Things to Do in Egypt: My 6-Night Adventure from Cairo to Alexandria
Egypt has always been one of those dream destinations that feels larger than life. The land of pyramids, pharaohs, and ancient wonders draws millions of travelers each year, but nothing compares to actually being there. I want to share my personal experience of spending 6 nights in Egypt, what I did, what I loved, what surprised me, and what I would suggest if you are planning your own trip.
Itinerary
Day1: Arrival
Day2: Memphis, Saqqara, Dahshur
Day 3: Trip to Alexandria
Day 4: Musuem of Civilization
Day 5: Pyramids of Giza/ Nile Cruise
Day 6: Last Night
Day 7: Travel Home
Getting There
I booked my flight from New York to Cairo through American Airlines. To make the trip smoother, I flew Southwest Airlines into New York a day before, which gave me enough time to rest and avoid rushing for my international flight. My Southwest flight was completely covered by credits on my account, so I paid nothing out of pocket for that leg.
I stayed in an Airbnb in New York the night before, but honestly, New York is not for me. There is simply too much going on. At one point I even saw a man using the bathroom in the middle of the street. That was enough to confirm that I prefer calmer cities.
The roundtrip flight from New York to Egypt was less than $600, which felt like an incredible deal for such a bucket list destination. Since I was unvaccinated at the time of travel, I had to take a COVID test before boarding. Travel rules are always changing, so if you are going now, make sure to check the latest requirements before your trip.
Flight to my layover in Chicago
As I was preparing to board my flight, I got the news that my high school English teacher had passed away. He was someone who inspired my love for writing and storytelling, and the timing of that news struck me deeply. Walking onto that plane to Egypt felt like both an ending and a beginning. His passing was a reminder that life is short and that following our dreams is never something we should keep postponing. The memories I have, from being in his class are priceless! I thank him for the discipline and critical thinking skills he taught us. In the words of Bro. Harris, “Do you hear that? It’s the sound of your points going out the door, Ms. Bester!” LOL! I liked to talk alot!
Where I Stayed
I booked my stay at the Pyramids Tower Inn, which I reserved through Southwest Hotels. The total cost was $250 for 6 nights, and I even earned 220 Southwest points for the booking. The hotel was right near the Giza Pyramids, and waking up to that view was surreal. My room was comfortable and clean, although parts of the hotel were still under construction. Every morning started with fresh fruit, toast, coffee, and views of the Pyramids.
Overall, I would recommend staying in this area because being so close to the pyramids makes everything feel magical.
💰 Suggested price: Hotels near the pyramids can range from $50 to $200 per night depending on how modern and luxury-driven you want the experience to be.
Day 2: Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur
I booked my tours through Airbnb Experiences, which I highly recommend. It is convenient, affordable, and often more personal than large travel agencies.
On my second day in Egypt, I visited Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur. Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, felt like walking into the first chapter of pyramid history. Dahshur, with its Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, carried an energy that was raw and almost untouched. Being in those spaces gave me a deeper understanding of how massive and intentional these structures really are.
This day became one of the most profound parts of my trip. Before entering the large pyramid, I felt the need to ask my ancestors for permission. As someone who works as an ancestral medium, I could feel the energy of the ancient ones all around me. At the base of the pyramid, I unexpectedly started my period. At first it caught me off guard, but then I realized how deeply spiritual the timing was. I was wearing a shirt that said “My people are my purpose”, and in that moment, it felt like a shedding and rebirth. I was almost 2 weeks early, so I knew it wasn’t a coincidence!
Entry into the first pyramid
Visiting the pyramids is not something to take lightly. They are not just tourist attractions, they are sacred burial grounds, filled with the spirits of the past. I believe that is why some people experience misfortune after visiting perhaps they entered without permission or respect. For me, it was a reminder that these spaces are alive with energy and deserve reverence. Ironically, I lost all my footage of pictures I took inside the Pyramid! All I have is the TikTok I made before they deleted (posted below).
💰 Suggested price: Tours to Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur typically range from $30 to $70 per person. Entrance fees vary between $5 to $10 for each site. I suggest booking with a tour guide who includes it in the price.
Day 3: Alexandria Day Trip
I also took a tour ride to Alexandria, which was about a three-hour drive from Cairo. The city has a beautiful coastal vibe that feels very different from Cairo. One of our first stops was the Library of Alexandria. It is not the original library, and you cannot actually browse the books since it functions more as a museum. While it was not what I expected, it was still worth visiting for the history and symbolism of knowledge and learning it represents.
Another highlight was visiting the Roman Catacombs, one of the most fascinating underground sites in the city. The tunnels and chambers carved beneath the ground gave me a deeper appreciation for the layers of history that Alexandria holds. As I explored, I realized just how much the Romans borrowed from the Egyptians — even their burial practices, their belief in the afterlife, and the deities they honored. The Romans essentially put their own labels on practices that had existed in Egypt long before. Walking through the catacombs, I could feel the echoes of Egyptian and Greek influence beneath.
💰 Suggested price: Day trips from Cairo to Alexandria typically cost $50 to $100, depending on if transportation and meals are included. Entry to the catacombs is about $5 to $8.
Day 4: National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
On Day 4, I visited the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and this was one of the most powerful experiences of my trip. In the section that housed the royal mummies, cameras and phones were not allowed. Security was present throughout the area to make sure no one tried to sneak in recordings or photos. At first, I thought it might feel restrictive, but instead it felt like an act of deep respect. This was a sacred space, and I truly believe it should be treated that way.
The energy in that room was unlike anything else. Standing in the presence of the preserved bodies of the pharaohs, the kings and queens who once ruled Egypt, carried an indescribable weight. It was humbling, spiritual, and powerful all at once. Reading about their lives, their reigns, and their legacy brought history to life in a way no book ever could. My dad tells me I remind him of Queen Nefertiti and this trip made me understand why.
Outside of the mummy section, cameras were allowed in the main museum area, which was beautiful and filled with incredible artifacts. Having a tour guide made the experience even richer since every piece came with layers of context and history that deepened my understanding. The structure itself was modern and stunning, blending history with contemporary design. You can see my footage in the full length vlog posted below.
💰 Suggested price: Tickets range from about $12 to $20 USD for general entry depending on residency and student tickets.
Day 5: Pyramids of Giza, Camels, Desert ATVs, and Perfume Store
Day 5 was filled with both adventure and reflection. I finally visited the Pyramids of Giza and stood face to face with the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the surrounding pyramids. The size and presence of these monuments were overwhelming, and no photo can capture the feeling of standing in their shadow. It was like stepping directly into the middle of history.
After exploring, I went into the desert where the adventure began. I started with a camel ride, swaying through the golden sand with the pyramids in the backdrop. It felt like stepping into a movie scene. Later, I switched gears for an ATV ride across the dunes. The speed, the wind, and the vast desert around me created an unforgettable rush. My tour guide was attentive, making sure I felt both safe and free to enjoy the ride to the fullest.
💰 Suggested price: Camel rides start around $10 to $20 per person. ATV desert rides are usually $30 to $60. Entrance to the Giza plateau is about $10, with an additional $20 to $25 if you choose to enter the Great Pyramid.
Before being dropped back at my hotel, we stopped at a local perfume store. This is common on tours since guides often have contracts with shops and get incentives for bringing tourists there. The pressure to buy was noticeable, but the experience was still enjoyable. I ended up getting three personalized scents: two for women and one for a man, which I joked was for my imaginary man. I still have the men’s fragrance because I do not have anyone to gift it to yet, which makes it a funny but sweet souvenir.
💰 Suggested price: Perfume blends usually range from $30 to $100 depending on size.
Evening Excursion: Cruising on the Nile River During the Full Moon
Another magical highlight of my trip was a Nile River cruise that happened to fall during the Full Moon. Gliding across the water with the moonlight reflecting on the Nile felt like stepping into ancient history. The atmosphere was calm and spiritual, almost as if the river itself was whispering stories of the pharaohs. It was one of the most peaceful and transformative moments of my time in Egypt.
💰 Suggested price: Short evening Nile cruises can range from $20 to $50 per person, while dinner cruises with entertainment often range from $40 to $80.
Last Night: Walking at Night as a Solo Black Woman
The night before I left Egypt, I decided to go for a walk on the streets near my hotel. As a single Black woman, safety is always something on my mind when traveling. I was surprised at how comfortable and safe I felt exploring on my own at night. People were kind and respectful, and I was able to enjoy the energy of the streets without fear. That experience gave me even more confidence in traveling solo to places others might hesitate to go.
Watch My Full Egypt Vlog 🎥
Want to see the journey for yourself? In my vlog, I take you inside my Egypt experience with real footage from the Grand Egyptian Museum, my camel and ATV rides, the day trip to Alexandria, and much more.
Quick Tips for Egypt Travel
Book experiences through Airbnb Experiences for budget-friendly and reliable options.
Check travel rules before flying, especially around COVID and visa requirements.
Pack for the desert heat, but also bring something comfortable for cooler nights.
Always carry small cash for tips, tickets, and bathrooms.
Expect to walk and climb a lot so wear good shoes.
Connect to the spiritual experience
Do NOT feel pressured to buy! They are a little pushy in the souvenir department
Final Thoughts
Egypt is more than just a trip. It is a connection to history, culture, and spirituality that stays with you long after you leave. From climbing inside pyramids to riding camels in the desert, from visiting catacombs to cruising on the Nile during a Full Moon, every moment felt surreal and humbling.
For me, the trip felt like a spiritual rebirth. It was not just about seeing ancient sites, it was about feeling renewed, letting go of old weights, and stepping into a new season of my life. Even when something was not perfect, like the hotel construction or the Alexandria library, the overall experience was unforgettable.
Hearing of my teacher’s passing as I boarded my flight reminded me why I travel: to live fully, to keep growing, and to honor the people who once pushed me to dream bigger. This journey through Egypt was not just sightseeing, it was soul work.
If you have ever dreamed of visiting Egypt, do not keep pushing it off. Book the flight, pack your bag, and prepare for a journey that will change the way you see the world.
If I ever go back, I definitely want to experience Nubia.
