Day 1: Arrival
Arrive Cairo and our first meeting it’s at dinner overlooking the magical pyramids.
Day 2: Great Pyramids of Giza by Horseback. Transfer to Fayoum.
Wake to the frenetic sounds of a thriving city. The pyramids at Giza are a must-see for most visiting Cairo, but today we elevate this experience by riding onto the plateau on our beautiful Egyptian horses.
After a traditional breakfast and a briefing from our guides we will make the short journey to the horses who wait for us within the site. Pure of heart and renowned for their stamina, these horses are the pride of Egypt and a symbol of its strength and fortitude. The open desert allows for fantastic riding at all paces including exhilarating gallops.
After exploring the desert on horseback it is then time for a tour of the Sphinx on foot. Carved from one solid piece of stone this mysterious statue is one of the oldest sculptures from the Old Kingdom and was built during the reign of Khafre.
Our lunch stop is at a local restaurant in town; flatbread, kofte, fragrant rice as well as various delicious salads and dips make up a typical lunch.
Satisfied, we now pack our bags for the transfer to Fayoum, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst desert sands. The road trip will take approximately 1.5hrs.
Upon arrival, we’re greeted with an introductory ride through the charming Fayoum villages.
Dinner will be at the villa prepared by local chefs.
Day 3: Magic Lake Trail Ride & Desert Dinner Under the Stars
Begin your day with a leisurely morning to soak in the beauty of the Fayoum Oasis. Following an early lunch, get ready for an incredible trail ride to the enchanting ‘Magic Lake’ -lasting approximately 5 hours (from 1-6pm).
Magic Lake is located in Wadi El Hitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its abundance of fossils including some of the earliest whales. Riding through the sands it will seem like a mirage!
The lake’s name derives from the variety of colours it becomes throughout the course of the day depending on the sunlight it gains and the time of year. It is also said to contain healing minerals for ailments such as rheumatism. The desert is the horses’ playground, vast and open, inviting fast canters and gallops, but here we also have the contrasting peace and serenity that’s this mystical lake emanates. Famous for its sunsets, you will have the chance to watch the sun fall below the horizon from between your horse’s ears.
Our evening ends with a delicious dinner under the starlit desert sky.
Day 4: Wadi El Hitan 4 x 4 Safari with Lunch. Evening flight to Luxor
A non-riding start this morning with a 4×4 tour of Wadi El Hitan, also known as Whale Valley. This extraordinary lowland plain contains the fossilised remains of the Archaeoceti, the precursor to today’s whales, at the stage in their evolution where they took to the oceans having previously been land-based mammals. Whale Valley remains the most significant and important example of this stage of whale evolution in the world. After lunch, we will head back to Cairo by road. Hotel check in for a few hours to shower and relax and continue to the airport and our domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor.
Note: Domestic flights are not included in our package. Please refer to our Info & FAQ page for more information on booking your flight to Luxor.
Day 5: Luxor. Multi-Options
Welcome to Luxor and home of Ride Egypt! Today we give you the option of a full day in the saddle or a combination of sight-seeing and riding.
Today gives you the chance to really get to know your 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.
Option 1: After breakfast, meet the team and horses for a tour of the stables and enjoy a 2-hour introductory ride that takes you through authentic Egypt, exploring local villages, farmlands, and the scenic Nile. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, accompanied by an Egyptologist, followed by a tour of the Valley of the Kings, and end the day with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon at sunset.
Option 2: For saddle junkies, we offer a full saddle day, riding from 9-3pm. In the morning, 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. You’ll return to the stables via the Colossi of Memnon, two imposing statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
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 6: Luxor Multi-options: Sunrise Trail Ride Amidst Hot Air Balloons, Relaxation, or Full Saddle Day
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 (approx. 3 hours). 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!
We return to our hotel for a leisurely lunch and an opportunity to unwind by the pool, soaking in the warmth of the Egyptian sun.
For saddle junkies, the option of a full saddle day awaits (riding 9-3pm).
Day 7: Morning Trail Ride. Sunset Cruise on the Nile with Dinner.
We kick off the day with a scenic 3-hour morning ride. After a laid-back lunch, it’s time to unwind before our sunset boat cruise on the Nile. Picture yourself sailing along the river as the sun sets, heading towards Karnak Temple for a captivating light and sound show, all while enjoying a delightful dinner onboard.
For saddle junkies: If you’re still up for more adventure, there’s the option of a full saddle day (9am-3 pm).
Day 8: Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight or Morning Ride. After Lunch Departure.
Today guests will have the option to embark on a hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings (at extra charge). This will be followed by breakfast at your hotel and relaxing by the pool.
Alternatively, we offer guests the option of a last morning in the saddle (ride time approximately 3 hours).
Lunch & check out at 1pm: After a farewell lunch it is time to say goodbye unless you have booked one of our fabulous extensions.
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Optional Aswan extension from the afternoon of Day 8. After lunch we 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:
- Temple of Philae
- Unfinished Obelisk. 890. Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
- Aswan High Dam.
- Nubian Museum (evening opening times)
- Nubian Village
- Elephantine Island
- 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.
