Exploring the Real Egypt Beyond Pyramids and Mummies

A hotel representative made my immigration process a breeze before escorting me in a limousine to the hotel. Enroute, I could see that the place is not only steeped in history. At the same time, alongside this ancient side is a bustling modern metropolis whose skyline is dotted with several high rise buildings. The Nile Plaza region, where my hotel, The Four Seasons was located is in an upscale locality with a host of luxury hotels.

Located in the heart of Cairo, Garden City, The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is accessible to all the tourist hot spots in the city. The check-in was seamless, as one would expect, and you can’t help but notice the tasteful art works on display as you are escorted to your room. I am told the hotel houses 200+ art works—all by prominent Egyptian artists. The rooms are spacious with stunning views of the widest stretch of River Nile from the balcony. There are moments when the spectacular view seems surreal.

The room decor, which is understated, yet undeniably chic with monochrome photos adorning the walls, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.

Food is another important aspect of travel and the hotel has you covered. From continental to Mediterranean to Middle Eastern, there’s a lavish spread of progressive dining options, not to mention specialty restaurants numbering 10, which means guests can choose their preference.

The immersive experience of looking at history first hand is an incredibly special one. The hotel curates travel itineraries for its guests with an English speaking guide, which makes it so much easier to explore. But what sets the hotel apart from the rest is the hospitality thanks to the attentive staff, who walk the extra mile to make guests feel at home. Even travel writers cannot help feeling overwhelmed by the attention to detail that the staff paid, to take hospitality to the next level.

This means that one does not have to worry about what to see and how to reach as every little detail is taken care of by the hotel itself. The hotel’s team will stop at nothing to curate an unforgettable experience tailored to make your exploration of this ancient city one of a kind.

Our guide was Ibrahim Hamza, an Egyptologist who took us up close and personal with the Egyptian antiquities inside the grand museum. A fascinating story-teller, he was a gold mine of knowledge and information with spellbinding stories which left us in awe of the rich history of Egypt. We also visited the famous pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx , Hanging Church and Al Rifai Mosque, The Four seasons’ highly recommended restaurants and the famous 5,000-year-old Khan El-Khalili market and Ibrahim ensured that every day was a special experience with his expert lessons on the subject.

When you visit the Great Pyramids, you are elevated to celebrity status as the local kids there come asking for selfies. In the evening, don’t miss the Nile cruise aboard a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat to watch the Sun paint the skies in bright hues of orange.

After an enchanting tour of the ancient city of Cairo, we were whisked off to a quieter place, to unwind—just what was needed after walking around world famous monuments. The next stop was Sharm El Sheikh, a seaside retreat at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Situated on the sun-kissed shores of the Red Sea, this stunning resort offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and luxury.

Just a 10-minute drive from the airport, the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh with its beautiful blue mountains, calming view of the Red Sea and the soothing green view, thanks to the 3000+ palm trees dotting the resort was the perfect place to unwind. The architecture is largely Arabic with geometric wall decor and lattice work reminding you of the buildings in Middle Eastern countries. An edible chocolate frame with one of my insta pics threw a sweet surprise as I entered the room.

It’s a humongous property over a sprawling 90 acres with lush greenery all around. You could move around in club cars to reach one of the dozen restaurants in the resort. Even though you would be happy staying indoors, taking in the breathtaking views of the Red Sea and the blazing Sun, the experiences that lay ahead were worth their weight in gold. As the evening Sun goes down, the Sahara desert safari offers an inviting drive through the sand dunes in ATVs or quad bikes while enjoying the beauty of the mountains. Even though the resort is located in a serene place away from the bustling surroundings, the SOHO square next door offers plenty of options to shop—from branded stuff to souvenirs, they have them all. And if you get lucky as I did, you even get to catch a night of Bollywood performance.

The Bedouin-style breakfast on the beach at The Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is not to be missed not only because you will get to sample the most authentic Egyptian staples, but also because the entire experience is instagram-worthy. You will be served traditional food on a low seating overlooking the beautiful oceans.

The staff here are exceptionally hospitable—they are warm, attentive and yet always respectful of your space. With easy access to the seascape, get on boat and go snorkelling to get a close view of the marine life in the beautiful coral reef.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that the true magic of travel lies not in the monuments or landmarks, but in the connections we make with the people and cultures we encounter. Despite the distance and differences, I was struck by the profound similarities that bind us all—the common thread of humanity coursing through our universal presence.