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ITINERARY: 6 DAYS IN EGYPT

Blog Post: The Best Travel Hacks for 2020

As nations begin to open their borders to foreigners, many of us our itching to explore again.  At Abena's Flight Deals (AFD) we're on a mission to make travel throughout the African diaspora effortless, but not at the expense of the countries that we hold so dear.  Until public health experts affirm that Covid 19 is no longer a serious threat to travelers and the communities they visit, we are asking our AFD family to plan trips for the future instead of hopping on a flight now.

 

 For the next few weeks, we'll be pumping out itineraries for our favorite Black destinations to revive your bucket list and get you dreaming again.

 

These itineraries are unique because they feature places to experience deep cultural connection as well as must see 'gram worthy sites.

Day 1 - Cairo

 

 

Your first full day in the Egypt has to begin exploring one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world -- the Pyramids of Giza.  We suggest booking a photography tour using Air BnB experiences if you want to capture the best moments from your visit ( here or here).

Securing a room at Marriott Mena House, Xuru Stays, or  Le Méridien will allow you to wake up to breathtaking views of the pyramids.  If you don't stay at Marriott Mena House, grab a bite to eat at their restaurant for good food and a great photo op.

Budget Basics:

 

Typical flight prices according to Google Flights from the US: $840 to $1,100 USD

National flight prices (i.e Cairo to Luxor round trip) : $100 to $300 USD (take the overnight train to Luxor to save some money)

4 star hotel cost : $45 to $190

Average Hostel cost according to Hostel World: $12/night

Average Airbnb cost : $50/night

Average cost per meal according to Budget Your Trip: $4

 Day 2 - Fly From Cairo to Aswan

 

Get an early start today so that you can beat the crowds at the Egyptian Museum.  This incredible collection of antiquities is about an hour drive away from the pyramids and the doors open at 9am.  Around lunch time, take a 15 min drive to the main souk in Cairo, Khal El-Khalili. You’ll find plenty of options for food (street-food included!) to fill your belly before exploring the wonders of the Souk. Be sure to bargain, bargain, and bargain!   

 

You'll end you evening with a late night flight to Aswan in the south of Egypt.  Here the wonderful Nubian Village, Gharb Soheil, provides the unique opportunity to connect with black Egyptians and learn about this incredible culture.  I recommend staying within the Nubian Village at AnaKato 3 Nubian House. They can even arrange for airport pickup too.  When you arrive, be sure to ask your host about the live Nubian music and dancing that occurs most evenings.   Lastly, if you prefer more luxurious accommodations, you'll love Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel.

“Therapy is great for the mind, but traveling will do so much more for the soul.”

- Unknown

Day 3 -  Aswan to Luxor

 

Today, start your morning with Nubian hospitality.  Most hotels include a breakfast with your stay so feast before you explore.  Ask your host for insights about the history, culture, and traditions.  Spend the majority of the day walking the village; taking in the brightly painted houses, and the market full of fresh spices, handmade cotton scarves, and local produce. Make an effort to stop and talk.  Nubians are incredibly friendly!  Since time is of the essence, catch a flight or take the train to Luxor tonight.

IG Accounts for Inspiration

 

Sometimes, the best way to plan your trip is to get inspration from social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.  Try searching for repost accounts related to the country or city of interest so that you don't have to do all the legwork.  Our favorites for Egypt are:


@ExperienceEgypt

@MyEgypt

@AmazingEgypt

@VisitEgypt

@UniquEgypt

@This.Is.Egypt

Day 5 - Luxor

 

In Luxor, we recommend accommodations at Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa, Sofitel Winter Palace, or Steigenberger Nile Palace (budget option).  Today, the pick up time for your hot air balloon experience is 5am, so you might want to get a wake up call from the front desk. Consider flying with Hod Hod Soliman Balloon Company for their years experience and thier record of safety.  If you're not interested in going up in the air, but want to view the take off and landing, email the company for discounted rates.  You'll be back at your hotel by 8am and ready for your next excursion-- exploring the temples of the East and West bank.  There are many to choose from, but our top 3 are the Temple of Hatsheput, Habu Temple, and Karnak Temple.  Head back to your room for a quick nap.  You'll end your day with a sunset boat ride on a felluca.

 Day 6 - Fly From Luxor to Cairo

 

It's your last full day here in Egypt so we recommend getting some rest and relaxation.  Just kidding! You can sleep when you get back home. You might want to consider getting a bite to eat at one of these breathtaking hotels to experience the ambiance (see below). Eating at a hotel instead of staying there is our go to hack to gain access to a place without the hefty price tag. Additionally, a spa day is always a good idea and Four Seasons Cairo at the Nile Plaza (there are two in Cairo) has incredible service.  If you want to sleep in a bit before your flight tomorrow, stay near the airport.  The free airport shuttle, modern amenities, and cost make Novotel Cairo Airport the perfect choice.  There is so much to see and so little time, 6 days in Egypt might not be enough.  Don't worry you can always come back againg to visit Hurghada, Abu Simbel, the Philae Temple in Aswan, and much more!

If you end up booking this flight and or using our itinarary, please hit reply and let us know!


Happy Travels,
Abena

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