2026 Egypt Trip Details

The when, why, what, and how much...

Cairo always brings me back to Baghdad. Or maybe Baghdad brought me back to Cairo.

Cairo was the first mega city I ever experienced that felt ancient and deeply alive at the same time. It’s dense, chaotic, truly the city that never sleeps. People are quick-witted, quick to smile, and even quicker to crack a joke.

When I traveled to Baghdad I felt that same pulse. The same layers of history humming under my feet. The same barrage of warm, funny, slightly chaotic, overflowing with culture. In Iraq, I met so many people whose only exposure to Americans came through the U.S. invasion. For some, I was the first “non-official” American they’d ever met. They’d ask me, “What do you think of Baghdad? It must be overwhelming for you.”

And my answer was always the same: Baghdad is unique. Iraq is unique. But it kind of reminds me of Cairo...

And honestly? That’s what I think of when I think of Egypt as a whole. Outside the big cities, people are still quick to laugh, generous with jokes and even more generous with hospitality. The history is so deep it borders on unbelievable. The pyramids are basically in the city of Cairo.

I’ve been fortunate enough to explore Egypt many times over the years. And as someone who’s comfortable in the Arab world, even if my Egyptian dialect is shaky, I’ve experienced it in ways that have only made me more curious.

So I’m beyond excited to go back with you.

And here’s the truth: for a lot of Western travelers, Egypt is best experienced on an organized tour or with a group. Not because it’s unsafe, but because it has the same lovable chaos that comes with densely populated, ancient places. The streets aren’t always straightforward. The traffic will absolutely traffic. The haggling culture is real and can be confusing until you get the hang of it. Having trusted guides and a group takes the guesswork out of it so you can focus on the experience.

And you agree... 46% of you chose Egypt as your top destination in the most recent Group Trip Survey. So… we’re doing it!

Let’s dive into the details.

Egypt - History & The Nile

This experience is one I believe in so deeply that I put $8,000 of my own money down to organize it. Because I know that it’s the experience of a lifetime.

We’ll explore ancient wonders with a local expert who will help us understand everything we see and taste. We’ll share a meal with a Nubian family in Aswan—an ethnic group indigenous to the Nile Valley—and spend 3 nights sailing down the Nile, stopping at small villages, temples, and sacred sites outside the major cities.

The whole time on the Nile, we’ll be on our own privately chartered Nile Dahabiya, a traditional sailing vessel that offers a prime location to rest, explore, dine, and soak it all in. And the Dahabiya we’ve reserved for this trip? I once took my mom on this boat, and she cried when she walked into her room. It was that special.

At a glance:

• October 3-12, 2026 (10 days, 9 nights)

• Handpicked accommodation, including a private sailing experience just for our group

• Explore Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and 3 nights on the Nile

• Cost: Shared room – $5,500 USD | Single in cities + shared on Dahabiya – $6,800 USD | Single room throughout (in cities and on the Dahabiya) – $7,400 USD

Important Details

Because our Dahabiya is a small, private sailing vessel, it has very limited single cabins. That’s why this trip offers three room categories:

• Shared Room: You’ll have a roommate for the full trip, including on the Dahabiya. If you’re traveling with a friend or as a couple, this one is for you. You can also book one of these spots solo and we will match you up with a roommate.

• Single in Cities + Shared on Dahabiya: A private room in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, and a shared cabin while sailing (we’ll handle the roommate matching).

• Single Throughout: A private room everywhere—including one of the rare solo cabins on the Dahabiya.

Registration opens at noon ET on Monday, December 15th for 2026 trips to Morocco (North & South) and Egypt.

You’ll receive an email with the registration links at that time.

I expect these trips to fill quickly. Once they’re full, it’s unlikely I’ll be able to add additional rooms due to the intimate nature of the riads we use in Morocco and the small number of cabins on the Dahabiya in Egypt.

Each traveler must pay a $1,000 deposit at the time of booking to secure their reservation. An interest-free payment plan spread out over six months is also available.

Discounts:

• Returning travelers will receive a special discount code via email in advance of the launch!

• Paid Substack subscribers will also receive a discount code.

If you have questions before registration opens, now’s the time to ask! I can’t wait.