Desert Explorer


	Desert scenes of Egypt [Full Image]

The scenery of the Western Desert is quite simply out of this world - stunning rock formations eroded over time by wind and sand, and huge, crescent-shaped sand dunes, which drift across the plain. Life in the remote oases found here is in complete contrast to that experienced by those who only visit the towns and villages of the Nile. A major highlight of this trip is the exciting jeep and camel trek into the desert near the Dakhla oasis, where you'll sleep under starlit skies. Your visit to al-Qasr, a medieval, mud-brick built town close to Dakhla, gives you a taste of the history of this region. There is a chance for a refreshing bathe to wash away the dust of the desert in one of the hot springs along the route. You'll visit Luxor to view its wealth of antiquities and finally head to Hurghada for a day of snorkelling and swimming in the crystal waters of the Red Sea. This trip can be combined with the "Red Sea & Nile Felucca" trip.

Details

Price Includes

(MT-5176-P)

Flights

Accomodation

11 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 evening meals

Price Excludes

Local Payment Â£100, Optional Excursions,11 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 evening meals are included (17 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners if doing the DEF combination). You must pay for all other meals yourself (you can eat quite
well for Â£10 per day).

Suitability / Level

Gentle

Itinerary & Highlights

DAY 1 - DEPART LONDON: After your flight, you transfer to your first night's accommodation and check in. Hotel - 1 night

DAY 2 - EXPLORE CAIRO; BAHARIYA: With a population estimated at fifteen million people, Cairo is by far Africa's largest city, yet - despite its size - it still manages to retain a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Its long and colourful history dates from the 7th century, when it was established by the Arab leader Amr ibn al-As, and called Fustat (the tent). This morning you check out of your hotel and make your way to the Egyptian Museum, where amongst the many thousands of exhibits, you?ll view the Tutankhamun collection, which is simply breathtaking. You then move to the west bank of the Nile, and the great Pyramids of Giza. The Pyramids
and Sphinx have overlooked the city for millennia, and bear witness to the ingenuity of their ancient architects and builders. After lunch you start the long drive out into the Western Desert - although it appears bleak and
barren at first, it gradually reveals its secrets and wonders as you pass through its wilderness. Arriving in the late evening you head to a fixed camp on the edge of the northern oasis of Bahariya. Rustic fixed camp - 1 night (BD)

DAY 3 - BAHARIYA: Waking in Bahariya you are immediately struck by just how fertile the oasis is, even though you are several hundred kilometres into the Western Desert. It is home to more than 30,000 people who earn a
livelihood through the cultivation of dates, olives and by rearing turkeys. You spend the morning exploring the oasis and its environs, including the Black Desert, where, from the top of its dunes, you get a fantastic view of the whole area. You will also enjoy a jeep safari to Pyramid Mountain and the spring of Bir al- Ghaba. Perhaps the best way to discover the quiet little corners of the town is to wander independently - so the afternoon is left free for you to wander and make your own discoveries. This evening you travel into the desert to spend a night camping under the stars. Music plays an important part of the lives of the Egyptian people, and in the evening it is likely you will be able to enjoy the sound of local music after dinner.Desert camp - 1 night (BLD)

DAY 4 - FARAFRA; WHITE DESERT BY JEEP: Today you travel deeper into the desert, which, to most people is a harsh wilderness, but the untrained eye is unable to see the clues that its residents leave behind. This is the home of the fennec fox and jerboa, whilst in the sky both vultures and eagles can be seen. Finally you reach the isolated oasis of Farafra, whose inhabitants (population just 2,300) are mostly of Sedarin descent. Most earn a living by cultivating apricots, dates and watermelons from the desert soil, as well as, amazingly, figs, mangoes and oranges! The women are well known for the high quality of their embroidery work. On arrival in Farafra, the smallest and most isolated of the oases in the Western Desert, you visit Badr's Museum - its eccentric displays must not be missed! After lunch you head out in jeeps to the incredible area known as the White Desert. Here, the forces of sand and wind have sculpted the desert's limestone outcrops into strange shapes, giving a lunar feel to this hostile environment. Desert camp - 1 night (BLD)

DAY 5 - DAKHLA; START CAMEL TREK: In the morning you return by jeep to Farafra and then head south-east by bus. You wind your way through unoccupied oases, skirting desert dunes to finally reach the lively oasis town of Dakhla. For a real taste of traditional desert travel you load up and head out into the wilderness for around 1 hr by camel. Naturally you camp whilst in the desert, which has to be one of the highlights of the trip. As the sun dips below the horizon, and the campfire crackles into life, tea is brewed in the traditional way of the nomadic desert dweller. The crew manages to cook surprisingly tasty meals given the simple and rustic
conditions, and it's wonderful to laze in camp after supper as the sun gives way to the moon and stars.
Desert camp - 1 night (BLD)

DAY 6 - LUXOR: Your camel trek returns you to Dakhla next morning, but before continuing your journey, you
pause to visit the beautiful abandoned town of Al Qasr whose houses are made from sun-dried mud bricks. Streets are narrow, essential in these desert parts, to keep out the sun and sand, blown by the khamsin wind. This was once a Roman settlement and later became the medieval capital of the region. Leaving this incredible wilderness you now turn to the east, making the long drive to the verdant banks of the Nile and Luxor via El Kharga. You arrive late in the evening and check into your hotel. Hotel - 2 nights (B)

DAY 7 - LUXOR: Your day starts early as you cross the Nile and take to donkeys for an exciting and fun-filled
journey to the Valley of the Kings. Following the route of the builders and artisans who built the tombs, you?ll stop to witness sunrise over the Nile, before moving to the valley itself. On reaching the valley you learn from your local guide about the unique treasures that have lain hidden here for centuries. After your visit, and on your way back to the river, you stop at the imposing structure of the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first woman ruler. In the afternoon you travel by calesh (horse-drawn carriage) to the magnificent Karnak temple, which stands as a testimony to the power, wealth and skill of the ancient Egyptians. Built over a period of 1,500 years, the temples here are breathtaking both in size and complexity. Accompanied by your local guide, who helps to explain the intricacies of Karnak, you experience the majesty of the great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, and the beauty of the pink granite obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut. It is possible to see the "Sound and Light" show (optional) later this evening. (B) Please note: In order to ensure the comfort and
safety of both donkeys and riders, donkeys are only available for the ride to the Valley of the Kings for clients up to a weight of 80kg (approx 12.5 stone). A taxi, following an alternative route, will be arranged for non-riders.

DAY 8 - HURGHADA: Today you drive to Hurghada, on the Red Sea, arriving in mid-afternoon. Once a small and isolated fishing village, Hurghada has expanded rapidly and is now a busy and vibrant town. Although by no means a typical "adventure destination", Hurghada is one of Egypt's premier diving and snorkelling centres and the superb snorkelling on offer here is for many a real highlight of the trip. You have the rest of the day to relax and look forward to tomorrow's activities. Hotel - 2 nights (B)

DAY 9 - RED SEA: A breathtaking array of coral and tropical fish awaits as you head out for the day to explore this wonderful undersea world. As well as snorkelling and swimming in the warm, crystal-clear waters of
the Red Sea, you can also relax on board the boat. Snorkels, masks, flippers and lunch are all provided. (BL)

DAY 10 - CAIRO: A full day's driving sees you travel to Cairo. In the evening your group leader may organise a visit to Islamic Cairo, perhaps with a walk around the Khan al Khalili Bazaar. This is one of the largest bazaars
in the Middle East, hundreds of artisans, traders and shopkeepers sell their wares here - it is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of this bustling capital city. Hotel - 2 nights (B)

DAY 11 - CAIRO: Today is left free for you to explore at leisure or shop for souvenirs; there are lots of things to see and do in and around Cairo. Depending on your interests, you can visit the oldest pyramid in the world at Saqqara or drive to Old Cairo to explore the Citadel - a complex of mosques and museums housed inside a magnificent fortress that stands in an imposing position overlooking the city. A walk around Khan al Khalili bazaar is also a must - it is one of the largest bazaars in the Middle East and hundreds of artisans, traders and shopkeepers sell their wares here - or relax in one of the many traditional tea houses. On your last evening your group leader will no doubt organise a traditional "last supper" (B).

DAY 12 - FLY TO LONDON: Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)

(BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Accommodation & Centre Details

Transport & Accommodation
Minibus, jeep, camel, donkey, boat, calesh. Hotels (7nts), camping (4nts). 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners included. Flights (Schedules & airlines can change.) Direct flights with Egyptair from London Heathrow. Depart UK 14.00, Return UK 12.35. UK domestic addon available.

Desert Explorer

Desert scenes of Egypt

Details

Itinerary & Highlights

Accommodation & Centre Details

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