Egypt is loud in the best way—filled with color, history, heat, and heart. But it’s also soft, if you let it be. This two-week itinerary is designed for a slower kind of traveler. The kind who likes wandering through old cafés just as much as ancient tombs, who wants to watch the sunset from a sailboat as much as they want to see the pyramids.
Week One: Cairo
Cairo is loud, layered, chaotic, and completely unforgettable. Spend your first week diving into its rhythm — ancient ruins by day, candlelit cocktails by night.
What to See & Do:
Pyramids of Giza
No matter how many pictures you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the real thing. Get there early to beat the crowds and the heat. You can walk, ride camels (choose operators wisely), or even hop in a carriage. Don’t skip the Sphinx.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
If it’s open during your trip, it’s a must. This new space houses treasures from across ancient Egypt, including the full Tutankhamun collection. It’s stunning, sleek, and finally worthy of the country’s heritage.
The Citadel of Saladin & Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Perched high above Cairo, the Citadel offers a panoramic view of the sprawling city. The mosque is Ottoman in style, light-filled, and serene.
Khan el Khalili Bazaar
This market is a labyrinth of lanterns, spices, jewelry, and antiques. Bargain with a smile. Stop at El Fishawy, Cairo’s oldest café, for a mint tea or a strong coffee.
Zamalek Felouka Ride
At sunset, rent a felouka (traditional sailboat) from the Zamalek dock. Bring drinks, snacks, and music. Watch the skyline shift into golden hour. A perfect way to slow down.
Where to Stay:
Immobilia Apartments
Nile Ritz Carlton
Four Seasons - Nile Plaza
Where to Eat:
Fasahet Somaya
Koueider Ice Cream
Kebabgy Sofitel
Osteria
Galambo
Asmak Restaurant 
Where to go for Drinks:
Greek Club
Carol Bar
Crimson Bar & Grill
The Marriot Hotel Pool Room
Pub28
Mazeej Rooftop
Tamara Haus
Stores
Shahira Mehrez (by appointment only)
Anut Zamalek
Bajoochy
Atef Wassef Jewelry
Mounaya
Nagada
Week Two: Luxor, Aswan & The Nile
After Cairo’s sensory overload, fly south to Aswan - a city that feels calm, sun-drenched, and effortlessly poetic. From here, begin your journey northward (down the Nile) aboard a traditional dahabiya - a slow-sailing boat that lets you see Egypt the way it was meant to be seen: with time, quiet, and golden light.
Start in Aswan: Sun, Granite & Sacred Islands
Aswan is softer than Cairo and more relaxed than Luxor. It’s the perfect starting point to exhale.
Philae Temple
Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple sits on an island and is only accessible by boat. The carvings are delicate, the setting is cinematic, and sunset here is unforgettable.
Nubian Village Visit
A short boat ride away, visit the colorful, laid-back Nubian communities with painted houses and warm welcomes. Stop for hibiscus juice and handmade crafts.
Then, board your boat - your floating home for the next 4–6 nights.
Some of our favorites:
Set Nefru – A graceful, minimal boat with just 6 cabins. Perfect for couples or small groups. Expect beautiful design and thoughtful service.
Nour El Nil – Chic and understated. Known for its slower, off-the-beaten-path itineraries, great food, and a design-savvy crowd.
As you float north toward Luxor, each day brings a new discovery—temples rising out of the riverbanks, farmland that hasn’t changed in centuries, and starry skies that feel almost too cinematic to be real.
Disembark in Luxor, home to some of the most remarkable temples and tombs in the world like Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings.
Where to Drink & Unwind in Luxor:
Royal Bar – Sofitel Winter Palace
A jewel-box of a bar: velvet chairs, dark wood, and echoes of 1920s explorers. Order a classic cocktail and let time blur.
King’s Head Pub
Low-key, a bit quirky, and great for a casual beer after temple hopping.
Final Nights at The Moudira Hotel
Before heading home, check into the Moudira Hotel on Luxor’s West Bank—a wildly romantic property filled with mosaics, domes, hidden courtyards, and blooming gardens.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to do nothing but rest, read, swim, and reflect.
From the chaos of Cairo to the calm of the Nile, this two-week journey lets you experience Egypt’s extremes in the best possible way: fast, slow, ancient, modern, and always alive.