John Smith
June 11, 2024, 4:17 a.m.This tour was an incredible experience! The itinerary was perfectly planned, mixing the awe of visiting Luxor's ancient sites with a night in the beautiful desert. Staying in Aswan was the perfect ending. Highly recommended!
1) Day 1: Cairo to the White Desert- A Thrilling Desert Adventure
Start your adventure at 6:00 AM with a pick-up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza, and begin the scenic drive to Bahariya Oasis, located about 350 km from Cairo. The journey takes around 4 hours, with two coffee breaks along the way. As you drive, you’ll pass by railways transporting iron ore to Helwan's steel mills, providing an interesting view of Egypt's industrial landscape.
At 10:00 AM, you’ll arrive at Bahariya Oasis, where you’ll meet your safari guide and jump into a 4x4 Jeep to start your desert journey. Your first stop is the Black Desert, named for the black powder covering its mountains and highlands. This unique landscape offers a striking contrast to the surrounding sands of Egypt’s desert.
By 12:00 PM, you’ll arrive at El Haize Oasis, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. This oasis has a rich history dating back to Roman times and was once a prosperous area. Before lunch, take a dip in a natural hot spring, perfect for relieving tension and unwinding after the long journey. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Water Museum, which displays ancient tools used by Egyptians to extract water from underground sources for irrigation.
At 1:00 PM, you’ll continue your journey to the Valley of Agabat, arriving around 2:00 PM. The valley, located deep within the White Desert, offers surreal rock formations made of limestone and chalk, created millions of years ago when the area was underwater. The beauty of the place is truly out-of-this-world, and it’s the perfect spot for photography and exploration.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore the White Desert National Park, known for its otherworldly shapes and iconic rock formations that resemble animals like chickens, sphinxes, camels, and mushrooms. This area is one of Egypt’s most famous desert destinations.
By late afternoon, around 5:30 PM, you’ll set up camp and enjoy the desert’s breathtaking sunset as the sky transforms into shades of pink and fiery orange. As the sun sets, you’ll enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner with chicken, rice, and vegetables. Vegetarian meals are available, and after dinner, you can sit around a campfire, taking in the quiet beauty of the desert.
Temperatures in the White Desert can drop suddenly, so it’s important to bring a jacket for the evening. Don’t worry about the logistics, as all camping equipment, including sleeping bags, tents, and mattresses, will be provided to ensure your comfort during the night. This desert experience is a perfect blend of adventure, history, and stunning landscapes. Book your tour now and experience the magic of Egypt’s desert!
2) Day 2: White Desert – Bahariya Oasis Adventure
Start your second day at 6:00 AM with a breathtaking sunrise in the heart of the White Desert. Enjoy a delicious desert breakfast at 7:00 AM before embarking on a scenic drive back to Bahariya Oasis. At 9:00 AM, stop to visit the famous Crystal Mountain (Gebel al-Izzaz), a stunning natural wonder known as the "Jewel of the Desert." The mountain is covered in shimmering quartzite crystals that sparkle beautifully in the sun, making for an incredible sight. Discovered only a few decades ago, this location has since become a must-see for all desert travelers.
By 11:00 AM, you'll continue your journey toward Bahariya Oasis. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and unwind in the Bir Sigam hot spring, located just 7 km east of the oasis along the Cairo road. The warm waters of this natural spring are perfect for soothing your muscles and enjoying the tranquil desert atmosphere. During the summer months, there will also be a stop at Bir Madi, a cold spring ideal for cooling off.
At 12:00 PM, you'll begin your drive back to Cairo, arriving at around 4:30 PM. For those wishing to extend their adventure, we offer two exciting optional tours:
Golden Mummies & Historical Tour: Dive deeper into the fascinating history of Bahariya Oasis by visiting the Museum of the Golden Mummies, Bawiti Tombs, and the Temple of Alexander the Great. Explore the tombs of Bannentiu and Djed-Ankh-Amun-Iuf, dating back to the 26th Dynasty. In 1938, archaeologist Ahmed Fakhry discovered four tombs in this area. You'll also visit Bawiti, the capital of Bahariya Oasis, and the Temple of Ain El Muftella. Lunch will be served at the oasis before returning to Cairo. This tour option is available for an additional $35 per person.
Bahariya Oasis 3-Hour Extra Tour: For those seeking more exploration, this extra 3-hour tour takes you through the palm and olive fields of Bahariya, as well as Gebel Maghrafa, where the famous Stromer's Tidal Giant dinosaur was discovered. Visit Lake al-Marun, the largest salt lake in Bahariya Oasis, and enjoy a sunset view from the top of Gebel Al Ingleez (English Mountain), offering panoramic views of the oasis. This tour is available for $35 per person.
Once the tour is complete, you will continue your journey back to Cairo for your flight to Luxor. Please note, pickup and drop-off services from Cairo airport or nearby hotels come with an additional fee of $25 each.
This exciting desert adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical exploration, and unique cultural experiences. Book your Bahariya Oasis tour today and immerse yourself in the wonders of Egypt’s majestic desert!
3) Day 3: Luxor-The Valley of the Kings & Iconic Temples
On Day 3, start your journey with a pick-up from your hotel in Luxor. Begin your day with a private tour of the ancient city, guided by an expert historian who will bring the history of Luxor to life. You'll cross the Nile River to explore the West Bank, home to some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites.
Your first stop is the legendary Valley of the Kings, where you'll visit three of the most iconic tombs. This vast burial ground housed Egypt's rulers from the 18th to the 20th dynasties, including the grand Pharaoh Ramses II and the famous Tutankhamun. The tombs are adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant wall paintings that remain remarkably well-preserved. If you wish to visit Tutankhamun’s Tomb specifically, an additional 200 Egyptian Pounds are required. This site remains one of the most fascinating legacies of ancient Egypt.
Next, you will visit the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples in Luxor. This monumental temple, built into the cliffs of the Theban Mountain, was constructed in honor of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh. The temple is known for its impressive terraces, grand ramps, and seamless integration with the surrounding desert landscape.
Afterward, make your way to the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues of King Amenhotep III. These towering statues stand at 18 meters high and were originally part of the largest mortuary temple ever built in Luxor. The Colossi are constructed from quartzite sandstone, and it’s fascinating to think that they were transported from Cairo to Luxor, a distance of over 700 kilometers.
By noon, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor, allowing you to rest and rejuvenate for the next part of your adventure.
The afternoon will be spent exploring Karnak Temple, the largest religious structure ever built in Egypt. This vast temple complex covers 247 acres and is considered one of the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in the world. The temple complex consists of three main temples and is a testament to the combined achievements of many pharaohs over the centuries. Karnak Temple is renowned for its massive halls, towering columns, and stunning hieroglyphs that narrate the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.
In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Aswan, where you will enjoy an overnight stay, ready for the next leg of your adventure.
This day will immerse you in the splendor of Luxor’s archaeological wonders, providing you with a deeper understanding of Egypt's ancient history and culture. Whether you're visiting the Valley of the Kings, exploring the grandeur of Karnak Temple, or marveling at the Temple of Hatshepsut, this day promises to be a highlight of your Egyptian adventure.
4) Day 4: Abu Simbel, Aswan & Felucca Ride
On Day 4, begin your unforgettable day with an early morning departure from Aswan to visit the iconic Abu Simbel Temples. The Abu Simbel Temples, carved into the mountainside on the west bank of the Nile, were built by Ramses II between 1274 and 1244 BC. The grand Great Temple is dedicated to Ramses II, Ra-Harakhty, Amun Ra, and Ptah, with four colossal statues guarding its entrance. The second temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and Goddess Hathor. These temples were meticulously dismantled and relocated to higher ground to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, marking one of UNESCO’s greatest preservation achievements.
After the Abu Simbel Temple visit, head back to Aswan to explore more of this charming city. Start with the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This is one of the last temples built in the classical Egyptian style, with construction starting around 690 BC. It was the final stronghold where the goddess Isis was worshipped.
Next, visit the High Dam of Aswan, a feat of modern engineering, built to regulate the flow of the Nile and create Lake Nasser. Completed in 1968, it has become an essential part of Egypt’s infrastructure. You’ll also explore the Unfinished Obelisk, located in the northern quarries. This massive structure, weighing over 1168 tons, offers fascinating insights into the ancient Egyptian techniques used to carve statues and obelisks.
To finish the day, take a relaxing felucca ride along the Nile, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landmarks. The gentle breeze and peaceful surroundings will provide the perfect end to your Egypt adventure.
After this unforgettable day, fly back to Cairo and transfer to your hotel, marking the conclusion of your incredible Egyptian journey. This day will leave you with memories of ancient monuments, modern marvels, and breathtaking landscapes that only Egypt can offer.