We had been planning this trip for 10 years and it exceeded every expectation. The Pyramids at sunrise on Day 1, the GEM for 3 hours on the same afternoon, then 4 days on the Nile. The Valley of the Kings was extraordinary — our Egyptologist translated the hieroglyphics on the tomb walls in real time. Abu Simbel on the final morning was the most powerful moment of the entire trip.

Seven days was absolutely the right length — not a single day wasted, not a single moment rushed. Our Egyptologist guide was with us the entire time from Cairo to Abu Simbel. The Nile cruise was the highlight: watching the Nile Valley scenery from the deck each evening, the temples appearing around each river bend, dinner under a completely unobstructed sky. Best holiday of our lives.

We chose 9 days to add an extra night in Cairo for Saqqara and a slower pace throughout. The right decision. Our guide's knowledge of both the ancient history and the contemporary Nile Valley was extraordinary — he had studied Egyptology at Cairo University and had guided in the Valley of the Kings for 15 years. Abu Simbel was extraordinary. Egypt Tours by Locals operates at the highest level.