CLIA Certified (Cruise Lines International Association)
Vincent Vacations Travel Advisor Amanda Burch standing before the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Pyramid of Khafre during her guided Egypt tour with her sister Courtney.
By Amanda Burch
Guided Tours, Adventures by Disney & Cultural Immersion Specialist“Well, it took a while to get here, but most bucket-list trips do! My sister Courtney and I traveled to Egypt on a guided group tour (Globus’s Cairo & Alexandria Escape), and I am still in shock that I got to climb inside two pyramids—let alone actually touch 4,500-year-old history with my own hands. From standing in awe of the Great Pyramid of Giza and unexpectedly spotting actor John Krasinski right beside us at the Sphinx, to descending into the subterranean Catacombs of Alexandria and feeling 100% safe every step of the way with our dedicated Egyptologist guide, driver, and security, here is my firsthand review and complete guide to planning an unforgettable trip to Egypt.”
Egypt Guided Tour at a Glance: Firsthand Review
- Tour & Operator: Globus Cairo & Alexandria Escape (plus insights on Nile River Cruises & Adventures by Disney Egypt)
- Travelers: Advisor Amanda Burch & her sister Courtney
- Hotels: Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Hilton Alexandria Corniche & Sonesta Tower & Casino Cairo
- VIP Arrival Service: Meet-and-greet at Cairo Airport with Visa upon arrival, immigration assistance & private transfers
- Iconic Landmarks Visited: Great Pyramids of Giza (including climbing inside!), Great Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Memphis, Saqqara Step Pyramid, Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Library of Alexandria & Qaitbay Citadel
- On-Tour Security & Support: Dedicated Egyptian Egyptologist guide, professional driver & dedicated security throughout
- Reviewed By: Amanda Burch, Edmond, OK Travel Advisor at Vincent Vacations
Why Traveling with a Guided Tour Is the Ultimate Way to Experience Egypt Safely
Whenever clients ask me about visiting Egypt, their very first question is almost always about safety and logistics. Having just experienced Egypt firsthand with my sister Courtney, I can tell you without hesitation: traveling on a vetted, guided tour is hands-down the best—and only—way I would recommend doing Egypt.
From the moment our plane touched down in Cairo until the day we flew home, I felt completely safe, cared for, and stress-free. Here is what stood out most about the logistics and peace of mind of traveling with an established guided tour like Globus or Adventures by Disney:
1. Seamless Airport Arrival & Visa Handling
I booked our airport transfers through Globus, which meant their local ground handler met us inside Cairo International Airport before we even reached immigration. They handed us our official Egyptian entry visa stamps, placed them in our passports, walked us through immigration and baggage claim, and escorted us straight to our transfer vehicle. After a long international flight, having someone handle the visa and airport logistics was priceless!
2. Dedicated Guide, Driver & Onboard Security
Throughout our entire itinerary, we traveled with a three-person professional team: our expert Egyptologist guide, our dedicated motorcoach driver, and our own security officer who accompanied our group everywhere we went. In addition, when my sister and I had a hard time finding an ATM that would work with our credit cards in Alexandria, our guide personally walked us to a nearby bank ATM to make sure we were safe and taken care of.
3. An Incredible Bilingual Egyptologist Guide
Our guide was born and raised in Egypt and is married to an American woman, so his English was impeccable and he completely understood American culture, humor, and expectations. Our group was made up entirely of fellow Americans—mostly older couples and solo travelers along with a few families traveling with two teenagers—which created an instant sense of camaraderie. (You could always spot our guide leading the way with his flag!)
4. Effortless Luggage, Tickets & Familiar Hotels
We never had to haul heavy suitcases or wait in chaotic ticket lines. Porters collected our luggage directly from our hotel rooms, and our guide handed us our entry tickets at every single site. We stayed in upscale, Americanized hotels—including the Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Hilton Alexandria Corniche, and Sonesta Tower & Casino—which felt safe, clean, and familiar at the end of each day.
First Full Day in Egypt: The Pyramids of Giza, Climbing Inside a Pyramid & The Egyptian Museum
Nothing prepares you for the moment you first see the Pyramids of Giza rising above the desert horizon. As the only Wonder of the Ancient World still intact, the Great Pyramid of Giza (built for Pharaoh Khufu/Cheops around 2560 B.C. to an original height of 496 feet) is so massive in person that standing at its base feels completely surreal.
Standing on the Giza Plateau in front of the Great Pyramids—a true bucket-list moment!
All three Great Pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure) under dramatic desert skies.
Climbing the steep stone shaft inside a pyramid! Touching 4,500-year-old limestone walls.
What It Is Like to Climb Inside an Ancient Pyramid
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was that we didn’t just admire the pyramids from the outside—we actually climbed inside two different pyramids during our tour! Ducking through the ancient stone entrance and ascending the narrow, sloped wooden walkway with handholds up the limestone shaft into the burial chamber is an experience I will never forget. Look at the photo above right: the megalithic stone blocks fit together with razor-thin precision. There is something truly indescribable about reaching out your hand and actually touching 4,500-year-old history.
Guide Fun Fact: Feet together = deceased when carved; one leg striding forward = alive!
An intricately gilded royal sarcophagus inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Taking in our first views of the legendary Nile River and the Cairo Tower.
The Egyptian Museum & A Memorable Pharaoh Statue Fun Fact
That same day, our guide led us through the historic Egyptian Museum in Cairo and along the banks of the Nile River. Having an Egyptologist decode the symbolism behind the artifacts makes the museum come alive. My favorite fun fact he taught us: when you look at ancient Egyptian statues of their kings and pharaohs, check their feet! Almost every royal statue has either both feet together or the left leg striding forward in front of the other:
- Feet Together = Deceased: If the pharaoh’s feet are side-by-side together, the statue was commissioned and carved after the king had died, representing eternal stillness in the afterlife.
- One Leg in Front of the Other = Alive: If one leg is stepping forward (like the statue in my photo above), the pharaoh was alive and actively reigning when the statue was carved!
Famous Faces at the Sphinx: Spotting John Krasinski & Natalie Portman in Egypt!
Have you ever been on a bucket-list vacation and unexpectedly spotted a famous face right next to you? While we were casually looking at the Great Sphinx of Giza, my sister Courtney looked over and whispered, “That’s John Krasinski!”
I didn’t believe it at first—until I turned around and saw “Jim” from The Office (actor and director John Krasinski) standing right there beside us! Of course I wanted to ask for a picture with him, but no one else in the crowd had noticed him yet, and I hated to draw attention and ruin his day. Instead, I snapped a couple of inconspicuous photos. Later, we found out why he was there: he was in Egypt directing and starring in the Apple Original adventure film Fountain of Youth alongside Natalie Portman (who is standing right next to him in the black cap and sunglasses in the second photo below)!
When my sister whispered, “That’s John Krasinski!” right beside us at the Great Sphinx of Giza.
John Krasinski and Natalie Portman on location at the Sphinx while filming in Egypt!
Days 3–5: Alexandria’s Mediterranean Wonders, Roman Ruins & Subterranean Catacombs
On Day 3, we traveled north from Cairo through Wadi El Natrun (the historic “Valley of Nitrates,” renowned for its ancient Coptic Christian monasteries) and the El Beheira Desert (which ancient Egyptians called the “Red Land,” contrasting with the fertile “Black Land” of the Nile floodplain) to reach the Mediterranean coast and the legendary port city of Alexandria.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., Alexandria blends pharaonic Egyptian heritage with Greco-Roman history and breezy Mediterranean coastal beauty. Over two days in Alexandria, we explored four remarkable landmarks:
Inside the multi-level Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa—rediscovered in 1900 by a donkey!
Pompey’s Pillar and a Roman-era Sphinx at the ancient Serapeum of Alexandria.
Holding our entry ticket outside the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel on the Mediterranean coast.
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (And the Donkey Discovery!): Carved deep into the bedrock in the 2nd century A.D., these are the largest Greco-Roman catacombs in Egypt, blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art. Fun Fact: They were completely lost to history until the year 1900, when a local donkey pulling a cart accidentally fell through a hidden shaft in the ground, revealing the subterranean tombs below!
- Pompey’s Pillar & Roman Alexandria: The Romans traveled across much of Europe and North Africa, and they left an unmistakable mark on Alexandria. At the ancient Serapeum site surrounding the 88-foot red Aswan granite triumphal column known as Pompey’s Pillar, we walked among ancient columns, a Roman bath, streets, alleys, and the Romans’ own artistic rendition of a pair of Sphinxes.
- The Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina): A stunning architectural tribute commemorating the ancient Great Library of Alexandria, housing millions of books, museums, and ancient manuscripts overlooking the Mediterranean Corniche.
- Qaitbay Citadel & Montazah Palace Gardens: Built in 1477 by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay on the exact coastal foundation where the ancient Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria—another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—once stood! Looking out through the stone fortress windows over the turquoise Mediterranean harbor (and strolling the lush royal Montazah Gardens afterward) was unforgettable.
Memphis & Saqqara: The Step Pyramid of Djoser, Past Pyramid Attempts & Egypt’s First Capital
Returning south toward Cairo, our tour took us back to the very dawn of monumental stone architecture at Memphis (Egypt’s first ancient capital, founded around 3100 B.C.) and the vast desert necropolis of Saqqara.
With my sister Courtney in front of the 4,700-year-old Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.
The 80-ton Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis—the second-largest Sphinx in Egypt!
Gazing down at the colossal carved limestone statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II in Memphis.
Seeing Saqqara alongside Giza gives you a fascinating perspective on how ancient Egyptian engineering evolved. Designed by the royal architect Imhotep in the 27th century B.C., the Step Pyramid of Djoser is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. Surrounding it, you can still see the rubble of past attempts at pyramids—showing that even the ancient Egyptians had a trial-and-error learning curve before they perfected the smooth-sided geometry of Giza! Here at Saqqara, we also had the chance to enter a second pyramid and admire remarkably preserved hieroglyphics and painted tomb reliefs up close.
Authentic Egyptian Craftsmanship: Essential Oils, Egyptian Cotton & Hand-Knotted Rugs
Beyond the ancient temples and tombs, one of my favorite cultural parts of our guided itinerary was visiting vetted local artisan workshops where you can watch centuries-old Egyptian crafts being made without aggressive street-vendor pressure:
- Traditional Egyptian Oils & Essence House: Since the days of Queen Cleopatra and Hatshepsut, Egypt has extracted pure flower and spice essences (lotus, jasmine, sandalwood, amber, and frankincense) used as alcohol-free perfumes and therapeutic oils. Watching how hand-blown glass bottles are crafted and sampling the pure oils was a treat.
- Authentic Long-Staple Egyptian Cotton Store: Grown in the mineral-rich soil of the Nile Delta, genuine Egyptian cotton is world-famous for its softness and durability. Our guide took us to a certified store where you could feel the quality difference firsthand.
- Handmade Egyptian Carpet & Rug Workshop: We visited a traditional weaving school and showroom where you watch skilled local artisans knot intricate Egyptian rugs and tapestries by hand on vertical looms—using patterns inspired by pharaonic motifs, Nile landscapes, and Islamic geometry.
Ways to Experience Egypt: Guided Land Escapes, All-Inclusive Nile River Cruises & Adventures by Disney
Whether you have one week for a focused getaway like my Globus Cairo & Alexandria Escape or 10 to 12 days for a comprehensive Upper Egypt voyage, working with a Vincent Vacations advisor lets you match the right itinerary and travel style to your bucket list. Here are the two most popular ways to expand your Egypt journey:
1. All-Inclusive Nile River Cruise (Luxor, Aswan & Valley of the Kings)
When you join an all-inclusive Nile River voyage (available through Globus, Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Uniworld, or Viking), you combine Cairo’s Great Pyramids with a 4- to 7-night luxury river cruise between Luxor and Aswan:
- Temple of Luxor & Karnak: Explore the breathtaking Temple of Luxor—which served as Egypt’s spiritual capital for 15 centuries—and walk the Avenue of Sphinxes to the colossal hypostyle hall of Karnak Temple.
- Valley of the Kings & Queen Hatshepsut: Cross to the West Bank of the Nile to step inside royal subterranean tombs, including King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
- Aswan, Felucca Sail & The Papyrus Institute: Visit the Papyrus Institute in Aswan to learn how artisans craft delicate paper from the namesake papyrus plant, sail past Elephantine Island on a traditional wooden felucca, and fly to the rock-carved Nubian monuments of Abu Simbel.
2. Adventures by Disney’s 10-Day Egypt Vacation (Families & Luxury Travelers)
As a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge who has also sailed with Adventures by Disney on the Danube, I also love recommending the Adventures by Disney Egypt itinerary for multi-generational families and travelers who want Disney’s signature white-glove storytelling:
- Days 1–4 in Cairo: Stay at the Nile Ritz-Carlton, tour the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and Saladin Citadel, enjoy complimentary access inside the Great Pyramid’s Grand Gallery & King’s Chamber, explore the Grand Egyptian Museum (with an interactive King Tut detective game for Junior Adventurers), and stroll the 14th-century Khan el-Khalili souk.
- Days 4–7 Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel: Fly to Abu Simbel, sail a felucca in Aswan, and cruise the Nile visiting Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings—with onboard Egyptian cooking classes, hieroglyph workshops, and henna art.
- Days 7–9 in Sharm El Sheikh (Red Sea): Conclude with a luxury beachfront stay on the Red Sea featuring a private Bedouin beach dinner under the stars and a private yacht snorkeling excursion over the Red Sea coral reefs!
Complete Photo Gallery: Amanda Burch’s Guided Egypt Tour (All 33 Photos)
Browse all 33 firsthand photos from my guided tour through Cairo, Giza, Memphis, Saqqara, and Alexandria:
Plan a Safe, Seamless Guided Tour of Egypt with Amanda Burch
Having walked inside the Pyramids of Giza, explored the Catacombs of Alexandria, and experienced the effortless security and VIP airport visa handling of a guided tour firsthand, I would love to help you plan your own dream journey to Egypt—whether with Globus, an all-inclusive Nile River cruise, or Adventures by Disney.
Explore more: Amanda Burch’s Advisor Profile • Globus Travel Agents • Adventures by Disney Travel Agents
