Travel Itinerary

Desert Dreams of Egypt: 10-Day Cultural & Desert Adventure

10 days

Trip at a Glance

  • 1 - 16
  • Private air-conditioned transportation and 4x4 desert safari vehicles
  • 16
  • Approx. 500 m above sea level
  • Selected hotels, oasis accommodation and desert camps according to the chosen category
  • Moderate
  • Cairo International Airport
  • Cairo International Airport
  • October to April
  • Professionally guided tour with an Egyptologist guide
  • Cultural and desert adventure round trip
  • English, Deutsch, Arabic
  • Daily breakfast and full board during the desert safari sections
  • Einreisevisum
  • Category A: 5-star hotels and selected desert camps Category B: 4-star hotels, eco-lodges and selected desert camps

Desert Dreams of Egypt Tour Overview

Discover Egypt beyond the classical sightseeing routes on a 10-day cultural and desert adventure through Cairo, Giza and the remote landscapes of the Western Desert.

Beginning and ending in Cairo, this carefully designed journey combines Egypt’s legendary monuments with the natural beauty of Fayoum, Bahariya Oasis, the White Desert, Dakhla Oasis and Kharga Oasis.

The adventure begins with the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Valley Temple and the Grand Egyptian Museum. In Cairo, explore the historic atmosphere of Al-Muizz Street, the Citadel of Saladin and Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Continue to Fayoum to experience the Magic Lake, Gebel El Mudawara and the ancient whale fossils of Wadi El Hitan. The route then travels through the Western Desert to Bahariya Oasis and the extraordinary White Desert, where wind-shaped rock formations create a surreal natural landscape.

In Dakhla Oasis, discover Al Qasr Islamic Village, traditional mud-brick architecture, local handicrafts, palm groves and natural springs. The journey continues to Kharga Oasis for visits to the Kharga Museum, the Temple of Hibis and the historic Bagawat Necropolis.

The programme follows German tour-operating quality standards, with balanced driving stages, carefully selected accommodation, professional guiding services and authentic local experiences. Accommodation is available in Category A and Category B, combining selected hotels, oasis accommodation and desert camps.

Die Reise setzt sich durch die Oasen Dakhla und Kharga fort. Palmenhaine, natürliche Quellen, historische Dörfer, römische Grabstätten und traditionelle Lehmbauten vermitteln einen authentischen Einblick in das Leben der ägyptischen Oasen.

Diese Rundreise richtet sich an Reisende, die Kultur, Natur und Wüstenabenteuer in einem ausgewogenen Programm erleben möchten. Dabei sorgen durchdachte Etappen, Vollpension und eine Kombination aus Luxushotels, Lodges und Deluxe-Wüstencamps für einen komfortablen Rahmen.

Tour Highlights

  • Stand before the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
  • Visit the Valley Temple and the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum
  • Explore Al-Muizz Street, the Citadel of Saladin and Khan El Khalili
  • Admire the changing colours of the Magic Lake in Fayoum
  • Discover the remarkable natural landscape of Gebel El Mudawara
  • See ancient whale fossils at the UNESCO-listed Wadi El Hitan
  • Travel through Egypt’s fascinating Western Desert
  • Experience Bahariya Oasis and its remote desert atmosphere
  • Explore the wind-shaped rock formations of the White Desert
  • Enjoy an exciting 4x4 safari through the desert landscapes
  • Experience the palm groves, natural springs and local life of Dakhla Oasis
  • Visit the Kharga Museum and the ancient Temple of Hibis
  • Spend memorable nights in selected oasis accommodation and desert camps

10-Day Desert Dreams of Egypt Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Cairo and Welcome Briefing

Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where a GATE EAST representative will welcome you and provide meet-and-assist service.

After completing the arrival formalities, transfer to your hotel in Cairo. Check in and enjoy some leisure time before attending a welcome briefing about the journey.

Dinner is served at the hotel, followed by your first overnight stay in Cairo.

Dinner
5 Stars Hotel

المبيت في القاهرة

Day 02

Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum

After breakfast, visit the legendary Giza Plateau and stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.

Continue to the Great Sphinx and the historic Valley Temple, discovering some of the most important monuments of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum and explore its priceless archaeological treasures.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
5 Stars Hotel

المبيت فى القاهره

Day 03

Old Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili

After breakfast, explore Old Islamic Cairo and walk along historic Al-Muizz Street, where centuries of architecture and local life create a remarkable atmosphere.

Continue to the Citadel of Saladin and discover one of Cairo’s most important historic landmarks.

Later, enjoy free time at Khan El Khalili Bazaar and experience the lively atmosphere of Cairo’s iconic traditional market.

Dinner and overnight are provided in Cairo.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
5 Stars Hotel

المبيت في القاهرة

Day 04

Fayoum Adventure, Magic Lake and Wadi El Hitan

Depart early from Cairo and travel to Fayoum for a day of nature and desert exploration.

Visit the Magic Lake and admire its changing colours surrounded by desert landscapes. Continue to Gebel El Mudawara, a remarkable natural formation offering impressive scenery and photography opportunities.

Lunch is served during the tour. Afterwards, enter the UNESCO-listed Wadi El Hitan, the Valley of the Whales, and see ancient whale fossils that are millions of years old.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a desert camp beneath the stars.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Luxury Camp

مخيم صحراوي

Day 05

Wadi El Hitan and Journey to Bahariya Oasis

After breakfast, continue to Wadi El Hitan, the Valley of the Whales, as stated in the original programme.

After the visit, depart through the landscapes of Egypt’s Western Desert and continue towards Bahariya Oasis.

Arrive in Bahariya Oasis and settle into the safari camp for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Luxury Camp

مخيم صحراوى

Day 06

White Desert Discovery

Begin the day with breakfast in the desert and enjoy the atmosphere of sunrise over the surrounding landscape.

Continue through the Western Desert towards the White Desert. Enter a surreal natural world of white rock formations shaped by wind and erosion into extraordinary sculptures.

Explore the desert landscape before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
5 Stars Hotel

مخيم صحراوي

Day 07

Dakhla Oasis and Journey to Kharga Oasis

After breakfast, continue towards Dakhla Oasis and discover the authentic character of one of Egypt’s remote Western Desert oases.

Visit Al Qasr Islamic Village and admire its traditional mud-brick architecture. Explore local handicraft workshops and experience the oasis environment, known for its palm groves, historic villages and natural springs.

After visiting the local attractions of Dakhla Oasis, continue by road to Kharga Oasis.

Dinner and overnight are provided in Kharga.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
5 Stars Hotel

المبيت في واحة الخارجة

Day 08

Kharga Oasis, Temple of Hibis and Bagawat Necropolis

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the cultural and historical attractions of Kharga Oasis.

Visit the Kharga Museum to learn about the history and heritage of Egypt’s Western Desert. Continue to the Temple of Hibis, one of the best-preserved temples from the Persian period in Egypt.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Bagawat Necropolis, one of the oldest Christian cemeteries in the world.

End the sightseeing programme with sunset in the oasis, followed by dinner and overnight in Kharga.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
5 Stars Hotel

المبيت في واحة الخارجة

Day 09

Return from Kharga Oasis to Cairo

After breakfast, leave Kharga Oasis and begin the return journey to Cairo.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. The afternoon is free for shopping, relaxation or personal activities.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and spend the final night of the journey in Cairo.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
5 Stars Hotel

المبيت في القاهرة

Day 10

Departure from Cairo International Airport

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport.

Assistance is provided with the departure formalities according to your scheduled international flight.

The Desert Dreams of Egypt programme ends at Cairo International Airport.

Lunch + Breakfast
5 Stars Hotel

لا يوجد مبيت – المغادرة

What’s Included

  • Airport meet-and-assist service
  • Accommodation according to the selected category
  • Daily breakfast
  • Full board during the desert safari sections
  • Private air-conditioned transportation
  • 4x4 desert safari vehicles
  • Professional Egyptologist guide
  • Entrance fees for the sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Mineral water during the scheduled tours
  • Service charges and applicable taxes
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Desert Dreams of Egypt tour?

The tour lasts 10 days and includes 9 overnight stays. It starts and ends in Cairo.

Which destinations are included in the tour?

The itinerary includes Cairo, Giza, Fayoum, Bahariya Oasis, the White Desert, Dakhla Oasis and Kharga Oasis.

What type of tour is Desert Dreams of Egypt?

It is a cultural and desert adventure round trip combining nature, heritage, authentic local experiences and desert safari activities.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The journey starts in Cairo and finishes in Cairo. Arrival and departure transfers are arranged through Cairo International Airport.

What is the difference between Category A and Category B?

Category A uses selected 5-star hotels and the specified oasis and desert accommodation. Category B uses selected 4-star hotels, eco-lodges and the specified safari and desert camps.

Which meals are included?

Daily breakfast is included. Full board is provided during the desert safari sections. Additional lunches and dinners are included where expressly mentioned in the daily itinerary.

Is dinner included on the arrival day?

Yes. Dinner and overnight accommodation in Cairo are included on Day 1 after the airport transfer and welcome briefing.

What transportation is used during the tour?

The programme includes private air-conditioned transportation and suitable 4x4 vehicles for the desert safari sections.

Is a professional guide included?

Yes. The tour includes the services of a professional Egyptologist guide.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Entrance fees for the sites expressly mentioned in the itinerary are included.

Is a 4x4 desert safari included?

Yes. The programme includes 4x4 desert safari vehicles for the relevant sections of the Western Desert journey.

What are the main highlights in Fayoum?

The Fayoum programme includes the Magic Lake, Gebel El Mudawara and Wadi El Hitan, where travellers can see ancient whale fossils within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What will we see in Dakhla Oasis?

The Dakhla Oasis programme includes Al Qasr Islamic Village, traditional mud-brick architecture, local handicraft workshops, palm groves, historic villages and natural springs.

Which attractions are visited in Kharga Oasis?

The itinerary includes the Kharga Museum, the Temple of Hibis and the historic Bagawat Necropolis, followed by a sunset experience in the oasis.

When is the best time to take this tour?

The recommended travel period is from October to April.