Cairo Travel Diary: Pyramids, People, and Unexpected Peace
Going to Egypt had been a dream of mine, one I had been visualizing for years, even in my sleep. After listening to Graham Hancock speak about ancient civilizations on Joe Rogan’s podcast and watching the Ancient Apocalypse series, I couldn’t shake the urge to go. Egypt felt more than just a place, it felt like a calling. As a Greek woman, I sensed a strange and powerful connection. Our ancient histories intertwine, and I wanted to experience it for myself.
Now that I live in Athens, it’s only a short flight to Egypt. When the right travel partner came along, I knew it was finally the right time to make the trip.
Day 1
I always book the window seat when I fly, especially when I’m going somewhere I’ve been dreaming about. As we were about to land, the sun was rising and I got my first glimpse of the pyramids from the air, I nearly screamed.
Ironically, for someone who plans travel professionally, I arrived in Egypt with no plan, no transportation arranged, and no cell service. There was no Wi-Fi at the airport, and my Greek phone wasn’t working. I had about 10% battery, and no one spoke proper English. Still, I managed to reach my travel partner and get picked up from the airport.
We were staying in downtown Cairo in a local apartment. From the outside, it looked kind of scary, but once we got in, it was beautiful and cozy. It had everything we needed.
Later, we had lunch at Khufu’s restaurant right next to the pyramids, and we couldn’t wait for our tour the next day. So, we walked down to the sand and saw them up close, which felt so surreal. Eventually, we were asked to leave by security. We went back at night and had drinks at Pier 88, a popular bar by the Nile, where we met people who had even visited the Greek area of Glyfada. Small world.
Day 2
We got picked up at 7 AM by our amazing guide, who arranged everything for us, entrance, tickets, navigating security, and sharing stories throughout the day. We saw the pyramids and the Sphinx. It was unreal. The energy was powerful and grounding. As a Greek, I felt deeply connected. It felt like I was walking through a version of my own history.
We also climbed inside the pyramid, which is not for the faint of heart. It’s steep, hot, humid, and very narrow. There are people going up and down at the same time with no airflow. I’m 6'3", so I had to crouch the whole way, but I made it to the top. It was an intense and unforgettable experience.
Later, we rode camels through the Sahara Desert with panoramic views of the pyramids and even Saqqara in the distance. I had never seen camels in real life before. They felt mythical, like creatures from another time.
We ended the day visiting a papyrus workshop, where I got my name written in hieroglyphics, and we had falafel and shawarma from a local spot.
That night, we explored the local market in Cairo and ended up in a small local bar with shisha, sitting in peace and reflecting on the day.
Day 3
As a Greek Orthodox Christian, visiting the St. George Church in Coptic Cairo was powerful and emotional. No matter where I go, seeing the Greek flag and hearing the Greek language brings me pride.
After that, we visited the new Grand Egyptian Museum, a must-see. It was massive, beautifully built, and offered an incredible view of the pyramids. The collection included sarcophagi, royal jewelry, and ancient artifacts, all displayed with great care and detail. It was stunning, truly impressive. Yet, as we walked through the halls, one question stayed with us: with all the funding that went into preserving the past so grandly, should some of it have been used to support the city’s present, or its future? Could part of that investment have gone toward improving infrastructure or uplifting communities instead? It was a quiet thought that lingered beneath the awe.
Later, we visited a mosque for the first time, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. We wore the appropriate clothing provided and entered into a different world. It was quiet, peaceful, and spiritual. We sat there for over an hour, reflecting on how much our environment influences our beliefs, perspectives, and values.
We ended the day with a private felucca ride on the Nile during sunset and then headed for dinner at Saheb El Saada, a restaurant near Khan El Khalili. The whole area was vibrant and festive, it felt like a celebration of life. There was live Arabic music echoing through the alleyways, a DJ blending sounds, people in costume, laughter, movement, energy. It was loud, colorful, and full of character.
Day 4
On our last day, we visited the Cairo Citadel and explored Islamic Cairo with our guide, Robert. Once again, we found ourselves experiencing something unlike anything we had ever encountered before. Being in an underdeveloped, third-world country, there was a certain charm to it all. It was intriguing and eye-opening. We were so different, stepping into their world, their normal, as if we had walked into another century.
The local markets in Khan El Khalili had the same effect. Instead of seeing the handmade ceramics we know in Greece, we saw stones with hieroglyphics. Luckily, Robert was there to help guide us through the market, especially when it came to pricing—nothing was on display. Bargaining is an art form, and I’m terrible at it, so I’m grateful that Robert and my friend took over for me. It’s all part of the experience, and I loved learning about it.
We finished the day with a peaceful lunch by the Nile before heading to the airport. Over lunch, we had incredible discussions with our guide—talking about religion, the way he’s raising his children, life in Egypt, and how difficult it is for him to get a visa for the USA or Greece. As a group made up of people from Greece, Brazil, and Egypt, we had different ideologies, life views, and backgrounds, but there was a mutual respect for each other’s perspectives. We created bonds that will last, all fueled by genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Reflecting on the trip, my biggest takeaway was how important it is to travel with a group that is equally open to learning and experiencing new cultures. Staying open-minded is essential, especially on a trip like this. The Greek Aesthete travel agency can help plan an ultra-luxury experience in Egypt, but sometimes the best way to experience a place the “aesthete” way is by doing it in the simplest way possible—diving deep, listening to locals, and embracing the experience fully.
Throughout the trip, I never felt unsafe as a woman—never once did I feel like I would be attacked or stolen from. I did feel a bit uncomfortable at times, but not in a way that felt threatening. Egypt was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—eye-opening and full of contrasts that reminded me of why I do what I do in the hospitality and travel industry.
Seeing and experiencing different cultures changes something in you each time. You get to choose what to keep, what to change, and what to adopt into your own beliefs. Most importantly, it teaches you to keep an open mind, to see the beauty in differences, and to embrace the unknown. These cultural shocks expand our horizons and help us learn more about others—and about ourselves. It also reminds us to connect with something bigger than ourselves.
Seeing people with much less than us, yet content and living life fully, is a powerful lesson. It’s a stark contrast to how we live, constantly hustling, comparing ourselves, and rarely sitting back to appreciate what’s in front of us.
If you plan to visit Egypt, make sure to dress modestly, hire a local guide, stay in a safe area (where The Greek Aesthete can help find the perfect accommodations), and bring your open mind. Prepare to experience a side of Egypt that goes beyond the tourist spots, and you'll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Egypt was an unforgettable experience, one that truly transported me back in time while offering a kind of awakening I didn’t anticipate. Every moment was an exploration of contrasts, new, unfamiliar, yet deeply enriching. As a woman, I did not felt unsafe, though there were moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone. There’s a distinction between discomfort and danger, and Egypt taught me just that.
If you plan to visit, here are some tips based on my experience:
Dress modestly: This is key, not only for cultural respect but also for comfort.
Hire a local guide: A knowledgeable guide can enhance your experience, helping you navigate not only the historical sites but also the intricacies of local markets like Khan El Khalili.
Travel with an open mind: Going with a group who shares an interest in learning, connecting, and exploring new cultures makes all the difference.
Embrace discomfort: Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Don’t be afraid to experience a different pace of life.
Plan a mix of luxury and immersion: While luxury accommodations and services elevate the experience, the best memories often come from connecting with locals and immersing yourself in the culture.
As someone who specializes in luxury travel, I can plan a five-star experience for you, ensuring your comfort and luxury. But remember, some of the most transformative moments come from embracing the unfamiliar and learning from the environment around you. It’s these authentic experiences that truly define travel.
Travel like an aesthete. Embrace the beauty of the journey, and see the world not just for its opulence, but for its authenticity and cultural richness.
