Trip of a Lifetime
Egypt
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May 26 - Jun 4, 2022
We contacted Kimkim to help plan a 10-day stay in Egypt only a month before our departure date. Despite the short notice, it was an amazingly perfect adventure for four adults. Upon arrival in Cairo, Mahmoud Hashem, our local liaison provided assistance at customs and escorted our party of four to our hotel via private transport. We were happy to have such a warm and thoughtful welcome after several long flights.
Our first day, we explored the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx with our charming and well-informed guide Mohamed Abu Elmagd. The following day we spent several hours in the Egyptian Museum before heading to Aswan via plane. We had an amazing three nights at the historic Old Cataract Hotel and explored the Temple at Philae and the remarkable Abu Simbel. A sunset felucca ride on the Nile was a lovely break from the heat of the day. Mohamed was warm and knowledgeable about history, local customs, and geography. His advice and assistance was greatly appreciated on several shopping excursions. He kept us on schedule but also allowed us to modify our plans based on our interests and energy levels. We could not have asked for a kinder or more enjoyable companion.
From Aswan we travelled to Luxor via private van. En route we visited Kom Ombo and learned about the crocodile-headed Sobek followed by a stop at Edfu and the marvelous temple of Horus. At Luxor we checked into the Winter Palace and over the next three days explored the unearthly Valley of the Kings, the monumental Temple of Amun at Karnak, the splendor of the Temple of Luxor, and the amazingly colored temple of Hathor at Dendarah.
We returned to Cairo via plane to attend the conference that was the original reason for our trip. Despite the heat of June, this was a dream excursion. We had a lovely guide, excellent drivers, and KimKim liaisons to meet us at each crossroad to make sure our trip was going as planned. The Egyptian people were warm, easily amused, and engaging. One’s view of history will be forever changed by their monuments, tombs, and temples. The beauty and magnificence of this early and amazing civilization makes an unforgettable impression. Every experience was breathtaking. I say that without exaggeration.
Kimkim’s suggestions and staffing via the local travel agency, Egypt Promotion Travel, were excellent. I would also like to add that this was a very affordable trip in relation to the USD. We stayed at 5-star hotels along with private transport drivers and guides at more than reasonable prices—possibly because we were traveling during the beginning of summer. Both the Old Cataract and the Winter Palace have historic architecture, large rooms, great AC, big pools, amazing service, and views of the Nile. Highly recommended.
Activity Reviews
I loved the ceiling relief of the goddess Nut giving birth to the sun.
Imagining the creative artistic wealth and literal wealth in gold and gems once upon a time in this desolate valley boggles the mind!
Not to be missed. Worth the drive. Redefines monumental.
Dear Deb
I sincerely thank you for your feedback that is priceless gift to me in particular and Kim Kim's team in general.
I am truly glad to know that you were satisfied with our travel arrangements and had great time in Egypt.
And I hope to welcome you back in the near future on a new adventure, there are still many things to visit, see and do in Egypt.
Thank you so much once again for traveling with Kim Kim.
Ibrahim