Dunes & Tombs - a Family Holiday in Egypt (EXFWD)
Duration:
14 days (may vary)
Areas: Egypt
Tour types: Family Adventures, Nature & Wildlife, Walking & Trekking
Description
From Cairo to the Desert
We begin in Cairo, home to the sole surviving 'Wonder of the Ancient World' (the pyramids of Giza) plus of course the glittering treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Cairo is lively and fun, but also noisy and tiring - so with some relief we venture into the tranquil Western Desert. Here we travel across vast, spectacular and other-worldly landscapes, through dunes and bizarre wind-eroded rockscapes that seem to belong in a science fiction film set.
Oases Towns & Desert Camps
Along our route we uncover the centuries old, unhurried way of life in the desert oases: date-palm plantations, carefully irrigated gardens, mud-brick buildings and warm, welcoming people. We enjoy swims in desert springs, four-wheel drive safaris and ride camels across the sands, plus camp amongst the towering rock sculptures of the White Desert. At night the stars and planets seem almost close enough to touch.
Ancient Thebes & the Red Sea
Reaching the Nile Valley at Luxor we wonder at some of the Pharaohs' most astonishing achievements: the majestic Temple of Amun at Karnak and the vividly painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings. And finally, after the dunes of the Western Desert and the tombs of Ancient Thebes, we head to the Red Sea coast for some well earned rest, with time to swim, snorkel or simply relax on the beach.
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Join Cairo.
Day 2
In Cairo, visit Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum.
Day 3
Into the desert, via Bahariya to Farafra Oasis.
Day 4
In Farafra, 4WD safari and camp in White Desert.
Day 5
To Dakhla Oasis, swim in desert spring, camel trek to desert camp.
Day 6
To ancient El Kharga Oasis.
Day 7
To Luxor, afternoon free.
Day 8
Visit Karnak Temple by horse drawn calesh.
Day 9
Early morning donkey ride to Valley of the Kings.
Day 10
Hot air balloon flight (optional), drive to Safaga on Red Sea.
Day 11
Full day boat trip to coral reefs, with snorkelling.
Day 12
Free day, various watersport options.
Day 13
Long drive back to Cairo.
Day 14
End Cairo.