I was with my very well-traveled multi-generational family of 5 – ranging in ages from 24-88. The Egyptians we encountered were extremely friendly and only wanted to welcome tourists. We felt totally safe, but everyone’s comfort level is different. I recommend starting in Cairo (and the Pyramids) and then continuing to Aswan (with a half day excursion to Abu Simbal) followed by a Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor. The cruise is more floating hotel as all the sites are relatively close to one another. Unless you love cruising, 3-5 days on the Nile is plenty. The absolute most mind-blowing sites are in Luxor in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, so it’s best to build this trip to its natural climax in Luxor. I believe with Egypt; you must do guided touring - whether private or in group. Over the last year, several luxury tour and cruise companies have added Egypt as a destination and the country appears on many “hot” lists for 2020. I recommend everyone we used. Here is how we did it (with the exception of the Hilton, all properties were Virtuoso):
1. Abercrombie & Kent: Private Tour;
2. Oberoi Zahra –50 person boat that was thought to be the nicest boat cruising the Nile in 2018;
3. Four Seasons Nile Plaza – Cairo: The Egyptian Museum is moving to the area by the Pyramids in Giza sometime in 2021 which may make a stay in downtown Cairo less necessary
4. Old Cataract Hotel – Aswan: This old, historic, gracious hotel with modern luxuries was among the highlights of our trip; and
5. Hilton Heliopolis – Cairo: Las Vegas style Hilton near the airport. For early morning return flight this was the way to go as you do not have to fight Cairo traffic. Probably saved us an hour.
6. Recommended Extras: VIP airport entry (avoids lines for Visa, customs and baggage claim while you sit in a lounge); Half day tour to Abu Simbel (morning round trip airplane flight from Aswan); Extra price tombs in Valley of the Kings and Queens in Luxor especially Nefratari.