At check-in for our Nile River cruise, one of the recommended optional tours was a horse and buggy tour through the city of Luxor. We had some free time, so we decided to do it so we'd have a chance to see a little more of the city. Our guide / driver was a highlight of our evening!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #luxor #NileRiver #NileRiverCruise #NileCorniche #EsmeraldaNileCruises #HorseAndBuggyTour #bazaars #markets #culture #history #MemphisTours #AncientEgypt #egyptology #urban
Our last stop in Luxor on the east bank of the Nile River was Luxor Temple. Fun fact: The east bank of the Nile is associated with "life". All of the ancient Egyptian structures located east of the river were enjoyed during the "living years" of the kings, pharoahs, etc. #WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #luxor #NileRiver #NileRiverCruise #EastBank #NileEastBank #LuxorTemple #EsmeraldaRiverCruise #MemphisTours #AncientEgypt #egyptology #AmenhotepIII #tutankhamun #KingTut #horemheb #RamesesII #AlexanderTheGreat #BucketList #BucketListTravel
After our first lunch aboard the river boat that we would call home for four nights, we met the Egyptologist who would lead us around the ancient sites as we sailed from Luxor to Aswan. We started at Karnak Temple that we learned was thought to be the "most select of places" by the ancient Egyptians.#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #AncientEgypt #AncientWorld #NileRiver #NileRiverCruise #MemphisTours #luxor #thebes #KarnakTemple #TempleOfKarnak #egyptology #amun #amon #AmonRe #mut #ammon #khonsu #amen #BucketList #BucketListTravel
The M/S Esmeralda was not the river boat that we expected to board, but nevertheless we enjoyed our "home" for four nights as we sailed from Luxor to Aswan on the Nile River. They even surprised Scott with a birthday cake on the night of our embarkation!#WordyEplorers #egypt #NileRiver #luxor #aswan #NileRiverCruise #MSEmseralda #EsmeraldaNileCruises #MemphisTours #RiverCruise #AncientEgypt #AncientEgyptianHistory #EgyptianHistory #history #egyptology #BucketList #BucketListTravel
Even though we aren't big shoppers, we didn't want to miss exploring Cairo's famous bazaar!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #KhanElKhaliliBazaar #market #bazaar #shop #shopping #RetailTherapy #ShopLocal #LocalArtisans #history #culture #lamps #spices #perfume #oils #EssentialOils #gold #textiles #carpet
Not near enough time at the Egyptian Museum, but still glad that we got to experience it. Probably our two favorite exhibits (of those that we saw) were the replica of the Rosetta Stone and the coffins and mummies of the great grandparents of King Tut.#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #DowntownCairo #TahrirSquare #EgyptianMuseum #CairoMuseum #MuseumOfEgyptianAntiquities #EgyptianAntiquities #AncientEgypt #RosettaStone #KingTut #thuya #mummies #yuyu #BucketList #BucketListTravel
Another reason that taking a second tour of the Giza pyramids was such a good decision was seeing the Sphinx from the opposite side. We didn't even know that there was an ancient temple complex on the grounds until our second visit!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GizaPyramids #pyramids #AncientEgypt #sphinx #sphynx #sculpture #SphinxTemple #AncientTemple #egyptian #egyptology #history #AncientHistory #travel #BucketList #BucketListTravel #ThisIsEgypt
Couldn't get enough of the camels by the Giza Pyramids! No matter if they were eating, resting or transporting passengers, I was watching (and taking pictures). This was our last day to soak in these ancient sights, and since we had some time on our own, we just wanted to enjoy every minute!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GizaPyramids #GizaPlateau #pyramid #pyramids #PyramidsOfEgypt #AncientEgypt #AncientWondersOfTheWorld #WondersOfTheAncientWorld #cheops #khufu #chephren #khafre #mykerinus #menkaure #egyptology #camel #camels
The pyramids were at the top of our "must see" list for our time in Cairo. Knowing that there is always the potential for a tour cancellation, we reserved two tours that had time at the pyramids. It turned out to be such a blessing - the first time we did the more touristy things (climbed inside & rode a camel). On our return, we spent time exploring on our own.#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #GizaPlateau #giza #PyramidsOfGiza #pyramid #pyramids #GizaPyramids #GreatPyramid #khufu #cheops #ancient #AncientWonders #BucketList #BucketListTravel #travel #LoveToTravel
It's fascinating to watch the Whirling Dervish Dancers perform .... Around and around and around they go!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #CairoEgypt #NileRiver #RiverBoat #NileRiverDinnerCruise #DinnerCruise #dinner #entertainment #WhirlingDervish #DervishDance #evening #SpinInCircles #BucketList #BucketListTravel
We finally got to to see a belly dancing performance!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #CairoEgypt #NileRiver #DinnerCruise #NileRiverDinnerCruise #BellyDance #BellyDancing #BellyDancer #culture #entertainment #DinnerAndAShow #DinnerAndShow #BucketList #BucketListTravel
In our quest to duplicate the itinerary that we had originally planned, we found a Nile dinner cruise for one of our evenings in Cairo. The entertainment on board beat what we saw during our dinner cruise in Dubai!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #NileRiver #RiverNile #NileRiverCruise #NileRiverDinnerCruise #DinnerCruise #dinner #EgyptainCuisine #InternationalCuisine #LoveToTravel #BucketList #BucketListTravel #travel #vacation #WorldTraveler #TravelTheWorld #SeeTheWorld #TravelGoals
We learned about the Grand Egyptian Museum about a year ago and had originally arranged a tour that included time in what was to be the newly opened museum. A lot changed during that year - our original plan (a cruise) was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East and the museum still hasn't fully opened. We still enjoyed exploring the few areas of the GEM that are currently open to the public. Definitely want to return whenever the museum is officially open!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GrandEgyptianMuseum #gem #AncientEgypt #tutankhamen #KingTut #EgyptianArtifacts #artifacts #ArchaeologicalMuseum #archaeology #history #BucketList #BucketListTravel #travel #twwt
Our first lunch in Egypt was included with our all-day tour. Since we usually don't eat lunch, our guide gave us the option of having a late lunch / early dinner, and that's what we chose. It's a good thing because there was so much food. (We even tried rolled ice cream for the first time!)#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #lunch #buffet #dinner #dining #ValleyOfTheKingsRestaurant #grill #GrilledMeat #EgyptianBuffet #MiddleEasternFare #RolledIceCream #musicians #entertainment #LiveMusic #EmoTours #BucketListTravel
We wrapped up our first day of sightseeing in Egypt at what is now known as the Memphis Museum. Although much of the area is in ruins, there are definitely some cool statues that have been unearthed. Check out the huge lying down statue of Ramses II.#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #saqqara #MitRahina #memphis #MemphisEgypt #MemphisMuseum #archaeology #AncientEgypt #AncientRuins #AncientHistory #AncientCivilization #AncientWorld #AncientEgyptian #RamsesII #statues #colossus #BucketList #BucketListTravel
There was so much to see in Saqqara, and as usual, we didn't have nearly enough time to explore the entire area. Before leaving, we got a chance to see the Tomb of Princess Seshseshet Idut. Since arriving in Egypt, this was the first place where we saw petroglyphs / relief drawings. #WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #DayTrip #saqqara #sakkara #PrincessSeshseshetIdut #PrincessIdut #TombOfSeshseshetIdut #petroglyph #petroglyphs #reliefs #art #archaeology #ArchaeologicalSite #AncientHistory #history #AncientEgypt #BucketListTravel
Once we learned that we could no longer sail on the portion of the Serenade of the Seas World Cruise that we had reserved, our goal became to see everything that we had planned to see while in Egypt. Instead of traveling with cruise buddies, we planned it all on our own and we were able to accomplish our goal ... plus so much more! We made it to Saqqara (outside of Cairo) to see the Step Pyramid.#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #saqqara #sakkara #StepPyramid #pyramid #PyramidOfDjoser #djoser #DjoserStepPyramid #AncientEgypt #AncientArchitecture #architecture #AncientMonument #AncientHistory #history #BucketList #BucketListTravel #LoveToTravel
When on the Giza Plateau, you can't miss seeing the Great Sphinx of Giza (and have a little fun with creative photos)!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #CairoEgypt #giza #GizaPyramid #GizaPyramids #sphinx #TheSphinx #GreatSphinxOfGiza #pyramids #EgyptTravel #TravelEgypt #EgyptTourism #VisitEgypt #DiscoverEgypt #AncientEgypt #ThisIsEgypt #BucketList #BucketListTravel
Yousef led our camels up to and around the hill overlooking the Giza Plateau before giving Scott the reins for part of our return trek. He was all about making sure we had memories to bring back home (and may have had just as much fun as we did - listen to the video that he made)!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GizaPlateau #GizaPyramid #GizaPyramids #GreatPyramidOfGiza #GreatPyramidsOfGiza #pyramid #pyramids #camel #camels #CamelRide #BucketList #BucketListTravel #AncientWonder #AncientWonderOfTheWorld
After leading us up to one of the best viewpoints for photos of the Giza Pyramids, Yousef was all about making sure we had creative photos to bring back home. Fun times - especially looking at the expressions on the camel's faces!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GizaPlateau #GizaPyramid #GizaPyramids #GreatPyramidOfGiza #GreatPyramidsOfGiza #pyramid #pyramids #camel #camels #CamelRide #BucketList #BucketListTravel #AncientWonder #AncientWonderOfTheWorld
So many camels with their guides on the Giza Plateau - it was a fun way to view the pyramids from a different angle and saved a long walk too!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GizaPlateau #GizaPyramids #PyramidsOfGiza #pyramid #pyramids #khufu #cheops #khafre #chephren #menkaure #mykerinos #camel #CamelRide #ancient #AncientWonders #history #OnceInALifetime #BucketList #BucketListTravel #LoveToTravel
It was an added cost, but we didn't want to miss out on going inside at least one of the Great Pyramids while we were in Giza. We didn't realize how difficult the trek inside to see the actual tomb of Cheops would be - steep with a very low ceiling, but it was a once in a lifetime experience!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GizaPlateau #GizaPyramids #PyramidsOfGiza #pyramid #pyramids #khufu #cheops #tomb #sarcophagus #ancient #AncientWonders #history #OnceInALifetime #BucketList #BucketListTravel #LoveToTravel
Our guide was all about taking creative photos during our stop at the Great Pyramids of Giza!#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GizaPlateau #GizaPyramids #PyramidsOfGiza #pyramid #pyramids #khufu #cheops #khafre #chephren #menkaure #mykerinos #ValleyTemple #ancient #AncientWonders #BucketList #BucketListTravel #LoveToTravel
At the top of our "must see" list for our time in Cairo was the Great Pyramids of Giza. We arranged a private all day tour stopping first at the site where these amazing structures were built over 4,000 years ago.Fun fact: The Great Pyramids are one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the only one that still stands today.#WordyExplorers #MiddleEast #egypt #cairo #giza #GizaPlateau #GizaPyramids #PyramidsOfGiza #pyramid #pyramids #khufu #cheops #khafre #chephren #menkaure #mykerinos #ValleyTemple #ancient #AncientWonders #BucketList #BucketListTravel
The best place to see Dubai's unique man-made island was from the sky. Got lucky with this snapshot of Palm Island as we flew out of the city on our way to Cairo!#WordyExplorers #UnitedArabEmirates #uae #dubai #DubaiUAE #PalmTreeIslands #PalmIsland #PalmJumeirah #ManMadeIsland #ArtificialArchipelagos #ViewFromAbove #BirdsEyeView #beach #beachfront #LuxuryResorts #LuxuryTravel #paradise #FineDining #twwt
Just a short clip from the fire dancing performance at Al Khayma Camp during our Dubai desert safari. (So many different performances including music, dance, horses and more!)#WordyExplorers #UnitedArabEmirates #uae #dubai #DubaiUAE #OceanAirTravels #AlKhaymaCamp #BedouinCamp #DesertSafari #entertainment #music #dance #performance #FireDancing #FireDance #travel #BucketList #BucketListTravel
It's amazing how quickly the local Bedouin people can so perfectly wrap a Shemagh! #WordyExplorers #UnitedArabEmirates #uae #dubai #DubaiUAE #OceanAirTravels #DesertSafari #AlKhaymaCamp #BedouinCamp #shemagh #ArabianMakeover #ArabicAttire #travel #MiddleEast #arabic #travel
Fun times experiencing a local tradition while exploring Dubai! So enjoyed wearing my "henna tattoo" while in the Middle East. The talent, skill and speed of the artist who did my mehndi was amazing! #WordyExplorers #UnitedArabEmirates #uae #dubai #DubaiUAE #DesertSafari #OceanAirTravels #AlKhaymaDesertCamp #AlKhaymaCamp #HennaTattoo #mehndi #henna #travel #twwt #rtw
Just a few of the creative shots that our guide / driver took of us before we left the Red Dune Desert on our Desert Safari!#WordyExplorers #UnitedArabEmirates #uae #dubai #DubaiUAE #OceanAirTravels #LahbabDesert #LehbabDesert #RedDuneDesert #DesertSafari #SandDunes #SandPhotography #FunInTheSand #travel
The good news was that after dune bashing, we were at the top of a sand dune - no need to climb up for sandboarding! (Well, that is until we sandboarded down - LOL!)#WordyExplorers #UnitedArabEmirates #uae #Dubai #LahbabDesert #LehbabDesert #RedDuneDesert #DesertSafari #OceanAirTravels #SandDunes #sandboarding #sandboard #adventure #AdventureTravel #travel