“It was a successful trip,” said one of the lead teachers, Mr. King, as he wiped off the sweat on his forehead, still glistening from the Egyptian heat. In early June, 24 students, teachers, and parents from BASIS Independent McLean embarked on an illuminating journey to Egypt to explore its rich religious, architectural, artistic, and culinary heritage, along with its striking natural landscape.

Follow along through this photo gallery as we revisit the blazing sun, magnificent temples and tombs, and the excitement that shines through the desert heat.

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Day 1–2: “As‐salamu alaykum,” Cairo

“Peace be upon you.”

Upon landing in Cairo, students began to immerse themselves in the city’s atmosphere and culture, slowly adjusting to the rhythm of a place steeped in history.

Day 3: The Giza Plateau

Giza Plateau and Egyptian Museum

The world-famous pyramids were right at the students’ fingertips—what an epic way to start the journey! Students also experienced camel-riding, which many of them had only seen in films and documentaries.

At the Egyptian Museum, students were left in awe by the stunning artifacts: from remarkably preserved mummies to the iconic golden mask of Tutankhamun.  

Day 4: Cairo >> Aswan

Aswan Dam, Philae Temple, Felucca sailboat, traditional Nubian village, and a cruise on the Nile River.

Today, students explored both modern and ancient Egypt on foot. From the Aswan Dam—a vital symbol of Egypt’s 20th-century development—to the Philae Temple, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the contrast between the two highlighted how much this land has transformed over time.

Day 5: Nile Cruise: Aswan >>> Edfu

Kom Ombo, LEAP Cooking class, Temple of Kom Ombo, Edfu

Today was spent aboard the cruise. Students participated in a LEAP cooking class and learned to prepare authentic Egyptian dishes. Later, they explored the uniquely symmetrical Temple of Kom Ombo—an architectural marvel featuring a rare dual design dedicated to two gods.

Day 6: Nile Cruise: Edfu >>> Luxor

Temple of Edfu, Cruise to Luxor, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple

The journey continued with a visit to the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The cruise then headed north to Luxor, where students toured the grand Karnak Temple and the atmospheric Luxor Temple.

Day 7: Luxor >>> Hurghada

West Bank of Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and Temple of Ramesses III

Day 8: Hurghada

Sahara sunset safari, Bedouin Barbecue, Stargazing, Snorkeling Excursion

In the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada, students experienced the desert like never before—on the sunset safari through the Sahara, followed by a traditional Bedouin Barbecue.

Day 9: Hurghada >>> Cairo

Saladin Citadel, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Bazaars of Khan el-Kalili

On the last day, students returned from gazing upward at the magical sky. Stepping away from the magnificent temples, their journey came to an end in the busy and warm lives of ordinary people on earth.

Day 10: Cairo >>> USA

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And thus, still discussing what they saw and experienced, the group returned home. Historical, cultural, and magical—these words defined the theme of this unforgettable journey. “Stories of this trip will be told around fireplaces and generations to come,” was how a parent described it, and how many of our students will remember this fascinating cultural and historical lesson long after it is over, outside of the classroom.

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Project Week is a BASIS Independent Schools tradition in which students work with dedicated faculty on multidisciplinary projects or international trips during the final week of the academic year. Through these diverse experiences, students broaden their interests, embrace new challenges, and gain invaluable skills through cooperation, exploration, and hands-on learning.

Stay tuned for more reports on the international trips!