Desert Safari Tour
This adventurous 17 day tour visits the cities of ancient Egypt, travels through the vast Western Deserts, strewn with ancient monuments before arriving in the Nile Valley to discover the history behind the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel and the incredibly well preserved temples found along the Nile. We begin in the bustling capital Cairo with trips to the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum before offering the chance to explore the bazaars and churches of central Cairo. We then head into the western deserts, home to remarkable rock formations and small Oasis towns. Enjoy 4WD safaris and a night sleeping under the brilliant night-time skies as we journey through the Egypt’s western deserts on the way to the Nile Valley for stays in Luxor and Aswan.
Day 1 – Arrive into Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival into Cairo our representatives will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for the start of your tour.
(No meals included)
Day 2 – Cairo. Pyramids Tour & Saqqara
Our tour of Egypt begins this morning with a trip to Giza to view the Sphinx and the world famous Pyramids where we enjoy a fully guided tour of the sites before giving you the chance to explore on your own. This afternoon we make the short drive to the huge ancient necropolis found at Saqqara. Built in the third dynasty and designed by renowned architect Imhotep, Saqqara is famous for its dramatic stepped Pyramid – the oldest pyramid in Egypt.
(Breakfast included)
Day 3 – Cairo. Museum & City tour
After breakfast our city tour of Cairo begins with a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum – home to countless ancient artifacts including the Tutankhamun exhibition. We then continue our tour of Cairo with a trip to the Citadel and the Mohamed Ali mosque which overlook the city. The maze like streets and the bustling bazaars of Khan-el-Khalili market are next before we end the day exploring the fascinating churches of Coptic Cairo – both the hanging church of St. Mary’s (one of Egypt’s oldest churches) and St. Sergio which is believed to have been visited by the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.
(Breakfast included)
Day 4 – Cairo. Desert drive to Siwa Oasis
We depart Cairo this morning and begin the drive west through Egypt’s spectacular desert landscape en-route to our next destination, Siwa Oasis. One of Egypt’s most isolated settlements, Siwa Oasis was once visited by Alexander the Great who apparently followed the birds through the desert. It remains home to the local Berber people who use their own dialect.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 5 – Siwa
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6 – Siwa
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 7 – Siwa Oasis. Drive to Bahariya Oasis
(Breakfast, dinner and lunch included)
Day 8 – Bahariya Oasis. Drive to White Desert and camp overnight
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 9 – White Desert. Drive to Dakhla Oasis
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 10 – Dakhla Oasis. Drive to Luxor
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 11 – Luxor. East Bank tour
After a relaxing morning we spend the afternoon on Luxor’s East bank and enjoy fully guided tours of both the huge Karnak Temple system and the smaller but perfectly positioned Luxor Temple. The evening is free to explore the ancient city of Thebes before returning to your hotel.
(Breakfast included)
Day 12 – Luxor. West Bank tour
We have an early start this morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of cooler temperatures for our tour of the West Bank sites. Beginning at the Colossi of Memnon we then visit the fabled Valley of the Kings burial site and the mortuary temple of Ramses III (Medinet Habu) before ending the excursion at the historic temple of Queen Hatshepsut. The afternoon is free to enjoy a walking tour of Luxor or perhaps visit the Luxor Museum.
(Breakfast included)
Day 13 – Luxor. Drive to Aswan via Edfu and Kom Ombo
We depart Luxor this morning for the drive south to Aswan making stops along the way to enjoy tours of the intricate temples found at Kom Ombo and Edfu. The temple at Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods – Harveris the Sun God and Sobek the Crocodile God, don’t miss the mummified crocodiles! Edfu temple is widely regarded as one of the best preserved in the whole of Egypt and we’ll visit this by horse and carriage. We arrive into Aswan late afternoon.
(Breakfast included)
Day 14 – Aswan. Philae Temple and High Dam tour
We begin our tour of the Nubian region surrounding Aswan by visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam on the way to the stunningly beautiful Philae Temple. Surrounded by water many believe this to be the most picturesque temple in the whole of Egypt. We spend the afternoon enjoying a traditional felucca boat ride on the Nile. The rest of the day is free to explore the colourful souks of Aswan or enjoy a walking tour to the Nubian museum.
(Breakfast included)
Day 15 – Aswan. Tour to Abu Simbel. Overnight train to Cairo
We join the convoys this morning as we make our way south almost to the border with Sudan to visit the remarkable Sun Temples of Abu Simbel. A must see monument for many Egyptologists we enjoy a fully guided tour of the site and find out exactly how these beautiful temples were reclaimed from the Nile when the Dam was built. After returning to Aswan we have a free afternoon before boarding the overnight train back to Cairo.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 16 – Arrive into Cairo. Free day
Upon arrival into Cairo our reps will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the fascinating city of Cairo on your own or arrange one of the optional tours we offer.
(Breakfast included)
Day 17 – Cairo. Departure transfer to the airport
Free time. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
(Breakfast included)
