Nile Valley and Western Desert

12 days - from $1350

The Nile Valley occupies less than 10% of Egypt, so it's a great shame not to experience the amazing desert scenery while you are here.

On this trip we see the highlights in Cairo before heading south to Aswan for a relaxing Nile Cruise to Luxor. Here we explore the Valley of the Kings and spend an afternoon in the superb temple complex at Karnak.

We then set off in 4WD vehicles, first to Baris and Al Kharga and then on towards Dakhla. For many centuries Bedouin traders travelled through this region with their camel caravans, and our Bedouin companions were themselves traders until fairly recently, journeying regularly along the famous ‘Darb Al Arabeen’ – or 40 day camel road – that links Khartoum (Sudan), with southern Egypt.

We visit old mud-brick towns, swim in oasis pools, enjoy a camel safari and explore the golden sand dunes. We reach the magical White Desert where we spend a final night camping under the stars before making our way back to Cairo. This is a long trip, with several hard days of travel. Combined with a Nile Cruise it's a great experience and taken in the right spirit you’ll doubtless have a memorable journey.

Highlights

• Edfu and Komombo temples
• Abu Simbel
• Cairo Museum
• Luxor's open air museum
• Nile cruise
• The White Desert's limestone formations
• Oasis town of Bahariya
• The Valley of the Kings

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2: Cairo-Aswan3: Aswan4: Abu Simbel-Nile Cruise5-6: Nile Cruise7: Luxor-Baris8: Baris-Al Kharga-Dakhla9: Dakhla/Camel Safari10: Dakhla-Farafra-White Desert11: White Desert-Bahariya-Cairo12: Cairo

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Cairo – Egyptian Museum, pyramids, Sphinx and Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren); Edfu; Komombo; White Desert; Farafra oasis; Dakhla oasis including medieval mud-brick town of Al Qasr and Ethnographic Museum; Al Kharga oasis and Christian burial ground at Al Bagawat; and Baris oasis.

• Tour of Abu Simbel.

• 3 nights on Gecko’s Nile riverboat, cruising from Aswan to Luxor.

• 3 nights camping in the desert accompanied by Bedouin guides.

• Camel safari.

• Horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the temple complex at Karnak.

• Donkey ride to explore the Valley of the Kings.

• A night in reed huts at a rustic camp in Dakhla oasis.

• Free time to explore Aswan and Cairo.

• Overnight train sleeping in an air-conditioned carriage with comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline back about 45 degrees. Toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage. Breakfast is delivered to us when we arrive in the morning.

International flights, arrival & departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.