Egypt, Camels, and Awe: A 10-Day Journey Through Ancient Wonders
Meet George O’Daniel and Marty Osbourn O’Daniel—he’s Vice President at Bluegrass Metal Works; she’s a retired clinical-research nurse turned full-time artist. These days they travel purely for the joy of being together and discovering new places. Egypt wasn’t even on their bucket list—until a well-traveled friend, Jim, invited them to join a small group he was organizing. His pitch? “Of everywhere I’ve been, Egypt is the most awe-inspiring.” They said yes—and came home believers.
A trip born from friendship (and a great tour partner)
With 16 travelers (dear friends, new friends, plus Marty’s oldest son and his girlfriend), they spent 10 days—air travel included—on a seamless itinerary arranged by Educational Opportunities Tours (EO). Planning started a year out, and once they pressed “go,” EO handled everything: intercity transfers, a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide, and security throughout the journey. “We didn’t face a single planning challenge,” they told us. “It was all handled.”
Cairo to Aswan: first taste of antiquity
After landing in Cairo, the Radisson Blu near the airport made for an easy overnight before a morning flight to Aswan. A visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities set the tone—dense history, colossal timelines, and artifacts that make American centuries feel like minutes.
Drifting through history: three nights on the Nile
George’s favorite portion of the trip was their three-night Sonesta Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor—slow travel at its best. By day, the riverbank unspooled like a movie reel: the Aswan High Dam, granite quarries, the delicate island Temple of Philae, and the twin sanctuaries of Kom Ombo and Edfu. Evenings brought the quiet rhythm of the water and views of palm groves sliding by. The cruise finished through the Nile locks into Luxor, where they stood small beneath the soaring colonnades of the Temple of Luxor, then explored Queen Hatshepsut’s temple and descended into the storied Valley of the Kings.
From Luxor they boarded a charter flight to Sharm El-Sheikh, and the tempo shifted from ancient stone to Red Sea blue.
Red Sea respite and a glass-bottom surprise
Two nights at Queen Sharm Hotel gave space to exhale—a free day on the beach and, thanks to their guide’s on-the-fly arranging, a glass-bottom boat ride over coral gardens teeming with marine life. It wasn’t on the original plan; it ended up being one of those perfect vacation “add-ons” everyone remembers.
Into the Sinai: monasteries, mountains, and a Bedouin feast
South Sinai brought them to Morgenland Village and the shadow of St. Catherine’s Monastery, a 6th-century stronghold built to protect what tradition holds is the Burning Bush. Lunch came courtesy of Bedouin hosts: chicken and potatoes steamed to tenderness in a four-tiered pit oven and served in a woven-carpet tent. “More than a meal—it was hospitality you feel,” Marty said.
Then came the climb. Ten in the group set out for Mount Sinai near sunset. The trail winds up for roughly three hours to 7,497 feet. For Marty, altitude kicked in early—until a camel named Tarzan stepped into the story. She rode the switchbacks as far as possible, then tackled the final 750 stone “steps” on foot. She’s scared of heights; she cried at the summit—and then again at the thought of going down. George steadied her on the descent, and when she remounted Tarzan for the lower stretch, she discovered the truth of gravity: “The ride up was fantastic. The ride down was terrifying! Tarzan loved the edge.” Eyes squeezed shut, white-knuckle grip, a story she’ll be telling forever.
Back to Cairo: pyramids, sphinxes, and perspective
The group followed the route of the Exodus—five hours by bus along desert vistas with a lunch stop on the Suez Canal—before checking into the Mövenpick Media City Hotel. The finale delivered the icons: the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. “Standing at the base, looking up—it’s mysterious, enormous, and truly awe-inspiring,” they said. Bucket list item or not, the Giza plateau has a way of rewriting your list.
Food, culture, and the art of saying “no, thank you”
While dishes were fairly consistent across regions—grilled meats, kofta, vegetables, rice, flatbreads—two food experiences stood out. First, that Bedouin lunch in Sinai. Second, a bustling three-story local restaurant packed with Egyptian families, where clay pots of chicken, beef, kofta, and potatoes arrived from a cavernous oven and landed family-style at their table. Bonus surprise: French fries. “They appeared like chips and salsa back home.”
Candid note on the cultural side: tourism is a vital income stream, and vendors can be very assertive. Expect frequent requests, tips for small services (even restrooms and toilet paper), and some creative “free” offers that aren’t free. Their guide’s coaching helped, and an accompanying guard intervened when needed. “It’s difficult because ignoring people feels rude—but sometimes it’s the only way to move through without being overwhelmed,” they said. Bring plenty of $1s and $5s—triple what you think—and fresh, undamaged bills if you plan to use USD. Cards are widely accepted, but their guide advised minimizing card use due to potential skimming.
Mishaps that turned into memories
Pressure-sales “shopping stops” were the least favorite element—think spice shops, papyrus, and alabaster—though they did generate legendary stories. One couple, separated in the commotion, spent over $800 on spices; Kenny emerged with the affectionate nickname “The Saffron King.” Another day, a “free” photo op ended with Kenny fully kitted in a keffiyeh and a vendor holding his phone hostage—until a guard stepped in. Kenny smiled, offered $1, kept the keffiyeh, and got his phone back. Later in Sharm El-Sheikh, the hotel went dark and—surprise!—a procession of staff appeared with a giant birthday cake for George, singing at the top of their lungs.
Budget snapshot
For a once-in-a-lifetime destination, the trip felt “very affordable” at roughly $3,500 per person including airfare—thanks in part to group pricing (16 travelers). Most costs were covered by the tour, with lunches and all beverages paid out of pocket. Expect to buy a lot of bottled water and to tip frequently.
What they’d change—and what they wouldn’t
“Honestly, nothing,” they told us. While they typically prefer slower, more leisurely trips, Egypt rewards an educational, guide-led approach. There’s simply too much to see and too much history to unpack to go it alone—especially in Cairo.
Tips if Egypt is calling your name
Go guided in Cairo. The traffic and sheer scale demand local expertise (and a bus).
Pre-study the pharaohs. A little homework on major rulers, dynasties, and temple sites makes everything click.
Carry small, crisp USD. Bring far more $1s and $5s than you think you’ll need; banks are picky about bill condition.
Expect to tip—often. Restrooms, quick help, small “services”—have cash ready.
Stay firm with vendors. A polite, repeated “no, thank you” goes a long way; lean on your guide when needed.
Hydrate with bottled water. Don’t drink the tap, and keep bottles on hand for the bus and hotel.
Leave room for serendipity. Some of the best moments—the Red Sea glass-bottom boat—weren’t on the itinerary.
How Egypt changed them—and where they’re off to next
“Every time we leave the U.S., we’re humbled by the depth of history elsewhere. Egypt surpasses them all,” they said. From river temples to desert monasteries to 4,500-year-old pyramids, the trip stretched their sense of time and place. Next up on the horizon: Portugal in 2026.
thinking of Planning a similar journey?
George and Marty traveled with EO Tours (Educational Opportunities Tours) and recommend a structured, educational itinerary—especially for a first visit.
A note of thanks (and an open invitation)
Huge thanks to George and Marty O’Daniel for sharing their incredible journey with our community—your stories, humor, and practical tips will inspire many future adventures.
If you’re a Sequoia client and have a trip you’d like to share, we’d be delighted to feature it on our Travel Blog so others can learn from your experience. Thanks for reading, and remember: we’re here to help you plan your dream travel destination—from ideas and timing to trusted partners and budgets. Safe travels!
