Tour description
On day 1 we’ll meet at Cairo, where modern skyscrapers stand side-by-side with centuries-old structures. You’ll see anachronisms like donkey-drawn carts passing the entrance of Africa’s first underground station. You’ll visit the old town, the ‘citadel’, the splendid Khan al-Khalili market and the Egyptian Museum. Or you can take an optional one-day excursion to the famous pyramids.
Western Desert
Day 4 takes us to the oases of the Western Desert, where date palms grow and farmers ride their donkeys through lush overgrown fields. We’ll visit a natural hot spring and see the unique Crystal Mountain, a small hill that sparkles like crystal due to its countless shards of quartz. We’ll spend the night in the desert surrounded by enormous white limestone ‘mushrooms’ before heading for the Dakhla Oasis to enjoy a walk under the shade of date palms. Then we’ll follow a beautiful route to Kharga and spend the night there surrounded by sand dunes. Waking up in this part of the desert and taking a stroll are unforgettable experiences as the wind creates colourful ripples of sand which seem to constantly change form and hue.
Aswan
On day 7 we arrive in Aswan. The following day we take a relaxing boat-trip around small and overgrown papyrus islands that accommodate a vast bird population. On the way you can pay a visit to a primitive Nubian village. There is also the possibility of an excursion to the gigantic dam at Lake Nasser, to be combined with a visit to the famous Philae Temple.
Sail on the Nile
Day 9 there’ll be an optional visit to the famous Abu Simbel Temple. The next day is a rest day so you can sail on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca. Whilst you watch the sand dunes and small Nubian settlements drift by, the captain will prepare a delicious meal accompanied by an aromatic cup of mint tea. You will spend the night aboard the boat, on a mattress, under a starlit sky.
Magnificent Luxor
Day 11 takes us to Luxor, a city which offers the most magnificent cultural highlights of the entire tour. You can visit the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Hatsheput by bike or bus. The sound and light show at the Temple of Karnak is totally unmissable. If you wish you can rent a beautiful Arabian horse and take an exploratory ride into the surrounding desert and around its picturesque settlements.
Two-day safari by camel
Passing through Cairo and the Suez Canal, we’ll head for the seaside resort of Dahab, where you can relax on its sunny and sandy beach.
Departing from Dahab on day 16 we’ll commence a two-day safari, on camel and foot, through the mountainous desert landscape. Nomads will prepare your meals and we’ll sleep in the open air beside the campfire.
Swim, dive, snorkel and sail
Back in Dahab you can enjoy almost-endless opportunities to swim, dive, snorkel and sail. You can visit the Greek Orthodox monastery of St Catherine’s and watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Moses. Then, on day 21, we’ll return to Cairo for one night before saying our farewells.