Our 2 weeks trip to Egypt

Ever dreamed of taking your kids to see the Great Pyramids of Giza or exploring the Valley of the Kings in Luxor? I did too, and made those dreams come true on an unforgettable two-week family trip to Egypt that gave our 7- and 8-year-old a hands-on history lesson they'll never forget. Come along as we journey back to ancient times, riding camels past the Sphinx, descending into King Tut's tomb, and sailing the Nile in a felucca. From hot air balloons to scuba diving in the Red Sea, we packed our Egyptian adventure with kid-friendly activities and culture galore. Where we started We got direct flights to Luxor from London Heathrow and stayed at the Hilton Luxor in a family connecting guestroom for 4 nights and it was the perfect base for the start of our trip. It was close to all of the keys site and clean and modern. Visiting Ancient Sites Like the Valley of the Kings No visit to Luxor would be complete without exploring the Valley of the Kings. Here, beneath the arid desert sands, lie the tombs of pharaohs, each one a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation. From the modest tomb of Tutankhamun to the breath-taking chambers adorned with vivid colours and hieroglyphs, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage that surrounds you. Hatshepsut's Temple: A Queen's Triumph Our trip continued with a visit to Hatshepsut's temple. As you wander through its intricate terraces and courtyards, our guide regaled us with tales of this remarkable queen who ruled as a king, donning a false beard to assert her authority. The story of her stepson's eventual return and his efforts to erase her legacy adds an intriguing layer to this ancient drama. Karnak Temple: A Playground for the Imagination Karnak Temple proved just as captivating. Arriving early allowed us to explore the towering columns and hieroglyphic carvings before the crowds. The kids loved running between the pillars, their laughter echoing through the centuries-old complex. This vast temple, dedicated to the mighty god Amun-Ra, is a true marvel of ancient architecture. As your guide unveils the stories etched in stone, you can't help but marvel at the ingenuity of the builders. Invaluable Guidance Our excellent guide really enhanced the Luxor experience. She kept the history lessons engaging for adults and children alike. Having that local expertise brought the ancient world to life in a way no book or museum exhibit could. Her thoughtful touring made checking off bucket list items feel seamless. Hot Air Ballooning Over Luxor at Sunrise Among the many incredible experiences we had in Luxor, one stands out as the absolute best - our hot air balloon ride at sunrise. This is one of the cheapest places to take a hot air balloon so if you have always wanted to do one but you were worried about the cost, Luxor is the place to take your first flight. Although my younger son wasn't initially enthusiastic about it, my elder son and I decided to seize the opportunity. Waking up at 3am, we embarked on this breath-taking adventure that created lasting memories we will cherish forever. Sightseeing in Busy Cairo With the Pyramids in View We then departed Luxor and caught a short flight to Cairo staying at the Marriott Mena House, which offers breath-taking views of iconic Pyramids of Giza. The kids loved venturing inside the narrow passageways of the Great Pyramid - it sparked their imagination about the pharaohs and workers who constructed this marvel centuries ago. One point I must make, is that it really does pay to have a guide when visiting the Pyramids. There are very persistent vendors and touts. We heard stories of men pretending to be ticket inspectors, then luring people to a secluded area, demanding a tip, before letting them carry on their day. It can quickly become an unsettling experience, particularly if travelling with small children. Here we also took a camel ride but please do pick your camels carefully - some are better looked after than others so I would recommend choosing your camel carefully. Museums packed with antiques Whilst in Cairo, we also visited the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation and the famous Egyptian Museum. Both house staggering collections of antiques. Whilst we did get to see Tutankhamun's famous mask and a collection of his finest jewellery as well as numerous royal mummies, there are limited interactive exhibits in the museums so they may not captivate younger children for too long and they were packed full of people, particularly the Egyptian Museum. I'd recommend these for families with older children fascinated by archaeology and ancient history. Relaxing at the Lavish Four Seasons in Sharm El Sheik After exploring the ancient wonders of Luxor and Cairo, our family was ready for some serious relaxation. The Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh was the perfect oasis - a luxurious beachfront paradise with every amenity imaginable. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in warm hospitality and impeccable service. The spacious suites offered breath-taking views of the Red Sea's shimmering turquoise waters. The real highlight, though, was the incredible house reef just steps from the beach. My 8-year-old son was over the moon to try scuba diving in the calm, protected waters teeming with vibrant marine life in the Red Sea. Due to his age, most places will only allow children to scuba dive in the swimming pool so this was a real treat for him. Under the watchful eye of a certified instructor, he got to explore stunning coral gardens up close. He spotted schools of kaleidoscopic fish, friendly sea turtles, and we even saw a few playful dolphins! It was an unforgettable adventure. After a whirlwind trip exploring Egypt's ancient marvels, those seven nights of pure indulgence were the perfect finale. The Four Seasons provided us with cherished memories of laughter, luxury, and quality family time before our direct flight back to Luton Airport. If you're thinking of booking a family trip to Egypt, contact me today. We went during Easter and it was the perfect temperature for taking in the sights as well as relaxing by the pool. My husband was initially sceptical about this trip due to the conflict in Giza but at no time did we feel like there was any threat to our safety. It was a trip to be cherished forever and one I would 100% recommend for anyone to go and do!