Cairo – The New GEM
At long last, it’s here: After more than 20 years of construction and several postponed openings, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has finally thrown open its doors in full glory. But what exactly do you get for a billion US dollars? And what should travel advisors know to prep their clients? To find out, LuxusInsider followed an invitation from Select Luxury Travel and set off for Cairo just one week after the museum’s official debut. Come along as we explore the GEM!
As Experienced by LuxuryWise Editor-in-Chief Iris M. Köpke
Cairo – The New GEM
At long last, it’s here: After more than 20 years of construction and several postponed openings, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has finally thrown open its doors in full glory. But what exactly do you get for a billion US dollars? And what should travel advisors know to prep their clients? To find out, LuxusInsider followed an invitation from Select Luxury Travel and set off for Cairo just one week after the museum’s official debut. Come along as we explore the GEM!
As Experienced by LuxuryWise Editor-in-Chief Iris M. Köpke
What it feels like to visit the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum
Instant awe – that's the only way to describe the moment you first step inside the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum. I'm immediately greeted by a towering 3,200-year-old statue of Ramesses II. And just like that, the architects earn my deepest respect: directly across from him, a small triangular cut-out in the ceiling lets the sun hit Ramesses’ face – twice a year, precisely aligned with solar events. Just like in Abu Simbel. That’s the level of genius we're dealing with here. The pharaoh stands in that signature Egyptian stride – and for the next four and a half hours, I’ll be mirroring it.
With Select Luxury Travel CEO Dirk Gowin and our guide Samir – who instantly climbs to the top of my “best guides of the last 20 years” list – we dive into the world’s largest archaeological museum. We marvel at the Khufu’s Boats Museum, home to a remarkably preserved cedarwood solar barque once buried next to the Great Pyramid. We see hand axes dating back 700,000 years. Grave steles painted in colors so vivid they could’ve dried yesterday. Tiny wooden statues of Nubian archers, each with unique facial features. Towering papyrus scrolls. Ceramic shards covered in ancient doodles. And yes – what may well be the world’s oldest pair of flip-flops: sandals worn by a high official named Mesehti during the 11th Dynasty, crafted from wood and white leather. Let’s just say Jimmy Choo hasn’t exactly reinvented the wheel since. The more I explore, the clearer it becomes: ancient Egypt truly was the cradle of civilization. Our modern sandals? Nearly identical. The bronze fittings on the solar boat? They wouldn’t look out of place in a modern hardware store. Even today’s tombstones bear an uncanny resemblance to Egypt’s ancient steles. And that iconic black eyeliner? Still trending, albeit in a slimmed-down version. The only thing we haven’t preserved is that jaw-dropping craftsmanship. The intricacy! The precision! The mind-blowing artistry achieved without modern tools. Honestly, I’d love to send every tradesman from Germany over here. This is what it looks like when people take pride in their craft.
Wooden outer coffin of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (GEM)
Solar barque of Khufu (GEM)
The undisputed highlight? The Tutankhamun Galleries, of course. For the very first time, all treasures found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun are being exhibited together – in one single place. Bucket list item, here I come! What I see over the next 90 minutes is almost impossible to put into words: an overwhelming wealth of burial goods including countless ushabti figures in all sizes, materials and colors, model ships, walking sticks, opulent jewelry, gilded chests, golden thrones, chariots – and yes, even bread (!), spices, and fruit. How much time do you have to read all this? Then you approach the heart of the gallery. Imagine a Matryoshka doll setup: You pass four gilded shrines, each one smaller than the last, covered in hieroglyphs and divine figures. Inside the smallest one, archaeologists discovered the sarcophagus of King Tut. And inside that? The outer coffin – wood, covered in gold leaf. Then the middle coffin – also wooden, but richly decorated with semi-precious inlays. And then you’re standing in front of the innermost coffin and… you’re speechless. Made entirely of solid gold and weighing over 110 kilograms (242 lbs) – it’s breathtaking to see in real life. And just when you manage to pull your gaze away, there’s more: a majestic statue of Anubis in full alert, followed by the canopic chest that once held Tutankhamun’s organs. I’m no history buff, but this gave me full-body goosebumps. It only gets more emotional: next is the young pharaoh’s golden lion-headed funerary bed – seen it hundreds of times in photos and documentaries, and now I’m standing right in front of it. Incredible. What comes next? Less emotional, more logistical: waiting in line. Because up ahead lies the crown jewel of the exhibit – the world-famous golden funerary mask. Thankfully, even with the crowds, the line moves quickly – I wait five minutes, max. That’s thanks to the very effective (and rather no-nonsense) museum staff, who firmly wave off lingering visitors and selfie fanatics. Pro tip: tune out the noise for two minutes and just take your time with that photo. You won’t be back here anytime soon! When the visit finally winds down, there’s a great museum shop (highly recommended!) and several F&B options. Let’s just say, by the end of the day it’s not so much “Walk like an Egyptian” as “Walk like a very old person” – but every aching muscle was worth it. And honestly, it’s not the feet that give up first. It’s your brain – there’s only so much ancient wonder you can take in before it overflows.
- Comfortable shoes and a cozy cardigan are must-haves for your visit to the vast, air-conditioned Grand Egyptian Museum.
- And don’t even think about going without a guide: with so much ground to cover and countless treasures to discover, it’s easy to get lost or miss key highlights. A good guide also brings the fascinating world of ancient Egypt to life in a way signs alone simply can’t.
- The museum is cleverly designed along a "double matrix" layout, as shown on the visitor maps: you can explore chronologically or follow themed paths – Society, Kingship, and Belief.
- It gets very busy: up to 18,000 visitors per day are allowed in, and you’ll definitely feel it – especially in the Tutankhamun galleries. If budget allows, a VIP ticket with private access is highly recommended for a smoother, more relaxed experience.
- Egyptians are incredibly proud of "their" new museum, and many locals – especially younger ones – travel from all across the country to see it. The surprise? Foreign visitors often become part of the attraction, with Egyptians politely asking for selfies.
- There’s no better time to visit than now. GEM is still in a soft-launch phase, and policies are relatively relaxed: you can still bring in water bottles and full-size cameras. But changes are on the horizon – expect separate fees soon for the Tutankhamun Galleries, the Children’s Museum, and the VR experience.
- Also in the pipeline: two fine dining restaurants with pyramid views, and a finished promenade linking the museum directly to the Giza Pyramids – set to open soon.
Interview mit Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
LuxuryWise: How long have you been involved with this whole project? Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim: I’ve been directly involved in the project for one year and one month now – since I was appointed CEO of this great museum. But I was also indirectly involved as a board member for the past five years.
LuxuryWise: So how does it feel for you personally now that the big opening has finally happened? Prof. Dr. Ghoneim: Honestly, it’s a mix of tremendous responsibility and excitement. I’m thrilled to be in this role – it’s very unique, very prestigious, very elite. But at the same time, it comes with a lot of stress and a long list of things to get done.
LuxuryWise: I can't even begin to imagine! So what do you think this museum means for tourism in Egypt? Prof. Dr. Ghoneim: We believe that this museum will accelerate tourism numbers in the country. It will have a direct effect on tourism and an indirect effect on the economy. It’s the largest museum in the world in terms of size. It’s the largest museum dedicated to Egyptian civilization. It’s a completely different kind of museum from all the others, it’s truly unique. The expected returns from this museum – both in terms of its spillover effects on the economy and its role in marketing Egypt – are unprecedented. The political leadership, as well as the population, believe this is a national project. It’s not just a museum. So we hope we’ll be able to live up to this challenge.
LuxuryWise: And from what I’ve heard on the first day, there were a lot of Egyptians coming too, not just tourists. So what does this museum mean emotionally for Egyptians? Prof. Dr. Ghoneim: They’re very excited! After the ceremonial opening, people are eager to see what this museum is all about – how big it is and how different it is. So it’s definitely a source of pride for all Egyptians.
LuxuryWise: There are a lot of people here today as well. Do you think the museum will offer special tickets like private or after-hours access for VIP guests? Prof. Dr. Ghoneim: We already do. We have that in place, and we're actually managing the number of people coming in. The point is, we're controlling visitor numbers – and beyond that, we also want to control crowd density. So we’re applying different strategies and approaches to manage how many people enter at a certain time.
LuxuryWise: This museum is huge, as you already mentioned. If people are short on time, what’s the one part they absolutely shouldn’t miss? Prof. Dr. Ghoneim: The King Tut exhibition, obviously.
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us!
Cairo Highlights
Islamic Old Town
It's a funny thing: This vibrant, oriental dreamscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – yet most of the people strolling through its maze-like alleys are locals. Welcome to Islamic Cairo, home of the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar. With a guide, it’s super easy to dive into the heart of the city. Insider tip: Select Luxury Travel can arrange a private dinner in a charming, authentic restaurant with local live music.
Giza Pyramids – VIP Style
Yes, it’s possible to see the pyramids without the crowds – just set your alarm. Early risers (and return visitors) are rewarded with a new Visitor Center, shops, restaurants, and a blissful VIP zone with clean bathrooms, drinks and snacks. VIPs are being taken around in a golf cart with chilled refreshments; the others have to hop on shuttle buses. Even the camels have a new parking spot – a win for noses everywhere.
NMEC & Royal Mummy Hall
It opened in 2021 but was soon overshadowed by the headlines around the GEM: the New Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Still, it’s well worth a detour! Inside the "Royal Mummy Hall," Ramesses II and other great pharaohs lie in state, each with a brief bio explaining their life and legacy. Don’t expect to see Tutankhamun here (or at the GEM) though – he remains firmly in the Valley of the Kings.
VIP Experience at the Airport
If your clients are not big fans of lines and airport chaos, the VIP Experience is their new best friend. A staff member takes care of all the paperwork while they unwind in the private lounge. When it’s time to go, they skip all (!) the security lines, hop into a private buggy to the gate, board before the Business Class crowd – and yes, they’ll be chauffeured right up to the plane in their own limo in case of an apron position.
Hotel-Tips Cairo
Four Seasons at Nile Plaza
For Fans of Classic Luxury
Rising over 30 floors, the Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza is a landmark in the capital’s upscale hotel scene. Its 270 rooms and 101 suites, along with several restaurants, a spa, and pools, offer no shortage of space. Three floors were recently renovated and rebranded as "Premium" with updated interiors, modern tech, and improved soundproofing. Six new floors are expected by summer 2026. Those who prefer working over Nile views may opt for the traditional rooms, which have much larger desks. Pro tip: Even from the 6th floor, you already get stunning Nile views. Bonus for neat freaks – the hotel even sends out its own rooftop cleaning crew! Good to know: In 2027, Four Seasons will open a new property in Luxor, nestled between the brand new GEM and the Sphinx.
Mena House Hotel
For Pyramid View Seekers
If seeing the pyramids from bed is your client's goal, welcome to the iconic Mena House Hotel (Marriott). With 331 rooms, guests booking the Premium Pyramid Room are guaranteed front-row views. The balcony views? Equally wow – though, at the end of the day, it’s still just a room. The real charm lies in the spacious Grand Deluxe Rooms with their storybook interiors and elegant details – sans pyramid view. For breakfast with a panorama, the terrace of restaurant 139 Pavilion is the place to be (pictured). The historic palace wing is set to reopen in 2027 as a luxury suite wing. And heads-up: Due to the renovations of the pyramid grounds, the famous Mena House main entrance has been closed to the public – but hotel guests can still use it.
St. Regis Cairo
For Design Enthusiasts
I normally avoid photographing hotel spaces when guests are around – but the St. Regis Cairo is an exception: the lobby (pictured), the bar, and the Tianma restaurant on the fifth floor are just too Insta-worthy! The hotel offers 361 rooms and apartments in total from the 7th to the 18th floor – all sleek and modern and with a chic design. Good to know: apartments can also be rented for short-term stays if your clients prefer more space. All of the St. Regis Suites are corner-positioned with Nile views. Every guest enjoys butler service regardless of room category. The hotel boasts five F&B venues, with the Italian restaurant La Zisa topping the list – breakfast runs from 6 am to 12 (!) pm and the coffee bar is open 24/7. After long hours at the GEM, the tranquil spa is a must.
EDITORIAL NOTE – The hotels and experiences described here were researched as part of an individual press trip organized by Select Luxury Travel. As always, this had no influence whatsoever on the content of this feature.
Partner:
Select Luxury Travel · Dirk Gowin, Co-Founder & Managing Director · Egypt/GEM-Trip Egypt-Experts at Select Luxury Travel: Rebekka Bischoff · Dirk Gowin · Meinhard Hiller
Abercrombie & Kent Egypt · Eman Salama, Division Manager Europe Business
Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza · Hossam Elsayyad, Sales Manager
"Even following the initial announcements and final confirmation of the GEM’s opening, we saw significant interest and early bookings. Since early summer, we’ve added a new luxury journey to our portfolio focused on the Grand Egyptian Museum, the pyramids, and Cairo’s historic old town – fully customizable to the clients’ wishes. We’ve been actively engaged with the GEM for over 18 months now and have visited several times ourselves, so we’re well positioned to offer targeted advice to travel advisors. Since the official opening, both inquiries and bookings have surged. Most travelers are combining their Cairo experience with a Nile cruise. In both destinations, our guests are always accompanied by dedicated Egyptologists who work exclusively for us. Those who have already visited the GEM with us have been thrilled. The museum is currently experiencing massive demand with long queues, but we’re able to use a side entrance to save time. Our guests enjoy a private, tailored tour with our Egyptologist, focusing on the main highlights – which easily takes up to five hours. Interest in the GEM spans all demographics and age groups. The way the exhibits are presented here is second to none: beyond the treasures themselves, it’s the storytelling, architecture, and multimedia elements that truly captivate visitors. There’s also been a lot of exciting development in and around Cairo, like the brand-new Visitor Center at the pyramids. It’s amazing to see the level of investment and progress on the ground. I was last in Giza in August 2024, and now, just 14 months later, the entire infrastructure has transformed: the new promenade is complete, as are updated roads, new entrances, parking, and an impressive visitor hub. A new hotel is also under construction, along with elegant restaurants boasting pyramid views – all subtly designed to complement, not compete with, the monuments themselves. The pace at which this is happening is simply remarkable. There’s no doubt the GEM will bring about the tourism boom Egypt has been hoping for – and I, for one, am thrilled. Some travelers will come for the museum alone, others will pair it with Egypt’s broader highlights, and many day-trippers will venture from the Red Sea just to see it. Above all, we expect a wave of repeat travelers – people returning to Egypt specifically to experience this once-in-a-lifetime museum. Egypt is showing the world just what it’s capable of. The reward will be a surge in global attention and interest. That’s why we recommend advising clients to plan early and book well in advance – capacity is limited and will become even tighter. That said, we anticipate offering private, after-hours access to the GEM in just two or three months' time, allowing our guests to explore the museum exclusively, with their Egyptologist by their side. It simply doesn’t get more luxurious than that."
Dirk Gowin, Co-Founder & Managing Director Select Luxury Travel
In a Nutshell
If that’s not a reason to head back to Cairo, what is? The GEM truly delivers on its promise. Spread across a staggering 500,000 square meters, it offers the very best of Egyptian history – presented in a thoroughly modern and, quite literally, hands-on way: surprisingly many artifacts are displayed out in the open, without glass casings. A dream come true for Instagram lovers! But this isn’t just the world’s largest archaeological museum – it’s a genuinely enriching experience, even for those who don’t usually set foot in museums. What’s especially heartwarming is seeing how enthusiastically Egyptians have embraced their new museum. Many travel long distances just to visit—some even crossing the country on their own, including teenagers. Meanwhile, Cairo is clearly on the rise, shaking off the dust and undergoing impressive modernization at every turn. Now all that’s left is for the luxury hotel scene to catch up: existing capacities likely won’t be enough for long.
Author: Iris M. Köpke