Fairy-tale Fayoum

9 days / 8 nights – £3,800 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation
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Our journey starts in Cairo as riding Arabian stallions at the Great Pyramids of Giza is top of every horse lover’s bucket list! We then head off to Fayoum for 3 days where we will enjoy long riding hours exploring this picturesque area, dining under the stars and heading out on a 4 x 4 safari! It’s then a quick hop back to Cairo for one last “yalla” before flying onto Luxor and Ride Egypt’s HQ.

In Luxor you’ll ride more beautiful, well-trained horses, fly in hot air balloons at sunrise over the Valley of the Kings and retrace the steps of Ancient Egypt with guided tours of the temples and tombs.

Our accommodations are a hand-pick mix between authentic and quaint guest houses mixed with some 5-star hotels, private lodges and even a palace! All our food is locally-grown and we cater for all diet requirements.

Curious about our next confirmed departures? Visit our travel calendar!

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

You’ll be met by your ‘meet and greet’ host who will help you with your bags and introduce you to your driver outside the airport terminal building. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 2: Great Pyramids of Giza by Horseback. Transfer to Fayoum. Sunset Sandboarding & Overnight at Luxury Boutique Hotel

Throw open those curtains! It’s truly a ‘pinch yourself moment’ as right outside your window is the most iconic landmark in Egypt, The Great Pyramids of Giza, there to welcome you on your first day of your trip of a lifetime. Next it’s time to pop down for a delicious, luxury buffet breakfast before heading off on the first ride.

Having talked so much about the Great Pyramids our first ride together could only be there! This ride is exhilarating due to the scenery, the forward-going horses and the amazing, once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities! Ride time is approximately 2 hours.

After our ride we will visit the mythological and legendary Sphinx, estimated to be approximately 4500 years old – our Egyptology guide will share the secrets of the area with you. We stop off for some lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel to shower, relax and check out before we leave for our road transfer to Fayoum, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst desert sands. The road trip will take approximately 1.5hrs.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at sandboarding on the golden dunes of Fayoum. You will feel the adrenaline rush as you glide down the slopes, all while soaking in the peaceful beauty of the desert!

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight at the Lazib Inn, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Fayoum’s Tunis village.

Day 3: Morning Pottery School. Afternoon Trail Ride to Magic Lake. Dinner in the Desert

Today, you have a free morning to explore at your leisure, take a dip in the pool, or just relax. You can also walk to the local pottery school, where you’ll have the opportunity to see artisans at work creating beautiful, traditional Fayoumi pottery. This region is renowned for its unique ceramic techniques and colorful designs.

In the afternoon, get ready for an incredible trail ride to the enchanting ‘Magic Lake’ -lasting approximately 4-5 hours. 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: 4×4 Safari, Wadi Hitan and Whale Valley.

Today we are going off-road with a 4 x 4 safari to play on the sand dunes and visit Whale Valley, home to invaluable fossil remains of the earliest, and now extinct, suborder of whales. These fossils represent one of the major stories of evolution; the emergence of the whale as an ocean-going mammal from a previous life as a land-based animal, about 37 million years ago. This is the most important UNESCO site in the world for the demonstration of this stage of evolution.

We will also visit Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls. The waterfalls in Wadi El Rayan are a natural phenomenon and are considered to be the largest waterfalls in Egypt. Wadi El Rayan is distinguished by its springs in the middle of the desert and small cascades.

Day 5: Morning Ride & Lunch in Fayoum. Afternoon Transfer to Cairo.

Enjoy your final ride in Fayoum with a thrilling 4-hour adventure (8 AM – 12 PM) through Wadi El Rayan, one of Egypt’s most famous nature reserves! You’ll be in the perfect place to ride and and explore its breathtaking desert and rock formations. The scenery is picturesque and goes on as far as the eye can see, it’s THE place for riders to enjoy plenty of fun canters and gallops!

After your ride, enjoy a delicious lunch at the hotel before checking out and heading back to Cairo.

Day 6: Last Cairo Adventures

Morning off to enjoy a late breakfast at your beautiful hotel, some pool and relax time with check out at 12. We will stop for lunch in between visiting as many museums as time permits before our internal flight to Luxor.

Afternoon flight to Luxor. Flight time 45 minutes

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.

*NEW* Motor Paragliding: Our Cairo adventures just got even more exciting! You can now opt for an unforgettable paramotor flying tour above the iconic Pyramids of Giza! Available at sunrise (6 a.m.) or for early birds at 7 a.m. Contact us to book your spot!

Day 7: Luxor and The Land of the Pharaohs

Due to the popularity of Luxor we have created two experiences – those for returning guests who do not wish to sightsee again but would rather dedicate their time with us to being in the saddle, and those who are new to Luxor and wish to combine both riding and sightseeing into their stay.

  • 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, we will visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, 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.

In the evening all guests will enjoy dinner and belly dancing lessons at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Land of the Pharaohs Continued

  • Option 1: Non-riding tour of Karnak Temple and Luxor Museum, followed by lunch and a sunset trail ride to the Colossi of Memnon and the desert of Mount Thebes.
  • Alternatively – Option 2: Full day trail ride.

Day 9: Hot Air Balloons & Check-Out

Sail high over the famous monuments of Luxor on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. You’ll get unmatched aerial views and photo ops as your private guide provides insightful narrative. Alternatively, guests have the option to embark on a sunrise trail ride to observe the hot air balloon flights.

You will return to your hotel for breakfast around 9am, having a few hours to relax and enjoy the facilities and pool before checking out at 12.00. Late checks out are available on request at an extra charge (payable locally).

Accommodation & Information

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Your package includes:

  • Accommodation as listed
  • All meals with soft drinks
  • Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Luxor or sunrise trail ride to watch the hot air balloons flights

Not included:

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor. Flight time approximately 55 minutes
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Alcohol in the hotels
DAY 1: Hilton Heliopolis Hotel or Sofitel – subject to availability (Cairo)

An iconic five-star hotel nestled in the heart of Cairo, the Hilton Heliopolis Hotel offers 3 swimming pools and a hot tub, all set within a beautifully landscaped garden. Each air-conditioned room features Egyptian-inspired decor, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-bar.

DAY 2,3 & 4 – Lazib Inn Resort & Spa (FAYOUM)

Lazib Inn Resort & Spa is a luxurious boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Fayoum’s charming Tunis Village, offering an oasis of tranquility amidst the region’s captivating landscapes. The resort stands out for its incredible architectural design, beautiful landscaping, and meticulous attention to detail.

DAY 5 – Hilton Heliopolis Hotel or Sofitel – subject to availability (Cairo)
DAY 6, 7 & 8: Hilton Luxor Spa & Resort

The 5-star Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is located on the edge of the River Nile. It features stylish rooms with uninterrupted Nile views, luxurious spa facilities, stunning infinity pools, and cabana hammocks. It’s the perfect place for guests to unwind after a day of riding and sightseeing.

Information:
  • Arrival and departure airport: Cairo for arrival and Luxor for departure.
  • Price & duration: £3,800 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 9 days / 8 nights.
  • Single person supplement: £1200 (limited availability).
  • Paces: Varied. Riders should be fit and be able to canter on a well trained horse on open ground without assistance.
  • Equipment/Tack: English. You must be able to ride in an English saddle.
  • Horses: Arabian and Balady, our local breed.
  • Weight limit: 100kg unless pre-agreed with us.
  • All meals and soft drinks are included throughout the trip (hotel or on location).
  • Main language: English. Guests are required to have a good knowledge of the English language and to be able to communicate with us easily. This is a firm and non-negotiable requirement.
Payable locally:
  • Tips approx. 250 USD recommended
  • Spa Treatments
  • Alcohol inside the hotels

Our information page has more details on what is and isn’t included as well as useful general advice.

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