Egyptian expedition: Cairo, Fayoum, and desert oases

Welcome to Cairo. Upon arrival, your private driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel, allowing time to relax and settle in.

Your Egypt travel experience begins with a gentle introduction to local life, including optional city strolls and thoughtful planning with your guide for the days ahead.

Your guide collects you from your hotel for a carefully curated journey through Cairo’s ancient heart. Explore the Giza Plateau, home to the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.

Continue to Saqqara to discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Memphis to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the alabaster sphinx, before concluding the day at Dahshur with the striking Bent Pyramid.

Depart Cairo early for a scenic drive across the Western Desert toward Siwa Oasis, with a meaningful stop at the El Alamein World War II Museum and a relaxed lunch overlooking the Mediterranean in Marsa Matrouh.

Arrive by evening in Siwa Oasis, one of the best places to visit in Egypt, where palm groves, natural mineral springs, and the calm rhythm of an authentic desert village invite you to unwind.

After breakfast, explore Shali Old Town, known for its distinctive salt and mud architecture, then visit the Siwa Museum to admire traditional jewelry, musical instruments, and wedding costumes. Continue to the Temple of Amun and the Oracle Temple, famously linked to Alexander the Great’s visit.

In the afternoon, unwind at Cleopatra’s Spring and soak in the warm waters of Bir Wahed hot spring amid sweeping dunes and a glowing desert sunset. End the day with a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars.

Depart Siwa and journey across the Western Desert back to Cairo, taking in sweeping landscapes along the way. Enjoy personalized stops for panoramic photos, encounters with local Siwan artisans, and opportunities to taste regional dates while learning about oasis life.

Arrive in Cairo by evening and settle in for a relaxed night at the Steigenberger El Tahrir.

Begin your day at the Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun’s treasures and an extraordinary collection spanning thousands of years. Continue to the Salah El Din Citadel and the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, where sweeping city views and impressive Ottoman architecture await.

After lunch, explore Coptic Cairo, visiting the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue to uncover the rich layers of Egypt’s religious heritage.

After breakfast, depart from Siwa and cross the Western Desert toward Bahariya Oasis and the surreal Black Desert.

Take in dramatic panoramas with tailored photography stops and a gentle guided walk among wind-sculpted rock formations and volcanic glass, adjusted to your pace. Meet local guides and savor traditional desert tea, an authentic highlight of your Egypt itinerary.

Wake to the surreal beauty of the White Desert, where wind-carved chalk formations resemble animals, mushrooms, and abstract sculptures. Explore sculpted rock gardens, hidden springs, and the iconic Santa Tree with experienced local guides who tailor the route to your pace and interests.

As the sun sets, watch the desert transform into golden and rose hues before enjoying a freshly prepared dinner beneath a canopy of stars. Spend the night in a comfortable desert camp, immersed in the silence and magic of this extraordinary landscape.

Begin the morning with further exploration of the White Desert, discovering lesser-known formations and soaking in the stillness of the early hours. Continue to natural desert hot springs for a refreshing pause before departing the desert.

In the afternoon, travel back to Bahariya Oasis, arriving in time to relax and unwind. Enjoy a gentle walk among palm groves, sample locally grown dates, or rest at your hotel, reflecting on your desert adventure.

Travel from Cairo to Fayoum to explore some of Egypt’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Visit Wadi El Rayan, known for its waterfalls and serene desert lakes, then continue to Wadi Hitan, the Valley of the Whales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 40-million-year-old whale skeletons reveal the story of Earth’s ancient past.

Hike Mudawara Mountain for sweeping views, visit the tranquil Magic Lake, and choose between sandboarding across golden dunes or a peaceful boat ride. As evening falls, settle into a desert camp and enjoy dinner under the stars, concluding the day surrounded by Fayoum’s timeless desert beauty.

Enjoy breakfast at your Cairo hotel, followed by a relaxed morning at leisure. Take time for last-minute photos, a gentle stroll along the Nile, or shopping for local crafts and souvenirs.

If desired, our team can arrange a short cultural stop or assist with luggage storage to help you make the most of your final hours. At the appropriate time, check out and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward journey home.