The Nile & Western Desert

13 days - from $2260

Experience the natural and cultural contrasts of Egypt – the arid tranquility of the Western Desert and the lush fertility and ancient history of the Nile Valley

Head from Cairo into the vast Western Desert, venture beyond the Nile Valley’s fertile ribbon and experience the magic of arid North Africa. The surreal formations, piercing light and vast expanse of the White and Black Deserts are an elemental delight, the oases of Bahariya and Wadi Rayan a refreshingly green counterpoint. Whale Valley is an evolutionary behemoth in the fossil record, but most illuminating, perhaps, are glorious sunsets, sunrise walks and two fabulous nights camping under the stars. Back along the Nile, take in Egypt’s cultural riches: the pyramids and Sphinx, the superb Egyptian Museum and all the major sites of Luxor. A relaxing cruise takes us south to Aswan, where you’ll have ample free time to explore or see the Nubian grandeur at Abu Simbel. A morning flight back to the capital, a visit to the medieval city and one of the oldest markets in the world, Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, rounds out a journey of wild and refined Egypt.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cairo
• Oasis town of Bahariya
• The Valley of the Kings
• The White Desert's limestone formations
• Nubean Aswan
• Nile cruise
• Cairo Museum
• Edfu and Komombo temples
• Luxor's open air museum

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2: White Desert3: Black Desert - Bahariya4: Wadi al-Hitan - Wadi Rayan5: Wadi Rayan - Cairo6: Cairo - overnight sleeper train7: Luxor8: Valley of the Kings - Luxor - Nile Cruise9: Nile Cruise (Edfu - Komombo)10: Aswan11: Aswan12: Cairo13: Cairo
Included:

• The services of Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local leader throughout the tour. Our tour leaders are all licensed as professional local guides.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Cairo - Egyptian Museum, pyramids, Sphinx, Gayer-Anderson Museum, Ibn Tulun Mosque and the Khan al-Khalili bazaar; Valley of the Kings; Temple of Hatshepsut; Colossi of Memnon; Edfu; Komombo; Temple of Isis on Philae Island; Bahariya oasis; White Desert; Black Desert and Archaeological Museum; Valley of Whales; and Wadi Rayan.

• 4 day 4WD desert adventure accompanied by a Bedouin crew.

• Overnight desert camping in Wadi Rayan and in the White Desert with a sunset walk and dinner around the campfire (sleeping bags and mats supplied).

• 4 nights on Peregrine's comfortable Nile riverboat, cruising from Luxor to Aswan, with sightseeing stops along the way.

• Local cuisine dinner in a Nubian village.

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

• Air-conditioned sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor. Accommodation in a private, two-person sleeping berth with beds and linen, and an ‘airline-style’ dinner included.

• Flight between Aswan and Cairo with all transfers on day 12.

• Free time to explore Cairo, Aswan and Luxor.

• Arrival transfer.

Flights, meals unless specified, drinks, departure taxes, travel insurance, tips (see below), spending of a personal nature, optional sightseeing, inner sleeping sheet, departure transfer.