a photo shoot. I booked a professional photographer through a fantastic company called Flytographer. Flytographer is a great source for travelers who want to capture memories from their travels safely and with a vetted photographer. As a solo traveler, it was important for me to have photos of Egypt (with me in them).
After the photo shoot, my plan was to return to my hotel, have lunch on the rooftop, indulge in a spa experience, and conclude the day with dinner on the Nile River. However, my day took an unexpected but exciting turn. My driver, who I booked through the hotel’s concierge, stayed on location for the duration of my photo shoot. After learning it was my birthday, he insisted that I see more of his hometown. So, he took me on an extensive tour of Cairo. We visited the Military Museum in the Citadel, the Muhammed Ali Mosque, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
After wrapping up the day tour, I returned to the hotel for a rejuvenating full-body massage and scrub at the spa. The massage was the perfect transition from the bustling city (and the traffic) to the calm current of the Nile River.
On the dinner cruise, I met another traveler who also decided to take a solo trip to Egypt. She was visiting from Texas and meeting relatives for the first time. We decided to dine together, which made my birthday even more special. Afterward, I headed back to my hotel to prepare for an early start to day four of my trip.
Solo TrIp Itinerary day 4: <24 hrs in Luxor, Egypt
Day four, I flew Luxor, a city rich in history and ancient wonders. I booked private Private Trip from Cairo to Luxor by Plane (this link allows you to reserve now, pay later). The moment I landed in Luxor, I was greeted by a phenomenal egyptologist who shared an abundance of knowledge about the sites throughout the day. The adventure began with a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. It was inspiring to explore the tombs of pharaohs; each with unique stories.
To add a touch of natural beauty, I took a motor boat down the majestic Nile River, leading to Banana Island. The island was a delightful surprise, with lush banana groves and a zoo.
My exploration continued to the remarkable Temple of Hatshepsut, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture. The colossal statues of Memnon stood like impressive guardians. However, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly Luxor Temple with its magnificent columns. The Temple of Karnak was another marvel that left me in awe. This day was an incredible immersion into another piece of Egypt’s history.
The day was filled with unforgettable experiences, including a visit to a pottery shop. There, I purchased beautiful vases and sculptures as keepsakes to cherish the memories in Luxor.
If you’re considering taking a solo trip to Egypt, you’re a step ahead. My first solo travel experience was a success! I learned far more than I ever imagined. My only regret was not staying longer. I cannot wait to visit Cairo again!
One thought on “Solo Trip: Itinerary for Cairo, Egypt”
Comments are closed.