The first official Madrid Xplora expedition marked the start of a great legacy. The journey took participants through the desert, to discover ancient temples, and to connect genuinely with local communities. The route combined three fundamental pillars that define the Xplora spirit:
The experience was guided by someone who knows it like no other: Rubén VillalobosHe is a historical researcher specialising in Ancient Egypt, writer and content creator.
Out of hundreds of applications from across the Community of Madrid, they were the ones chosen. Twenty creative, restless and talented young people who proved that originality and the desire to take on the world are the driving force behind change.
"My mother told me how much the opportunity to travel meant to her, and I wanted to experience it too.”
"For me, travelling to Egypt presents an opportunity to have new experiences, to learn about its history and culture, and to fully enjoy the adventure.”
"It brings me great happiness because it's an adventure with 19 boys my age to a country that really attracts me."
"Madrid Xplora offers me the opportunity to undertake a project that not only enriches my personal development, but also provides the chance for a unique trip."
"Travelling to Egypt is a unique opportunity to learn, open my mind to new cultures and grow personally."
"I am greatly delighted to know that my effort and my idea have resulted in one of the 20 selected projects."
"This isn't just any trip; it's a unique opportunity for growth and learning that will be a watershed moment in our lives."
"I signed up for Madrid Xplora because I saw it as the perfect opportunity to get to know the world, which is something I love."
"I signed up for the opportunity to go to Egypt and meet people."
"I am passionate about trying new experiences and pushing my boundaries, as well as travelling and learning new things."
"Madrid Xplora seemed to me a life-changing experience."
"It is a great recognition and pride to be among those 20 candidates chosen from over 500 participants and, in turn, it shows that it is worth making the maximum effort."
"For me, it represents a unique opportunity to discover a fascinating culture and take a trip that I will always remember."
“I see Madrid Xplora as an opportunity for personal growth, to meet new people, and to visit a country that is very different in many ways.”.
"I'm still processing the fact that I'll be travelling to Egypt, but I'm very proud and it feels like a sign to believe in myself a little more."
"I signed up for Madrid Xplora because I wanted to try my luck and have a really impactful experience that would push me out of my comfort zone."
"I signed up to try it out and out of curiosity to do something out of the ordinary."
"To have been chosen from over 500 candidates is an enormous source of pride and an opportunity that I value greatly, making me feel valued and heard."
"Egypt evokes my passion for history; for a captivating and mysterious civilisation."
"I signed up for Madrid Xplora because I was looking for ideas for my International Baccalaureate CAS projects, and it seemed like an incredible idea."
The expedition kicked off with the transfer from Madrid to Aswan to embark on the cruise Royal Amira. The first few days were focused on discovering the Key temples of the Nubian region and the Upper Nile, like Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu.
In addition to archaeological visits, the group alternated sailing with cultural activities on board and short trips in traditional boats such as Falucas, serving this first stage to adapt the Xplorers' pace to the country.
Now established in Luxor, the Xplorers dedicated their mornings to thoroughly exploring the West Bank, including the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Medinat Habu and Karnak.
In the afternoons, contact with local life was prioritised through walks around the traditional market. The sports block included an attempt to kayak route along the Nile River. Likewise, they crossed to Banana Island to fully discover a local village, concluding the stay with a visit to archaeological projects before flying to Cairo.
The arrival at Cairo marked the mandatory visit to the enclosure of the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Immediately afterwards, the expedition radically changed its environment by moving to the oasis of El Fayoum.
Staying at an agritourism estate, the young people spent two days getting involved in the day-to-day tasks of the organic rural environment and the local artisanal production, rounding off their stay with a 4x4 tour of the surrounding desert.
The last leg of the journey moved to the peninsula of Sinai. After a day at sea, snorkel In the Ras Mohamed protected reserve, the group faced the trip's greatest endurance challenge: The night-time ascent on foot to Mount Sinai.
The hike began at midnight and culminated at the summit to witness the sunrise, completing the experience with a visit to the historic Monastery of Santa Catalina before undertaking the return flights to Madrid.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Explore the most authentic moments of the expedition: the laughter, the effort, the camaraderie, and the real-life moments captured by both the photography team and the Xplorers themselves throughout the adventure.
![[xplora-egypt-stage1_9]](https://madridxplora.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/xplora-egipto-etapa1_9-scaled.jpg)
Registrations made from 185
different educational centres
Xplora Projects received from 103
different educational centres
