Day 4: St Catherine’s Monastery, Moses Mountain. Evening Flight to Cairo

In the morning, we will descend again to visit St.Catherine, one of the oldest and most famous Christian monasteries in the world and site of the Burning Bush, where we will have breakfast.

The mountain was named in honor of Saint Catherine, a significant figure in Europe’s Christian history, known for her role in spreading Christianity in Egypt. She met a tragic end in Alexandria at the hands of the Romans, but her body mysteriously disappeared. Monks later discovered her body atop the mountain, believing angels had placed it there.

The Burning Bush, also known as the living bush, resides within the Saint Catherine’s Monastery complex in Sinai. According to church tradition, the monks believe it to be the original bush seen by Prophet Moses.

We’ll return to Dahab in the afternoon to unwind before our evening flight to Cairo.

Day 5: Giza Pyramids & Grand Museum Visit. Evening flight to Luxor.

We will meet for breakfast at 8.15 to catch up on the plan for today! Departing from the hotel around 9 am, a short journey brings us to the horses who wait patiently, eager to take you on your first adventure: an exciting ride across the desert to the pyramids at Giza.

Before we start there is a safety briefing and we explain the history of horses in the area. These proud horses are in their element out in the sand dunes. Here you will witness first-hand the incredible energy, bravery and stamina of the Egyptian horse.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant in town followed by a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum- This newly opened museum, welcoming visitors for the first time in 2024, holds some of the world’s greatest ancient treasures. Its location is just outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau (and next door to the Pyramids) is considered not only considered the new crown jewel of Egypt, but is also one of the largest, most modern, and most renowned museums in the entire world.

In the evening, we will catch a flight to Luxor to continue our journey.

Day 6: Multi Option Luxor* Full day trail ride / or half day with historical site seeing.

Welcome to Luxor and home of Ride Egypt!  Today, we offer you the choice of a full day in the saddle or a blend of sightseeing and riding. You will have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Luxor, home to ancient wonders like the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.

Today, you will also have a chance to get acquainted with our Egyptian steed! Our horses are spirited and forward-going but they are also polite, sensitive and willing to please. You will notice how they listen to you, receptive to voice and tone. Highly intelligent with expressive eyes and ears it is easy to bond with them and understand their ways. All possess endless enthusiasm for the journey and you will feel this as they carry you effortlessly for hours in the sometimes unforgiving heat. We will head out into the fields where you will see farmers working the land as their forefathers did. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant while the horses dose in the shade.

Historical sight-seeing: Accompanied by an Egyptologist you will have the opportunity to visit three very different tombs all representing the values of the pharaohs to which they belong. The choice is yours whether you’re a saddle-junkie or culture-vulture, Luxor has it all! Of course, if you prefer a relaxing morning by the pool combined with an afternoon ride this is also an option, especially for returning guests who have already visited the sites.

Today allows everybody to enjoy what makes them happy, followed by a delicious dinner of typical Egyptian fare cooked by our wonderful hosts.

Day 7: Multi Option Luxor* Full day trail ride / or half day with historical site seeing.

Continue your exploration of Luxor with another full-day trail ride or opt for a half-day historical tour to delve deeper into the city’s rich cultural heritage. 

Day 8: Sunrise balloons ride & Lunchtime check out/Departure

We will rise with the morning call to prayer today as we head out for truly a magical experience – a sunrise balloon tour by horseback. The sight as they all take flight is simply breath-taking. Glide through the Valley of the Kings and the farms of the West Bank watching the shadows fall away as the sun fills the sky with colour and light. This is a must-do activity when visiting Luxor.

We will next head to the Temple of Habu for breakfast and a tour of the site. Amun, the god of air, was one of the primordial Egyptian deities famously twinned with Ra the sun god in later times. This memorial temple, built by Rameses III, is said to be the place where Amun first appeared according to ancient belief. It is an imposing structure and boasts some beautifully preserved murals and hieroglyphs. We visit early morning before the crowds descend so it feels like a well-kept secret!

Our final site of the day is the Temple of Hatshepsut, thought to be a masterpiece of the pharaonic era. It represents not only her devotion to her god Horus, the falcon-headed god, but is also a reflection of her peaceful and prosperous reign. It would later become her mortuary temple as the afterlife beckoned her forth. This is a magnificent example of the wealth and master craftsmanship of the time – the paintings are exquisite and the scale of the monument, truly astonishing – a spectacular finale to your journey through Egypt.

After a farewell lunch it is time to say goodbye unless you have booked one of our fabulous extensions.

Optional Aswan and Abu Simble Extension.

For those seeking further adventure, extend your journey with an optional extension to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Day 9-10. You will travel by road to Aswan, stopping along the way at Horus temple in Edfu & The temple of Sobek Kim ombo, this temple is dedicated to the Crocodile Headed God Sobek and the Falcon headed God Horus the Elder. Dinner and overnight at our charming Nubian guest house.

Day 9: Aswan

Aswan is known for its beautiful Nile Valley scenery, significant archaeological sites and its peaceful aura. Its weather is warm all year round, which makes it a perfect winter destination. The city provides splendid views and attractions to sail through the Nile with a felucca (Egyptian sailboat).

Aswan sightseeing:

1. Temple of Philae
2. Unfinished Obelisk. 890. Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
3. Aswan High Dam.
4. Nubian Museum (evening opening times)
5. Nubian Village
6. Elephantine Island
7. Cocktails Hotel Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (Where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile)

Overnight at your guest house.

Day 10: Abu Simble

Rise and shine bright and early today marks the highlight and “must do” when visiting Aswan, the UNESCO Abu Simble World Heritage Site.

Abu Simbel is a historic site comprising two massive rock-cut temples in the village of Abu Simbel (Arabic: أبو سمبل), Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt, near the border with Sudan. It is situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km (140 mi) southwest of Aswan (about 300 km (190 mi) by road).

The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th Dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. Their huge external rock relief figures of Ramesses II have become iconic. His wife, Nefertari, and children can be seen in smaller figures by his feet. Sculptures inside the Great Temple commemorate Ramesses II’s heroic leadership at the Battle of Kadesh.

After an awe inspiring morning we will stop off at our favourite local sea food Resturant for a delicious lunch before driving back to Aswan in preparation for your evening flight to Cairo and your onward journey home.