Sahara And Red Sea Explorer – Code PSRSE 3
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Egypt, where history, adventure, and relaxation intertwine. Begin in Cairo, standing before the majestic Pyramids of Giza and Saqqarah, gateways to Ancient Egypt's grandeur. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Cairo's historic districts, wandering through the captivating El Moez street and delving into the medieval tapestry of Islamic and Coptic Cairo.
Venture into the Western Desert, where you'll encounter the captivating culture and way of life of the Bedouin people. Engage in exhilarating activities like climbing, swimming, and camping amidst the desert's breathtaking landscapes. Discover the Egyptian Desert's rich tapestry – from the Crystal and Pyramid mountains to the black desert and sand dunes – a scenery that will surely captivate your senses.
Journey to Luxor, the glorious ancient city of Thebes. Explore the temples and monuments that dot both banks of the Nile, transforming this city into an open-air museum of ancient wonders.
Conclude your trip on a serene note in Al Quseir, where two nights of all-inclusive accommodations await you on the shores of the Red Sea. Dive into the vibrant underwater world, discovering the treasures hidden beneath the waves – brilliant fish and magnificent coral reefs.
Highlights
Included/Excluded
- Air-conditioned transportations to all included excursions.
- All the accommodation in mid-range tourism class hotels, including breakfast.
- Full board accommodation during the desert trip and the Red Sea.
- Tour leader and English Egyptology tour guide during the whole trip.
- Pick up and drop off from Cairo international airport.
- Bottled water & Snacks while visiting the sightseeing.
- All Entrance fees
- All the optional tours/activities.
- Entrance fees tickets to all sightseeing
- Other meals and drinks.
- Any personal expenses
- Tipping
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Egypt
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Magic Carpet who will escort you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
During this time, you will receive a concise overview of your upcoming itinerary and a helpful introduction to Egyptian customs and traditions.
Day 2: The metropolitan Cairo
Begin your Cairo adventure with an Egyptologist guide, exploring the Great Pyramids, one of the world's remaining ancient wonders. Delve into the history of this monumental construction, unraveling the enduring mystery of its creation. From the plateau, capture breathtaking views of the Pyramids rising from the golden sands of Giza – a moment to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Before departing, pay homage to the awe-inspiring Great Sphinx, a 3,000-year-old sentinel.
Then, enter the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, is set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Spanning over 480,000 square meters, it will house a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete tomb collection of Tutankhamun, showcased together for the first time. The museum's modern design, featuring a grand glass facade offering views of the pyramids, aims to blend Egypt's rich history with contemporary architecture. It serves as a new cultural hub, offering immersive experiences through advanced display techniques and interactive exhibits.
After lunch, continue to the necropolis of Saqqara, where you'll marvel at the step pyramid of Djoser, the pioneering use of the pyramidal shape for a tomb, dating back 4,000 years.
This tour includes breakfast and lunch.
Day 3: Islamic and Coptic Cairo
Step back in time at the Citadel, built in 1183 by Sultan Salah El-Dine to defend the city against the Crusaders. This imposing fortress served as the residence of Egyptian rulers for seven centuries and now houses mosques and museums. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city's oldest quarters.
Wander to the Islamic complex of Sultan Hassan Mosque, encompassing both a mosque and a madrassa.
Continue to the El Rifai Mosque, a harmonious blend of architectural styles from different eras. Meander through narrow alleys to discover Al-Azhar, one of the world's oldest universities.
Stroll along El Moez Street, lined with medieval monuments.
This tour includes breakfast and lunch.
Day 4: Bahariya oasis
Your adventure in the Egyptian desert begins after breakfast with a van ride to Bahariya Oasis. Arrive at your desert camp in the afternoon, settle in, and enjoy a delicious lunch.
After lunch, embark on an exploration of the oasis. The salt lake and natural springs dotting the arid landscape will beckon you for a refreshing swim. Standing tall amidst the sands of Bahariya is the majestic Pyramid Mountain, a sight to behold with its pure and perfectly symmetrical form.
Ascend to the summit of English Mountain to witness the breathtaking sunset.
Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the oasis market before returning to camp for a traditional Bedouin dinner and a restful night.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Black and White desert
Following breakfast, embark on a thrilling 4x4 journey into the enigmatic Black Desert. As you traverse the landscape, the ground gradually darkens, signaling your arrival in this unique realm of black sand and towering mountains.
Make a brief stop at the captivating Crystal Mountain before reaching the highlight of your day – the awe-inspiring White Desert. Here, you'll witness the most extraordinary natural wonders Egypt has to offer. Stepping into this desert feels like stepping onto another planet, far removed from our own.
Escape the urban clamor and pollution, finding solace in the pristine beauty of the White Desert. Immerse yourself in the serenity as you contemplate the chalk-white rock formations, some resembling mushrooms, while others take the shape of chickens, camels, or dogs. This dramatic landscape is so breathtaking that time seems to stand still.
Enjoy a delicious dinner in the heart of the White Desert and spend the night under Egypt's star-filled sky. Savor a delectable BBQ and Bedouin tea as friendly foxes might approach the camp, hoping for a share of the feast. Rest comfortably in a traditional Bedouin tent.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Farafra - Dakhla
Following breakfast, embark on a southward journey to Dakhla, making a stop at the charming Farafra Oasis. This oasis, a haven of life amidst the desert, is home to hundreds of water wells. Visit Badr's art museum, a captivating mud structure showcasing art crafted from sand, mud, and stone, offering insights into the oasis' rich history and way of life.
Continue your drive to Dakhla Oasis, where a delightful lunch awaits. Immerse yourself in the captivating Muzawaka tombs, known for their distinctive embellishments that set them apart from typical Roman tombs. After this enriching exploration, settle into your camp, perched atop a hill, providing panoramic views of Dakhla's breathtaking beauty.
Savor a delicious BBQ dinner under a canopy of stars, followed by a restful night in Dakhla.
This itinerary includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7: Al Qasr - Kharga Oasis
Begin your day exploring Al Qasr, a captivating medieval Islamic town with its winding streets and a 12th-century minaret. Embark on a journey towards Al Kharga Oasis, stopping at Balat, a village dating back to the Mamluk and Turkish periods.
Upon reaching Kharga Oasis, enjoy a leisurely lunch before visiting El Bagawat, a remarkable Christian necropolis renowned for its age and preservation. Discover the Ibis temple dedicated to the worship of the god Amun.
Your desert adventure concludes here, with your next destination being Luxor. Settle into your hotel and unwind after this enriching journey through the desert.
Included: Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 8: Luxor - East bank
Embark on a captivating journey through Luxor's east side, starting with a leisurely ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Your first stop is the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, the largest ancient temple in Egypt. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and their son Khonsu, this magnificent structure was connected to Luxor Temple by a grand avenue of sphinxes. Over two millennia, approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to its construction, resulting in a unique blend of sizes, intricate details, and diverse architectural styles.
As the day draws to a close, immerse yourself in the splendor of Luxor Temple. Bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, the ancient architecture takes on a breathtaking beauty. Enter the site through the imposing pylon of Ramses II, adorned with his monumental colossi and a towering obelisk.
This temple was once the center of the annual Feast of Opet, a celebration of the union of Mut and Amun and the rebirth of their son. During this ceremony, the pharaoh's power over all of Egypt was renewed. Today, the site also boasts a Roman chapel and a mosque, perched atop the ancient temple columns, adding to the unique character of this extraordinary place.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at a renowned local restaurant before taking a leisurely stroll through the vibrant souq (market), where you can soak up the lively atmosphere and browse the unique wares on offer.
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Luxor - West bank
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Luxor's West Bank, beginning with a visit to the Valley of the Kings. Explore this extraordinary site, where 63 tombs are carved into the mountainside. Step inside three royal tombs and marvel at the vibrant scenes painted on their walls, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and funerary practices of Ancient Egypt. These tombs serve as a testament to the power and prestige of the pharaohs.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the memorial temple of Hatshepsut. As you arrive, the awe-inspiring cliffs will immediately captivate your attention. However, the true wonder lies at the foot of this natural masterpiece. The external architecture blends seamlessly with the refined cliff, creating the illusion that the temple has been sculpted directly into the rock.
Upon entering, you'll notice that many statues and engravings have suffered facial damage. Your knowledgeable guide will unveil the fascinating historical context behind this act.
Next, venture to Medinat Habu and enter the temple that chronicles the remarkable story of King Ramesses III.
Conclude your day at the Colossi of Memnon. These massive statues, proudly standing with their gaze fixed towards the Nile, once served as guardians of the grandest and most opulent temple in Egypt – the temple of Amenhotep.
Day 10: El Qusier - Red Sea
Leave Luxor to the peaceful Red Sea where we are going to spend the next couple of days, Arrive at Al Quseir city, one of the oldest harbors in Egypt.
It’s from here that Queen Hatshepsut has started her expedition to the Land of Punt, it’s also from here that the Egyptian pilgrims used to take their boat to Mecca in medieval times.
Finally, head back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner Included
Day 11: Al Qusier
Relax on the warm sand, soaking up the sun's rays. Enjoy optional activities like snorkeling, diving lessons, or a camel ride to uncover more of the Red Sea's wonders.
Your stay includes: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 12: Al Quseir - Return back to Cairo
Relax on the sun-kissed sand, soak up the warmth, and let the day melt away. Our optional activities – from snorkeling and diving courses to camel rides – will help you discover even more of the Red Sea's wonders.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 13: End of the trip
Your tour concludes here. You can board your international flight home or extend your stay in Egypt by choosing from our curated selection of visits and activities.
Meals: Breakfast is included.