Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Cairo and the vast deserts of Egypt. This adventure offers a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.
🗓 Day 1 –Welcome to Cairo
Welcome to Cairo, Egypt
Upon arrival in Cairo, our representative will meet you and assist with customs clearance, then help you transfer to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay in Cairo.
• Overnight at Cairo hotel.
🗓 Day 2 –Giza Pyramids | The Great Sphinx | Khafre Valley Temple | Egyptian Museum | Khan El Khalili
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle to explore:
• Giza Pyramids (The Great Pyramid of Khufu, The Pyramid of Khafre, The Pyramid of Menkaure)
One of the seven wonders of the ancient world (and the only one still existing).
o The Great Pyramid of Khufu: Built around 2560 BC as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, its construction lasted for about 20 years.
o Pyramid of Khafre: Built by King Khafre, it is slightly shorter than his father’s pyramid (Khufu), covering an area of 215 square meters and has two entrances on the northern side.
o Pyramid of Menkaure: The smallest of the three main pyramids at the Giza pyramid complex, believed to serve as a tomb for Pharaoh Menkaure.
Next, explore the Giza Plateau, where you will learn many stories and secrets about the pyramids from our specialized archaeological guide. Here, you will visit 9 pyramids—three belonging to the kings of the IV Dynasty and six smaller pyramids for the queens of ancient Egypt.
Then visit the Great Sphinx: Known in Arabic as Abu Al Hol (Father of Terror), this sculpture of a man with the body of a lion was named after the Sphinx by the ancient Greeks because it resembled their mythical winged monster that posed riddles and killed anyone unable to answer. Geological investigations suggest it was likely carved from bedrock during the reign of Khafre, probably depicting his features.
Next, visit the Valley Temple of Khafre: This was built for mummifying his body after death. The Valley Temple of Khafre is connected to the Great Sphinx, which bears the head of King Khafre and the body of a lion, guarding his pyramid.
Then proceed to the Egyptian Museum:
The Egyptian Museum is the oldest museum in the world entirely dedicated to Egyptian culture. A private guide will explain the key stages of its formation, from the birth of the collection to the present day. Among the museum’s unrivaled antiquities is the Narmer Palette, which immortalizes the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under one king, and is one of the museum’s priceless artifacts. Additionally, there is a large collection of statues of the great kings: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, the builders of the Giza Pyramids.
Finally, explore Khan El Khalili:
One of the oldest souks in Cairo, it is one of the main attractions of the city. This bustling market is vibrant with colors and unique spicy aromas—a perfect place to buy souvenirs and replicas of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
• After this tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
• Overnight at Cairo hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Cairo, Siwa
Our representative will meet you and assist with your transfer from the hotel in Cairo to Siwa in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Upon arrival, our representative will meet you again and assist with checking in to your hotel.
• Overnight at Siwa hotel.
Day 4 – Siwa Oasis Sightseeing | Salty Lakes | Mountain of the Dead | Temple of Alexander the Great | Cleopatra’s Pool “Ein Guba” | Fatnas Island.
In the morning, after enjoying breakfast, our Bedouin guide will pick you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle to:
• Swim in the salty lakes: This is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in Egypt. Also known as Siwa Pool, it is a haven of beauty and spirituality amid the vast Western Desert. With its crystal-clear waters reflecting the blue sky, this salt lake is a hidden gem among the desert dunes and offers a spectacular natural show.
Local Siwa residents believe it is a place rich in spirituality and has healing properties due to its sacred waters. The lake’s water is full of minerals and salts, providing benefits for the skin and body.
• Next, we will explore the Mountain of the Dead:
Gebel Al-Mawta (Mountain of the Dead): An ancient hill necropolis containing hundreds of tombs, some dating back to the 26th Dynasty. Many are decorated with interesting inscriptions and paintings.
• Visit the Temple of Alexander the Great: Also known as the Oracle Temple (Temple of Amun), this is where Alexander the Great came to consult the oracle and was declared a god. The temple ruins are fascinating to visit.
• Next, visit Cleopatra’s Pool “Ein Guba”: An iconic spring-fed pool, legend has it that Cleopatra herself swam here. It’s a perfect place for a refreshing dip, surrounded by palm trees.
• Then we will visit Fatnas Island: Also known as Fantasy Island, it offers incredible sunset views over the salty lake. This is a perfect spot to relax.
Return to your hotel in Siwa.
• Overnight at Siwa hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5 – Siwa, Shali, Fayoum
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, our guide will transfer you from your hotel in Siwa to Shali in an air-conditioned vehicle to visit the Citadel of Shali.
After this trip, our representative will transfer you to the hotel in Fayoum in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Overnight at Fayoum hotel.
Day 6 – Fayoum, Rayan Call | The Magic Lake | Valley of the Whales | Tunis Village
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, our representative will transfer you from your hotel in Fayoum in an air-conditioned vehicle to:
• Start the tour by visiting Rayon Call (the lakes and waterfalls) and then proceed to the Magic Lake.
• Visit the Valley of the Whales and the museum, and finally visit Tunis Village, followed by lunch.
After this trip, our representative will transfer you back to the hotel in Fayoum in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Overnight at Fayoum hotel.
Day 7 – Cairo, Bahariya Oasis
In the morning, after enjoying a delicious breakfast at 7:00 AM, our Egyptian representative will meet you and transfer you in an air-conditioned vehicle to Bahariya Oasis, approximately a 4-hour drive. We will stop during our journey at a rest house for a break to eat or drink something.
Upon arrival (around 11:30 AM), we will switch to a safari vehicle and meet our local Bedouin guide, who will take you to the main attractions of the desert, starting with the sand dunes where you can take photos atop dunes that can reach heights of up to 50 meters.
Next, we will continue to the Black Desert, where you will see a sand mountain covered in black stones and minerals like coal and iron, called “El Marsos Mountain.” We will take some photos in an area shaped by volcanic activity.
In the afternoon, we will continue our trip to El Haiz village where we will have lunch and relax. You will also have the option to buy some handmade Bedouin souvenirs.
Next, at around 2:30 PM, we will take the vehicle to the Aqabat area, characterized by limestone hills and magnificent sculptures. Its name means “obstacles” because, in ancient times, it took 3 days to cross this area on camelback.
Before sunset, we will head towards the White Desert. Once in the area, you’ll feel like you’re walking on the moon as you see white sand that resembles snow and various limestone rocks throughout the area that look like human heads, chicken shapes, and plant forms created by strong winds in this region.
You will have some time to take photos and watch the sunset, as the color of the ground changes with the light from orange to purple. During this time, it will feel like you’re in a snowy area, as the view of the white sand closely resembles snow. We will take some pictures during the sunset.
Then we will head back to the Black Desert for camping. On the way back, we will stop at the Crystal Mountain, where you will see a mountain made of glass-like stones and find mysterious inscriptions worth photographing. You may also see traces of desert foxes in the sands around this area.
While the Bedouins prepare dinner, you will sit in an outdoor pavilion around a campfire, enjoying a beautiful view of the starry sky, falling stars, and the smoke of shisha if you wish. It’s a scene you will never forget.
After dinner, you can enjoy wonderful Bedouin tea and relax in this magical area before transferring back to the hotel in Bahariya.
• Overnight at Bahariya hotel.
Day 8 – Bahariya Oasis Enjoy the Sunrise in Bahariya Oasis
Wake up before dawn to wander around the area and take photos from the top of a dune or mountain during sunrise when the sun rises between the mountain peaks resembling volcanoes.
At around 9:00 AM, you will be taken on a 4×4 safari to scale one of the high mountains of the Black Desert for photos of the entire Black Desert area.
Then, we will leave this area and head to one of the hot springs in Bahariya Oasis, called “Ein Mady,” which is used for irrigation. Around it, you will see vast areas planted with palm trees and discover how date palms are cultivated, as Bahariya Oasis is considered one of the world’s most important centers for date production.
Then we will return to sleep in a tent under the stars.
• Overnight camping in Bahariya.
Day 9 – Dakhla, El Qasr, Al Muzawaka
Wake up before dawn, and after enjoying a delicious breakfast, our representative will transfer you from Bahariya to Dakhla Oasis in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Upon arrival, we will begin our visit to El Qasr, a small village in the El-Dakhla oasis. The village is interesting as not much has changed since ancient times.
Then, we will visit Al Muzawaka: meaning “The Ornamented” in English, named for its colorful reliefs.
After finishing this trip, your tour guide will transfer you from the tourist sites to the Dakhla hotel.
• Overnight at Dakhla hotel.
Day 10 – Dakhla, Kharga, The Bagawat Necropolis | The Hibis Temple | Deir el-Kashef.
In the morning after breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Dakhla to Kharga in an air-conditioned vehicle to visit:
• The Bagawat Necropolis: The Begawat cemetery in Kharga Oasis is considered the oldest Christian cemetery. The tombs and sanctuaries of Bagawat, around 263 in total, vary between small individual rooms and large family chambers. The cemetery was built on the ruins of an ancient Egyptian necropolis, featuring artistic styles from both ancient Egyptian and Coptic influences. The use of the cemetery began in the 3rd century AD.
• The Hibis Temple: One of the most important archaeological temples and tourist attractions in Egypt, representing the various historical epochs of Pharaonic, Persian, Ptolemaic, and Roman eras. It is also regarded as one of the most significant Egyptian temples, being the only surviving Egyptian temple from the Persian era and built to worship the Holy Trinity.
During our journey, we will stop for a delicious lunch.
Then we will continue your visits at Deir el-Kashef:
Deir Mustafa al-Kashif is a Coptic monastery and fortress located 7 km from Kharga city. The monastery is built on the remains of a Roman fort from the first century AD, serving as a defensive point on the Arbaeen pathway. The monastery consists of 3 floors; the first and second floors house monastic quarters, while the third floor comprises a church built in the style of a Basilica. Then, we will transfer for the visit to the Naclara Fortress.
After finishing this trip, your tour guide will transfer you from the tourist sites to the Kharga hotel.
• Overnight at Kharga hotel.
Day 11 – Kharga | Cairo
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, our representative will transfer you from your hotel in Kharga to Cairo.
• Overnight at Cairo hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – Cairo | Final Departure
In the morning, after enjoying breakfast,
• Depending on your flight: Our representative will transfer you to Cairo Airport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
📌 Trip Includes:
❌ Not Included:
EXCELLENT Based on 43 reviews Posted on Tripadvisor Martina BVerified Unforgettable trip in the company of our Mohamed and company!! Unforgettable trip organized everything to perfection by Mohamed and all his staff always available and very kind. Highly recommendedPosted on Tripadvisor Raziye AVerified White Desert and Siwa Oasis Camping in the White Desert was a unique and memorable experience. The landscape is otherworldly, with stunning white rock formations. Our Bedouin guides Tamer and Mohamed Nile were fantastic, setting up a comfortable camp and preparing delicious traditional meals. We spent the evenings around a campfire, chatting and stargazing. The sunrise over the desert was breathtaking. While Siwa Oasis is a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The natural beauty of the oasis, with its palm groves and salt lakes, is truly relaxing. Siwa is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed.I would highly recommend both locations to anyone looking for something different in Egypt.Thank you Tamer & Mohamed; your passion for your work is inspiring and it truly made our tour special!Posted on Tripadvisor Noemi AVerified Beautiful Experience I lived this beautiful adventure with Mohamed ☺️ The night in the desert is a unique experience, with dinner and bonfire, all well organized by him and his staff. They are people who make you fall in love with their deserts, it is essential to find the right people to do this type of trip with.I recommend it 😘Posted on Tripadvisor Lucia FVerified Desert experience Wonderful desert experience. Excellent organization and availability of all Mohamed's staff to fulfill every request. Highly recommended.Posted on Tripadvisor Elena EVerified Amazing trip Delightful Tour. Mohamed and his team are super guides. Better not even imagine. Very polite, sensitive, attentive, caring, kind, and very sincere. My Great Thank You! And the best recommendations. I'm ready to do that trip again, just with the same Team.Posted on Tripadvisor Anna GVerified Highly recommended I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mohamed for the work done. During the entire 7-day trip, we felt care and safety. Any question was immediately resolved. This was definitely not the last trip with Mohammed. Highly recommendedPosted on Tripadvisor Anastasiia RVerified Amazing White and Black desert ! A lot of vivid impressions! We are completely relaxed and happy after perfect program ! It was amazing trip to Siwa, White desert , Black desert, Cairo with Mohamed Nile ! All the trip was safety and high level service! I I highly recommend trip for rest and discovery Egypt with Mohammed ! He works with professional drives and all locations for rest and eat were chosen in the best way ! We will sure return and only to this professional guide ! We practiced a lot of meditation and Soundhealing in quite and beautiful place in White desert Thanks very much to Mohamed Nile and all his team ! This week was paradisePosted on Tripadvisor anto15aprileVerified White Desert in my heart Due to bad wind in the desert we could only have 2 nights in tent but the other days we enjoyed a lot any moments spent there. The White Desert offers an exciting and thrilling spectacle and our drivers pampered us in every way (breakfast lunch and dinner so tasty). All perfectly organized. I would say this experience is the diamond tip of Mohamed Nile.Posted on Tripadvisor ирина ГVerified Unforgettable vacation Thank you Mohamed for a fabulous two weeks of vacation. Thank you for the attention paid to the children. I can confidently say that vacationing with children in the desert can also be. Unforgettable impressions, feelings, pleasant memories. Special thanks for preparing the dishes, for taking into account all the wishes. This is not the first time you have accompanied me to sacred places in Egypt and I want to return again. Your care for everyone is felt. I recommend Mohamed with great pleasure, the best guide. Try it and you will want to return too. 🙏❤️Posted on Tripadvisor kellyVerified Glamping in the white desert The desert was magical! At times it was otherworldly! Our guide, Mohammed did a wonderful job. We saw the black and white deserts and had a chance to walk in the with desert for awhile. We saw the oasis and had time for bedouin tea and enjoy the lake We had two very tasty meals in his home with his adorable child visiting with us. This was glamping camping! Bedouin tent for dinner, fire outside to sit around and beds with warm sleeping bags in our large tent. Great trip!
Answer: You can bring standard luggage for your 12-day trip, which is perfectly fine for your hotel stays in Cairo. However, space is limited in the 4×4 vehicles during the desert camping days. We highly recommend bringing a smaller duffel bag or backpack for your desert essentials. Your main luggage can be securely stored at your Cairo hotel or our office until you return.
Answer: While 12 days allows for a deep, comprehensive exploration of Egypt, we have designed the itinerary with a balanced pace. Active days spent exploring the Pyramids or hiking in the White Desert are offset by relaxed evenings at comfortable eco-lodges and scenic drives, ensuring you have enough time to rest and recharge.
Answer: You will need a versatile wardrobe. For Cairo, pack modest, lightweight clothing suitable for visiting cultural sites and mosques. For the desert, layering is key: bring breathable clothes for the sunny days and a warm jacket or fleece for the cold desert nights. Sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and a swimsuit for oasis springs are also essential.
Answer: Yes! While the core of the itinerary is fully guided by our Egyptologists in Cairo and Bedouin experts in the desert, we have included free evenings. You will have time to relax at your hotel, try local restaurants, or explore vibrant markets like Khan el-Khalili at your own pace.