Hello from Cairo!
This month, we are sharing a few new ideas beyond the usual cultural and historical highlights. These include short desert and oasis trips by 4×4 for those looking to explore off the beaten track, as well as hands-on craft experiences in Cairo and a more personal visit with a Nubian family in Aswan.
We are also featuring two of our boutique hotel picks, Al Moudira in Luxor and BenBen by Dhara in Aswan, for those looking for something a little different.
You’ll also find some useful destination updates, including details on the new digital visa system, VR experiences, tomb restoration, the return of hot air balloon flights and the growing interest in Dahabiya journeys!
Get Inspired - Featured Experiences
Mediterranean Coast
& Siwa Oasis
4 Days / 3 Nights
This 4-day journey offers a chance to discover a quieter and less-visited side of Egypt, travelling along the Mediterranean Coast to the remote Siwa Oasis. Explore the Great Sand Sea by 4×4, visit the ancient Temple of Amun and take a refreshing swim in Siwa’s natural salt lakes. With its desert landscapes, oasis life and local experiences, this journey offers something quite different from Egypt’s classic sightseeing.
White Desert
Adventure
3 Days / 2 Nights
This 3-day journey is a great option for those looking to see a different side of Egypt beyond the classic sights. Travel into the Western Desert to explore the surreal landscapes of the White Desert, with its wind-carved limestone formations and contrasting black desert. Spend two nights at a desert camp and explore the historic sites of Bahariya Oasis along the way.
Cairo Craft
Experience
Half Day
This half-day experience offers a chance to discover another side of Egypt through its traditional crafts and local communities. Visit a social enterprise in Cairo to learn about Fair Trade principles, meet local artisans and try one’s hand at creating a personalised keepsake.
Nubian Village
Cultural Experience
Half Day
This visit takes travellers to a local village on Aswan’s West Bank to meet Nubian women and learn about their daily lives and traditions. Join a simple craft or cooking activity before sitting down for a home-hosted lunch. The relaxed setting allows for genuine cultural exchange and a closer connection with the local community.
Featured Properties
BenBen By Dhara Hotel
Aswan
BenBen by Dhara is a boutique ‘eco-luxury’ retreat uniquely perched on the granite rocks of Heissa Island in Aswan. Accessible only by a scenic 10-minute boat ride, the hotel offers a secluded, island-sanctuary feel directly overlooking the Temple of Philae and the majestic Nile River. While it feels worlds away from the city’s bustle, it is conveniently located just 10 kilometers from Aswan International Airport, providing a peaceful gateway to the ancient Nubian landscape and the High Dam.
Al Moudira Hotel
Luxor
A beautiful and characterful boutique hotel on the West Bank, surrounded by gardens and away from the busier areas of Luxor. We like its intimate atmosphere, elegant interiors inspired by Egyptian, Moorish and Oriental design and the feeling of staying in a private country house. It is particularly suitable for couples and guests looking for a peaceful and distinctive stay, with its beautiful pool, gardens and relaxed setting making it a lovely complement to a Luxor sightseeing programme.
Destination News
Egypt introduces digital Visa on Arrival
Since 1 August 2026, Egypt began piloting a new digital Visa on Arrival system at Cairo International Airport, replacing the paper visa sticker with an electronic QR code. Travellers or their travel company can obtain the QR code up to 48 hours before arrival through the dedicated online portal or mobile app, or use self-service kiosks at participating airport arrival halls. Our visa assistance service remains unchanged, and we can continue arranging visas for clients in advance, with the QR code replacing the paper sticker.
New VR & interactive 3D experiences at Karnak Temple, Luxor
A new immersive VR experience at Karnak Temple Complex Square takes visitors through Egypt’s ancient history using 3D headsets, visual effects and sound. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, each experience lasts around 15 minutes, with capacity for up to 16 visitors at a time. Four shows are available: The Pyramid Builders, Sunken Antiquities, Secrets & History of Mummification and The Tomb of Tutankhamun. Interested in exploring similar experiences? Click here.
Ramesses IX tomb temporarily closed for restoration
The Tomb of King Ramesses IX (KV6) in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings is temporarily closed for routine maintenance and restoration. No official replacement has been announced, so the usual tomb rotation remains subject to change. Other commonly open tombs include Ramesses IV (KV2), Ramesses III (KV11), Merenptah (KV8), Ramesses I (KV16), Seti II (KV15) and Twosret & Setnakhte (KV14). Discover more Luxor experiences here.
Hot air balloon flights in Luxor resume from 1st September
Hot air balloon flights over Luxor are scheduled to resume from 1 September 2026 following a three-month summer suspension from June to August. The temporary pause was introduced due to high summer temperatures, aviation safety requirements and scheduled maintenance and preparation by operators. Flights will resume once operating conditions are suitable for the new season. See here if you are interested in exploring Luxor by air.
Growing demand for Nile Dahabiyas cruises
Demand for Nile Dahabiyas is increasing ahead of the winter season, with more luxury traditional sailing boats entering service between Luxor and Aswan to meet strong early bookings.
The trend reflects growing interest in slower, more private Nile journeys, with smaller boats able to access quieter islands, villages and archaeological sites that larger cruise ships cannot reach. Authorities are also working to improve docking facilities and safety standards to support the growing number of Dahabiyas. For a more intimate Nile experience, take a look at our selected Dahabiya journeys between Luxor and Aswan here.
Mohamed Sayed
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