Egypt: From a Roane Travel Designers Point Of View

Egypt – Through the eyes of Elizabeth Roane, Travel Designer at Roane Travel Design

Egypt is a destination that calls to the curious, the history-lovers, and the seekers of wonder. With its majestic pyramids, timeless Nile River, bustling souks, and extraordinary archaeological sites, it’s a place where the past feels incredibly alive. 

When Roane Travel Designer Elizabeth Roane set out to explore Egypt, she didn’t just check boxes – she experienced Egypt with intention. And now, you can too. With the right guide, a curated itinerary, and an open heart, Egypt reveals itself not only as an iconic destination, but a soulful journey through time.

Journey Egypt, through Elizabeth’s eyes

First Stop: The Magic of Cairo

Our adventure began in Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital where past and present intertwine. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by our private guide and Egyptologist, who proved to be invaluable assets who brought each historical site to life with context, stories and local insights.

During our three-night stay in the capital, we explored both Islamic and Coptic Cairo, followed by sacred landmarks like the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. These fascinating stops revealed the city’s diverse religious heritage and its long-standing role as a cultural crossroads.

Wandering down Moez Street, one of the oldest streets in Cairo, and browsing the vibrant Khan El Khalili Market, offered a sensory immersion into everyday Egyptian life. A private Egyptian cooking class provided an unexpectedly delightful highlight, blending culinary fun with authentic cultural exchange. At a papyrus workshop, I even tried my hand at hieroglyphics, an educational and interactive experience ideal for families and curious travelers alike.

Ancient Wonders: Sakkara and the Great Pyramids

No trip to Egypt is complete without standing before the Pyramids of Giza—and they are even more awe-inspiring in person. But before reaching Giza, we explored Sakkara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt and a groundbreaking precursor to the grand pyramids that followed. Nearby, a visit to the Nile Carpet School offered a different but equally fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s legacy of artistry. Here, skilled artisans, many of them from generations of weavers in the Sakkara region craft exquisite handwoven rugs using techniques passed down for centuries. These carpets are more than decorative pieces; they represent a living tradition of craftsmanship that has flourished in Egypt since antiquity.

In Giza, the scale of the pyramids is simply staggering. We took a camel ride along the desert’s edge, circling the site for panoramic views of the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the vast golden landscape beyond – it’s a perspective that brings the sheer magnitude of the monuments into sharper focus. We followed this unforgettable experience with lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the plateau, where the ancient and modern worlds meet in breathtaking contrast. Later, a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum added rich context, showcasing a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts and offering a glimpse into Egypt’s next chapter in cultural preservation.

Cairo by Night: Flavors and Stories

To experience Cairo like a local, we embarked on a guided food tour after dark. Street vendors and neighborhood eateries served up a medley of flavors, culminating in Abou Tarek, famed for its koshary, Egypt’s beloved comfort food. This culinary adventure was one of the most authentic ways to understand the heart of the city.

Nile Cruise: Luxury Meets Living History

From Cairo, we flew to Luxor, often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum. Boarding a luxury river cruise, we set sail down the Nile for four unforgettable nights. The experience was pure magic – gliding along the water while stepping ashore to explore some of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.

We began on Luxor’s East Bank, home to the majestic Karnak Temple, a vast complex of towering columns, statues, and hieroglyph-covered halls, and the illuminated Luxor Temple, breathtaking at twilight.

One of the most surreal moments of my journey was an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. As the sun rose over ancient tombs and the Nile shimmered below, time seemed to stand still. This is the bucket-list experience I recommend to every traveler.

On the West Bank, our journey into ancient Thebes began with the awe-inspiring Temple of Hatshepsut. Carved into the base of towering cliffs, its elegant colonnades and grand terraces honor one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Nearby, the Ramesseum—Ramses II’s mortuary temple—offered a quieter, more contemplative experience, with its fallen colossus and weathered reliefs hinting at the grandeur that once was. But it was in the Valley of the Kings that Egypt’s eternal legacy came to life in the most striking way. We descended into the tomb of Seti I, where remarkably preserved hieroglyphs and vibrant wall paintings still pulse with color after more than three thousand years. Every inch of the tomb seemed to speak, telling stories of gods, kings, and the journey to the afterlife with an artistry that felt astonishingly alive. We also visited the tombs of Nefertari and Tutankhamun—each unique in scale and design—but Seti I’s resting place stood out as a true masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship. The Valley itself, where over 60 pharaohs and nobles have been laid to rest, felt like a sacred archive of Egypt’s royal past, etched into the desert rock.

Continuing south, we visited the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus, and the unique Kom Ombo Temple, honoring both the crocodile god Sobek and falcon god Horus the Elder. These temples are often quieter than those in Luxor but are just as rich in beauty and history.

Aswan and Abu Simbel: A Grand Finale

Our cruise ended in Aswan, a serene city famed for its Nubian culture and striking desert-meets-river landscapes. Highlights included a tour of the Aswan High Dam, the elegant Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island, and the Unfinished Obelisk, a glimpse into ancient construction techniques and another unexpected highlight of the trip. 

A short flight took us to Abu Simbel, home to the jaw-dropping twin temples built by Ramses II. The sheer size and precision of these structures, relocated stone by stone in the 1960s to avoid submersion by Lake Nasser, is a testament to both ancient and modern engineering brilliance. After this unforgettable day trip, we returned to Aswan and checked into the iconic Old Cataract Hotel—a perfect retreat after several exhilarating days along the Nile. With its lush gardens, sweeping views of the river, and timeless elegance, the hotel offered a welcome pause. We especially loved knowing it was where Agatha Christie stayed while writing Death on the Nile, adding a touch of literary romance to an already magical stay.

Cairo Revisited: Museums and Meaning

Returning to Cairo for our final day, we explored two of Egypt’s most significant museums. At the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, we viewed the royal mummies in a beautifully curated, state-of-the-art exhibit. We then visited the Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun’s treasures and countless other archaeological marvels. These institutions deepened my appreciation for Egypt’s layered history and ongoing efforts to preserve it.

Final Thoughts: Why Egypt Captivates

For me, travel is about transformation. It’s about finding those rare places that awaken your sense of wonder, shift your perspective, and stay with you long after you return home. Egypt was all of that and more. 

As a travel designer, I’m always seeking destinations that don’t just check boxes – they create lasting memories, stir the soul, and invite travelers into something bigger than themselves. Egypt delivered on every level. It reminded me why we explore: to be humbled, inspired, and reconnected to the stories that have shaped our world.

Travel Tips & Recommendations for Visiting Egypt

• Savor the Flavors: Don’t miss a meal at Abu Tarek in Cairo—this no-frills institution serves the best koshary in the country, a beloved Egyptian comfort food layered with rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy onions.
  
• Upgrade Your Tomb Visits: In the Valley of the Kings, go beyond the standard tombs included with general admission. Opt for access to one of the specially ticketed, better-preserved tombs—such as Seti I or Nefertari. The vivid colors and intricate details are truly unforgettable.
  
• Stay in Style: Treat yourself to a night at the historic Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan. Its timeless elegance and stunning Nile views provide the perfect setting to unwind after days of exploration.
  
• Travel with an Egyptologist: Having a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide transformed our journey. Their insights brought ancient history to life in ways that no guidebook ever could.
  
• Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum: Be sure to explore the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), now the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. It’s a breathtaking tribute to Egypt’s legacy, both ancient and enduring.

Your Journey Begins Here

I would highly recommend Egypt as your next go-to destination. IIf you’re looking for a journey that is equal parts epic and intimate, where history is alive, the experiences are immersive and the beauty is both grand and deeply personal, then Egypt is calling. And I would be honored to help you answer that call.