3 Days Private Trip to Wadi El Hitan and Fayoum Oasis from Cairo

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cairo to Fayoum - A Desert Odyssey into Prehistory
3 stops
1
Fayoum Oasis
Your adventure commences with a prompt and comfortable pick-up from your Cairo hotel or Airport. You will be greeted by our professional driver and escorted in a private, air-conditioned vehicle towards the captivating El Fayoum Oasis, nestled in the heart of Egypt's Western Desert. As the urban sprawl recedes, the scenery will gradually transform, hinting at the unique geological and historical treasures that await.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan)
Upon arrival in the Fayoum region, the true desert adventure begins. You will be transferred to a sturdy 4x4 Jeep in the charming Tunis Village, your gateway to the untamed landscapes. Our experienced desert driver will navigate the sandy terrain, leading you towards the shimmering expanse of Lake Qarun, a vital source of life in this arid environment. The highlight of your day is an exhilarating desert trip to the renowned Wadi El Hitan, or "Valley of the Whales." This extraordinary site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, offers a remarkable window into the Earth's ancient past. Millions of years ago, this very land was submerged beneath a vast ocean. Today, it stands as an open-air museum, showcasing an astonishing collection of petrified skeletons of early, now-extinct whales, particularly the Basilosaurus (Zeuglodon).
4 hours • Admission ticket included
3
Fayoum Oasis
As the day progresses, you will pause to savor a delicious lunch amidst the serene desert landscape, allowing you to fully appreciate the tranquility and vastness of your surroundings. As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with vibrant hues, you will find the perfect vantage point to witness a breathtaking desert sunset – a truly magical experience. As twilight deepens and the stars begin to emerge in the clear desert sky, you will be treated to an authentic Arabian Nights experience. Indulge in a delectable BBQ dinner prepared under the open sky, the crackling firelight and the aroma of grilled delicacies enhancing the ambiance.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Fayoum - Exploring Ancient Wonders and Natural Spectacles
4 stops
4
Fayoum Oasis
Awaken to the crisp desert air and enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast, fueling you for another day of exploration. Today's itinerary focuses on discovering the diverse historical and natural wonders scattered across the Fayoum landscape, culminating in an overnight stay in the charming Tunis Village. Your morning adventure begins with an exhilarating sand dunes trip. Our skilled driver will navigate the undulating golden slopes, offering thrilling rides and panoramic views of the surrounding desert. Feel the adrenaline rush as the Jeep climbs and descends the dunes, providing fantastic photo opportunities.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Wadi El-Rayan
Following the desert thrills, you will embark on a journey through time, visiting the significant archaeological sites of Qusur El Arab and the natural beauty of Wadi El Rayan. Your first historical stop is the Petrified Forest, situated north of Lake Qaroun in the Gabal Qatrani area. This remarkable site is considered the largest petrified forest in the world, boasting the fossilized remains of towering trees, some reaching up to 40 meters in height, preserved in their ossified form for millennia. Wander among these silent giants, remnants of a lush ancient ecosystem, and contemplate the immense passage of geological time.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
6
Fayoum Oasis
Your historical exploration continues with a visit to Qaser Al Sagha, meaning "The Golden Fortress." This enigmatic Middle Kingdom structure, situated north of Lake Qaroun, is an unusual limestone temple whose precise function remains a subject of scholarly debate. Admire its unique architectural features and ponder the mysteries surrounding its purpose within the ancient Fayoum landscape.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
7
Fayoum Oasis
As the day draws to a close, you will drive back to the picturesque Tunis Village, renowned for its artistic community and tranquil atmosphere. Check into a charming local lodge, where you can relax and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this unique oasis settlement. Enjoy a leisurely evening, perhaps strolling through the village, admiring the local crafts, and savoring a delicious dinner at your lodge, preparing for your final day of exploration.
1 minute • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Fayoum Pharaonic history & Back to Cairo
3 stops
8
Hawara Pyramid Travel Guide
After a delightful breakfast at your Tunis Village lodge, you will bid farewell to the serene Fayoum Oasis and begin your journey back towards the vibrant energy of Cairo. However, your exploration is not yet complete. En route to the capital, you will delve into the rich Pharaonic history of the Fayoum region with visits to its impressive pyramids. Your first stop is the Hawara Pyramid (ancient Arsinoiton Polis), constructed by King Amunemhat III during the Twelfth Dynasty. While its outer casing was removed during Roman times, leaving it appearing as a rubble mound, the site holds immense archaeological significance. The adjacent mortuary temple was the legendary "Labyrinth" that so astounded the Greek traveler Herodotus. He famously described it as surpassing all other human achievements, claiming it was hewn from a single rock and contained over 3,000 intricate rooms.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Meidum Pyramid
Your final historical encounter in the Fayoum region will be at the Meidum Pyramid. Believed to be the second pyramid constructed in Egypt after Djoser's Step Pyramid, it is thought to have been initiated by Huni, the last pharaoh of the Third Dynasty, and completed by his successor, Sneferu. Originally conceived as a stepped pyramid, it was later modified with its steps filled in and encased in fine limestone, reaching an impressive height of approximately 95 meters. Tragically, the pyramid's structural integrity proved unsound, and its heavy outer layers eventually collapsed, leaving behind a distinctive three-stepped core standing amidst a vast field of sand and rubble, along with the remnants of its pyramid complex. Evidence suggests that this collapse occurred sometime before the New Kingdom period (circa 1550 BC), as New Kingdom tombs have been found incorporated within the debris.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
10
Cairo
After immersing yourselves in the ancient wonders of the Fayoum pyramids, you will continue your comfortable drive back to Cairo. You will be dropped off at your hotel, carrying with you a wealth of unforgettable experiences and a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and rich history of Egypt's captivating Fayoum Oasis. This meticulously planned itinerary ensures a seamless and enriching journey, leaving you with cherished memories of your desert adventure and encounters with the echoes of ancient civilizations.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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