The Nile by Dahabiya.

It's definitely one of the highlight activities you can do in Egypt and shouldn't be missed. A Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan can't be beat if you have a penchant for peace, quiet and travel on water. And while you're at it, give the large cruise ships that basically are floating hotels a miss and opt for a wind-powered Dahabiya instead. These beautiful and aesthetic boats accommodate only a maximum of 12 people in six comfy cabins, making this a most intimate experience. When you wake up in the morning you hear the chatter of birds and the gurgling of water as the Dahabiya glides through the tranquil Nile. At the same time, the small crew is already busy preparing stacks of crepes and fresh coffee. So, rush up the stairs to the communal breakfast table to greet your fellow passengers and soak in the scenery. It's all green fields and palm trees with the desert as a contrasting backdrop and the blue Nile to match, dotted with the occasional donkey or village kids or group of fishermen. During the day, there are plenty of excursions to temples and other sights that you can join, but the best part is always returning to the boat and being welcomed by the steward with cold a hibiscus drink and refreshing towels. After lunch, you will have ample time for a nap in one of the cosy nooks around the ship equipped with rugs and cushions and of course the amazing view out into the green, blue and ochre of Upper Egypt. If you're not careful, you might sleep all the way until dinner, which would of course be a shame, as you would miss both the lovingly prepared afternoon tea as well as the golden afternoon sun, best enjoyed with a sundowner to match.

http://www.lazulinil.com/

Kom El Dikka Agri Lodge.

Sometimes you just want to get out of the city with friends and family for a leisurely weekend in the countryside, not too close to town, yet not too far away either. If this is your craving, Kom El Dikka agrilodge in Fayoum is your best bet. Situated at the edge of picturesque Tunis Village between the settlement and the fields, their North House offers all you need for a great self-catering holiday. The beautiful, clean and spacious house with all amenities, including huge bathrooms and a generous open-plan kitchen, easily sleeps 6 with the option to add more people in the living room. Children can roam around freely on the property while grown-ups doze in the shade on the super-soft lawn that surrounds the house. Meals are best enjoyed on the terrace just outside the front door, from which the view goes out to the fields and the desert beyond. Take a stroll down to the lake and back through the village around sunset, then sit down and relax with a cold drink while the fire is lit and preps for a delicious BBQ are under way. Bliss.

https://www.facebook.com/komeldikkaagrilodge

Tea with Mint.

Imagine sitting on the crest of a sand dune in the middle of the Western Desert, there's a fire going while the sun disappears on the horizon. Your bedouin guide mixes together sugar, water, black tea and mint leaves into a sweet concoction that's being poured into tiny glasses and handed to you. You take a first sip and feel completely content. It's warm and refreshing at the same time. That's why we love simple tea with. Because it's the quintessential flavour of Arabia past and present. Also enjoyed in Cairo tea houses and at home with friends and family, but at it's best out in the vastness of the desert.

Blackstone Bistro.

Yes, we all love mezze and a helping of tamia or koshary, but sometimes the only thing that makes us feel happy is a generous portion of greasy American goodness and a cold beer. If you ever should feel a similar craving, there's no better place than Blackstone Bistro in Zamalek where you can hide from the world in their cosy interior of dark wood and black-and-white prints with scenes from New York. There's always some mellow tune playing and the light at just the right dimness to immediately feel at home. Wherever that might be. Their French Onion Soup is always a winner to fill an empty tummy as is their homemade burger, which comes with sweet potato fries and coleslaw. If you're more on the healthy side, Blackstone also boasts a variety of unusual salads like the Blackstone Cobb with raisins and blue cheese. Oh, and don't forget to try their iced tea. And if you still can't get enough, simply come back tomorrow morning for a killer breakfast of Eggs Benedict and French Toast. Caramelized Banana Pecan Waffle anyone?

http://www.blackstonebistro.com

Cake Café.

It's the weekend! Time to treat yourself to a good cup of coffee and some sweet treats. For our afternoon caffeine fix and bar of scrumptious pecan pie, we often head for the tiny Cake Café opposite the Islamic Ceramics Museum in Zamalek. It's one of the few places around where you can sit outside on the pavement and although they only have one small table with two chairs for al fresco eating, we often find it vacant. As if it's always waiting only for us. Most people seem to prefer the air-conditioned inside sitting area. It's a great, quiet spot close to the hubbub of El Gezira St where affluent parent ferry their kids to the sports club of the same name. Perfect for watching people or just the birds in the trees above.

https://www.facebook.com/CakeCafeCairo