Magical, beautiful and completely unforgettable… Egypt checks all the boxes for the honeymoon of your dreams. Spend every day tracing ancient history amongst the pyramids and temples, take it easy beside the Red Sea, or soak up the scenery in all its glory. And every step of the way, there are riverside icons and luxury hideaways to call home for a night or two. Take a look at our Egypt honeymoon guide for all the info you need to start planning.
Dreamy days on the Nile & Red Sea
Your adventure begins in Cairo, considered to be the oldest city in the Arab world. Wander the streets bursting with mosques, churches and atmospheric bazaars, then head straight for the Grand Egyptian Museum where almost 120,000 exhibits fill the halls. Just beyond this fascinating metropolis, the Pyramids of Giza and astonishing Sphinx await; admire them on foot, by horseback or over dinner as they are dazzlingly lit against the night sky. Of course, the city is cut through by the snaking Nile River, your next stop as you board a luxury ship ready for the cruise of a lifetime. Stop to marvel at the Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun’s resting place), the sacred Philae Temple or even disembark the boat to float overhead on a romantic hot air balloon flight. Spend the final days of your honeymoon at the stunning Sinai Peninsula where you’ll sunbathe on the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh, dive amongst dolphins and turtles in the crystalline waters, and explore the coast on a glass-bottomed boat ride.
Top spots to stay
The Nile Ritz-Carlton is a fabulous choice in Cairo, complete with spectacular views from the banks of the Nile (especially if you go for the Ritz-Carlton Suite) and indulgent spa treatments. The Sanctuary MS Adventurer is a fantastic guide along the Nile, offering elegant, spacious cabins, entertaining evenings and an in-house Egyptologist to lead your sojourns on land. Sitting on the shoreline, the Four Seasons in Sharm El Sheikh has lip-smacking dining, ocean adventures galore, and a mere four pools to enjoy in your down time.
An essential Egyptian journey
On this trip, you’ll delve straight into the history of Ancient Egypt, beginning in one of the most alluring cities in the world, Cairo. Take your time to get under the skin of Egypt’s capital, perusing the perfumed stalls of the Khan el-Khalili souq, paying a visit to Ibn Tulun, one of the largest, oldest and most well-preserved mosques in the world, and heading into the desert to see the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World with your own eyes – the Pyramids of Giza. Your next stop is Luxor, a bygone city shrouded in legend and history where you’ll walk amongst the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the sacred Temples of Karnak and Colossi of Memnon, one of which is rumoured to sing at sunrise. Your journey ends in Aswan, where aged yet colourful Nubian villages line the Nile and on a visit to the Philae Temple, you’ll see the very last hieroglyphics to ever be carved. Before you set off for home, sail round tiny isles in a traditional felucca – does it get more sublime?
Top spots to stay
In walking distance of the Pyramids of Giza, the Marriott Mena House has some of the best views in Cairo and we wouldn’t say no to a spa treatment once reserved for Egyptian royalty. In Luxor, spend a few nights in the impressive Winter Palace, where the rooms are sumptuous and the views are superb. Set on Elephantine Island in the middle of the Nile, the Movenpick Resort couldn’t be closer to the delights of Aswan.
The road less travelled
Follow the call of intriguing history and astounding architecture, before being whisked off to the desert to truly enjoy an escape a deux… This trip starts with a bang in Cairo, where old meets new, and the Pyramids of Giza are a striking contrast to the busy streets. Journey on to the Mediterranean coast, where Alexandria once rivalled the greatest cities in the world. Much of this remarkable metropolis was destroyed (or now lies below the sea!), but there’s plenty of opportunities to explore what remains, including the Manuscripts Museum, where you’ll see a copy of the only papyrus text to survive the infamous fire that destroyed the Great Library, and diving expeditions amongst the ruins. There are also plenty of fantastic restaurants lining the Corniche, perfect for fresh seafood and idyllic views. Egypt never fails to amaze and one of its most awe-inducing destinations lies far from the Nile’s historic trail. The Siwa Oasis is a place where time has stood still and few ever visit, preserving Berber customs and a natural, untouched beauty. In every direction, there are dunes to explore, fields of crystals to gaze at, and desert springs to swim in… End your trip in Luxor, a sprawling open-air museum where centuries of pharaoh’s tombs stand on the west side of the Nile and the striking Temple of Anum dominates the scarce landscape on the East Bank. Epic? Oh yes!
Top spots to stay
In Cairo’s beautiful Garden City, the Kempinski Nile Hotel has a stellar range of restaurants and swanky suites that welcome you to Egypt with aplomb. Boasting Mediterranean views and beachfront villas, Alexandria’s Four Seasons has everything you need for a honeymoon on the Egyptian Riviera and in the Siwa Oasis, Adrere Amellal Ecolodge combines ancient traditions with a sense of adventure and the endless opportunity to explore. Built minutes away from the Valley of the Kings, Al Moudira is an Arabian dream with Pharaonic interiors and a sense of privacy.
Egypt’s historic highlights
Hit all the highlights on this trip through Egypt’s history. We couldn’t leave Cairo out of any itinerary and, once you’ve caught your breath, there is incredible architecture to ogle, bazaars to explore and moments to be spent in the shadow of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Waste no time before you’re meandering through the Valley of the Kings (goosebumps guaranteed) or floating over Luxor’s ornate temples in a hot air balloon. Then, it’s time to take this journey to the water with a luxury and very scenic cruise down the Nile, watching life play out at the river’s edge. Your last stop is picturesque Aswan for one more submergence into Ancient Egypt including its crown jewel, the rugged temples of Abu Simbel. And what better way to say bon voyage than with a drink at the iconic hotel where Agatha Christie penned her famous novel?
Top spots to stay
You can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons in Cairo, especially if a private dinner in front of the pyramids is in store. In Luxor, the Hilton serves up a good helping of hospitality and has a fabulous spa – go all out and book a spa suite with their own outdoor whirlpools. The Oberoi Philae Luxury Cruiser will take you down the Nile in style: make sure to take in the view from the top deck pool and enjoy excursions with the in-house Egyptologist. One of the most famous hotels in Egypt, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract has a glittering guest list, beautiful interiors, and an infinity pool overlooking the Nile, ensuring the perfect end to your ‘moon.
