Off to Egypt
I cannot remember a time that I have not wanted to visit Egypt and it was such a thrill to surprise Sam and Ellie with our latest holiday adventure. To be walking daily among monuments dating back to as early as 2650 BC and to float on the longest and most important river in the world, is beyond my wildest dreams. Please follow along on my journey through social media as I share these wonders with you along the way.
Here is a sneak peek at our upcoming travel:
I have to admit, I had a tough time deciding on where to stay in Cairo but my decision finally came down to location. Although there are plenty of luxury hotels in Cairo, there is only one with the most spectacular location and views: Mena House Hotel. With what is perhaps the most coveted location in all of Egypt—on 40 lush acres in the shadow of Khufu or “Great” Pyramid in the Cairo suburbs—the Mena House started life in 1869 as a royal hunting lodge. The original “palace,” with its stately Islamic detailing (colored marble mosaics, harem windows, carved Mashrabiya woodwork), now houses 97 guest rooms, and everyone from Frank Sinatra to Winston Churchill—after whom the over-the-top 1960s-esque presidential suite is named—has graced its steps. I am expecting a million pinch yourself moments with one of the great wonders of the world in daily view.
Images from: The Mena House Hotel
Besides spending our days among the pyramids of Giza, The Great Sphinx, the tomb of Ramses II, and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities……I will also plan on having a private guide for a day at the largest and oldest market in Cairo, Khan Al-Khalili. You can bet I am packing plenty of extra bags to bring home some special pieces for our next Pop-up Shop.
Image from: Osiris Tours
I have been told no trip to Egypt would be complete without a cruise on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, so we will spend our last four nights on the Sonesta Saint George.
Image from: Sonesta Saint George
With only 47 staterooms this is not your usual “cruise”. I have heard to experience the Nile, you must be on it. Part of that is tradition, and part of it is practicality; after all, many of the most famous sites are located directly on the river, making a cruise the easiest way to travel between them.At night, many of the temples and monuments are illuminated, and the sight of them from the water should be simply breathtaking. During the day, the rural scenes we will see while traveling from place to place have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.Our last day, in Aswan, will be spent on a Felucca sailboat and will give us our last moments to enjoy the peaceful breeze on the river and soak in the last day of all the wonders of Egypt.
Amy Kartheiser Design will be closed from December 24-January 2.
Have a safe and fun holiday season!
