White and Black Desert Tour From Cairo

Itinerary

• Day 1: Cairo, Arrival

  Touch down in Cairo and be greeted by your driver for a smooth transfer to your hotel. Settle in and use the rest of the day to acclimate and perhaps take a stroll around the local neighborhood to get a feel for the city's vibrant atmosphere.

  • Cairo

• Day 2: Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar

  Embark on a journey through ancient Egypt's grandeur today. Begin at the Giza Pyramids, where the Great Pyramid of Khufu stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the pharaohs. Gaze upon the Sphinx, a guardian of the pyramids with its enigmatic visage. Then, step into the Egyptian Museum, where Cairo's treasure trove of antiquities awaits you. End the day at the vibrant Khan el-Khalili market, where the aroma of spices mingles with the bustle of merchants and artisans.

  • B
  • Cairo

• Day 3: Cairo - El Heiz Oasis, Black Desert, Crystal Mountain

  Setting off from Cairo at 6:00 am, you'll traverse a picturesque 4-hour journey to the serene El Heiz Oasis, nestled 350 km from the city's hustle. After lunch, venture into the Black Desert, where the stark contrast of black volcanic ash against the sands paints an otherworldly panorama, evoking the image of a landscape seared by primordial flames.

  Progressing to Crystal Mountain, you'll greeted by its rugged peaks, embellished with shimmering quartzite crystals that pierce the arid terrain, radiating as a beacon of geological splendor. As dusk approaches, retreat to the Shahrazad camp within the White Desert.

  • B L D
  • El Heiz Oasis

• Day 4: El Heiz Oasis, White Desert Experience

  Spend a full day marveling at the White Desert's surreal beauty, strolling among its unique limestone formations, which were sculpted by millennia of wind and water into whimsical shapes. Each rock seems to tell a story, resembling creatures like chickens, sphinxes, camels, or mushrooms. After a day of exploration, return to camp to unwind and savor the tranquil desert evening.

  • B L D
  • El Heiz Oasis

• Day 5: El Heiz Oasis - Farafra Oasis - Dakhla Oasis

  Embark on a morning adventure to the breathtaking Farafra Oasis, a sanctuary of natural beauty with unique geological wonders. Explore the White Desert's surreal landscape, marked by otherworldly chalk formations, and the ancient Qasr El-Farafra fortress, a testament to Roman might.

  Delve into the EI Muzawaka Tombs, adorned with vibrant reliefs from the Roman era, offering a glimpse into the region's rich past. Continue to the Deir El-Hagar Temple, a petite Roman gem, remarkably preserved by the sands of time. Wander through its restored halls, where ancient hieroglyphs whisper stories of pharaohs and gods.

  Explore the enchanting El-Qasr village in El-Dakhla Oasis, where the essence of Islamic architecture is captured in well-preserved mud-brick structures and the distinctive Quranic-inscribed wooden minaret of the Nasr el-Din Mosque.

  • B L D
  • Dakhla Oasis

• Day 6: Dakhla Oasis - Kharga Oasis, Kharga Old City

  After breakfast, set off for the historic Kharga Oasis, a verdant gem in Egypt's Western Desert. Immerse yourself in the Old City, where the whispers of ancient traders' echo through the narrow, winding streets, and time seems to stand still.

  Ascend to the Temple of Hibis, a majestic Greco-Roman monument that rises proudly against the desert sky. Feel the sandstone structures come alive with tales of conquests and deities as you explore its well-preserved ruins.

  Stroll through the serene Christian Tombs of Bagawat, a necropolis dating back to Egypt's early Coptic period. Marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the tombs, a testament to the region's spiritual heritage.

  • B L D
  • Kharga Oasis

• Day 7: Kharga Oasis - Luxor, Temple of Luxor, Karnak Temple

  After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Luxor, the world's greatest open-air museum. Immerse yourself in the ancient splendor as you visit the Temple of Luxor, adorned with colossal statues and intricate hieroglyphs. Then, be awe-struck by the monumental Karnak Temple complex, where the Avenue of Sphinxes leads to the heart of this sacred site, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Pharaohs.

  • B
  • Luxor

• Day 8: Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon

  Embark on an enthralling journey into antiquity at the Valley of the Kings, where the shadows of Egypt's most revered pharaohs still linger. Descend into the intricately adorned tombs, marveling at the vivid frescoes and the secrets they keep within the heart of the Theban Hills.

  Step into the revitalized grandeur of Queen Hatshepsut's mortuary temple, a vision of elegance and power that stands as a testament to her reign. Feel the desert breeze whisper through the pillars, carrying tales of a pharaoh who defied tradition. Stand in awe before the imposing Colossi of Memnon, the enigmatic sentinels of Amenhotep III's temple.

  • B
  • Luxor

• Day 9: Luxor - Cairo, Departure

  This morning, relish leisure time in Luxor before your flight back to Cairo connects you to the next stop on your journey.

  • B