Trip Info
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts
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Licensed Egyptologist for scheduled archaeological sightseeing and local desert guide for safari activities
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English, Spanish, French, German or Arabic, subject to availability
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Your meeting point depends on your arrival arrangements and the day's itinerary.
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Private Egypt Adventure Tour
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Private, air-conditioned vehicles for scheduled road transfers and suitable 4x4 vehicles for desert excursions
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1-15
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Your final drop-off location depends on your departure arrangements and the confirmed itinerary.
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1
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99
Overview
Discover the extraordinary contrasts of Egypt on a 20 Day Egypt Desert Safari & Ancient Wonders, an adventurous private journey combining ancient pyramids, magnificent temples, remote desert landscapes, traditional oases and unforgettable experiences beneath the stars.
This comprehensive itinerary takes you from the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the ancient archaeological sites around Cairo to the spectacular natural scenery of the Western Desert. Explore the Black Desert, White Desert and Bahariya Oasis, experience an exciting 4×4 desert safari, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Egypt’s remote desert landscapes.
Continue your journey through the Western Desert’s oasis region before traveling to Upper Egypt, where ancient temples, royal tombs and monumental archaeological sites reveal thousands of years of Egyptian history. Discover Luxor, Aswan and the spectacular Abu Simbel Temples before completing your adventure in Cairo.
Designed for travelers who love both history and adventure, this private tour combines archaeological exploration, desert camping or lodge accommodation, comfortable hotels, private transportation and professional local guides.
Whether you dream of standing before the Great Pyramid, exploring extraordinary desert rock formations, sleeping beneath a star-filled sky or discovering the temples of ancient pharaohs, this 20-day Egypt adventure offers a remarkable combination of culture, nature and exploration.
Highlights
- Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.
- Discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.
- Visit ancient Memphis and the pyramids of Dahshur.
- Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, subject to available access.
- Discover the natural landscapes of Bahariya Oasis
- Experience an exciting 4x4 desert safari.
- Explore the dramatic volcanic formations of the Black Desert.
- Discover the spectacular limestone formations of the White Desert.
- Enjoy a desert camping experience beneath the stars, subject to the selected package and local conditions.
- Visit natural springs and desert landscapes around the oases.
- Explore the Western Desert's unique geological scenery.
- Discover traditional oasis communities and local culture.
- Visit the magnificent Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
- Explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- Discover Edfu and Kom Ombo, according to the confirmed route
- Explore Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
- Visit the spectacular Abu Simbel Temples.
- Enjoy private, air-conditioned transportation on scheduled road transfers.
- Travel with professional local guides and a licensed Egyptologist during scheduled archaeological sightseeing.
- Experience Egypt's contrast between desert wilderness and ancient civilization.
- Enjoy a private itinerary with opportunities for customization.
- Travel without forced shopping stops
Reviews
Itinerary Description
Experience the best of Egypt on this unforgettable 20-day journey combining ancient wonders, Western Desert adventures, and the highlights of the Nile Valley. Explore the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, and historic Cairo before heading into the spectacular landscapes of Bahariya Oasis, the Black Desert, and the White Desert.
Continue your adventure to Luxor and Aswan to discover magnificent temples, royal tombs, and the legendary Abu Simbel Temples. Enjoy a combination of cultural sightseeing, desert exploration, and leisure time with a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests.
With Let’s Explore Egypt Travel, discover Egypt’s history, natural beauty, and local culture in one remarkable journey.
Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxing evening or take an optional walk to explore the local area. Overnight in Cairo.
After breakfast, explore the legendary Giza Pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Visit the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple, learning about the engineering achievements and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. Enjoy time for photographs and panoramic views of the plateau. Overnight in Cairo.
Discover the origins of pyramid construction at Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, to see its archaeological remains and famous colossal statue of Ramses II. Later, explore Dahshur, known for the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid. Overnight in Cairo.
Explore Cairo’s remarkable cultural heritage. Depending on your selected package, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum or another major museum in Cairo. Continue to historic Cairo to discover traditional streets, mosques, and local architecture. You may also explore Khan el-Khalili Bazaar for souvenirs and traditional crafts. Overnight in Cairo.
After breakfast, travel by road from Cairo to Bahariya Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert. Enjoy changing landscapes as the city gives way to desert scenery. On arrival, check in to your oasis accommodation and relax. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short local excursion or sunset views over the surrounding landscape. Overnight in Bahariya Oasis.
Begin your desert adventure in a suitable 4x4 vehicle with a local desert guide. Explore the Black Desert, famous for its dark volcanic hills and unusual terrain. Continue through dramatic desert landscapes and, where conditions and the route permit, visit Crystal Mountain and the beautiful formations of the Agabat area. Enter the spectacular White Desert, known for its chalk-white rock formations shaped by wind and erosion. Enjoy sunset photography and an evening under the desert sky. Overnight camping or in arranged accommodation, according to your confirmed package and local conditions.
Wake early to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the desert at sunrise. Enjoy breakfast and take time to photograph the White Desert’s remarkable natural sculptures. Continue exploring selected formations before travelling back toward Bahariya Oasis by 4x4. Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Bahariya Oasis.
Discover more of Bahariya Oasis, a settlement surrounded by palm groves, desert hills, and natural springs. Depending on local arrangements, visit selected viewpoints, traditional areas, or sites connected with the oasis’s history. This day also provides time to rest after the desert safari. Overnight in Bahariya Oasis.
After breakfast, travel back to Cairo. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time. You may choose an optional evening activity, such as dinner overlooking the Nile or a visit to a local cultural area. Overnight in Cairo.
Enjoy a flexible day in Cairo. You can relax at your hotel, discover additional museums or historic neighborhoods, or arrange an optional excursion according to your interests. This day also allows time for shopping, photography, and experiencing Egyptian cuisine. Overnight in Cairo.
Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Luxor, subject to flight availability and the confirmed itinerary. Upon arrival, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel or Nile cruise vessel, depending on your selected package. Enjoy free time to relax or explore the city. Overnight in Luxor.
Visit Luxor’s celebrated West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, where generations of pharaohs were buried in decorated tombs. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, built against dramatic limestone cliffs, and stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Your Egyptologist guide will explain the history, symbolism, and discoveries associated with these ancient monuments. Overnight in Luxor.
Explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex, one of the most impressive religious sites of ancient Egypt. Walk among monumental columns, obelisks, courtyards, and sacred precincts. Continue to Luxor Temple, whose architecture reflects several periods of Egyptian history. Depending on the schedule, enjoy free time in Luxor or an optional evening visit. Overnight in Luxor.
Travel south toward Aswan. Depending on your transport arrangements, route, and available time, visit Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, and Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely associated with two deities. If travelling by Nile cruise, visits will follow the vessel’s sailing schedule. Overnight in Aswan or aboard the cruise vessel, according to your confirmed package.
Discover Aswan’s beautiful setting along the Nile. Visit Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and learn about the international effort to relocate the temple complex before the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Other visits, such as the Unfinished Obelisk, may be arranged according to your package and opening conditions. Enjoy views of the river and surrounding islands. Overnight in Aswan
Set out for the remarkable temples of Abu Simbel, built during the reign of Ramses II and famous for their monumental statues and detailed interiors. Learn about their religious significance and the engineering project that moved the temples to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The excursion requires an early departure and is subject to transport arrangements and local regulations. Return to Aswan for the night, or follow the confirmed onward travel plan.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or station for your return journey to Cairo, depending on the confirmed transport arrangements. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Cairo.
Choose a day at leisure in Cairo or arrange an optional excursion to Alexandria, Egypt’s historic Mediterranean city. An Alexandria visit may include selected landmarks such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina area, the Citadel of Qaitbay, and other available attractions. The exact itinerary depends on opening hours, traffic, and the package selected. Overnight in Cairo.
Enjoy a final full day to explore Egypt at your own pace. You may arrange an optional cultural experience, visit additional historical sites, relax at your hotel, or purchase souvenirs. Your tour coordinator can help confirm any additional activities and transport in advance. Overnight in Cairo
Enjoy breakfast, subject to your departure time. Check out and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight. Your unforgettable 20-day journey through Egypt’s ancient monuments, desert landscapes, and Nile Valley comes to an end.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Cairo.
- Private air-conditioned transportation for scheduled transfers and sightseeing.
- Accommodation for 19 nights, according to the selected package.
- Transportation from Cairo to Bahariya Oasis and return.
- 4x4 vehicle for the scheduled desert safari.
- Local desert guide during the safari.
- Professional Egyptologist guide for scheduled historical sightseeing.
- Domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor, if included in the confirmed package.
- Visits to the attractions specified in the final itinerary.
- Meals and drinking water as specified in the confirmed package.
- Desert camping equipment and overnight camping, if included in the selected safari package.
- Meals and drinks
- Hotel and accommodation taxes, where applicable and specified.
- Entrance tickets to archaeological sites, museums, and monuments
- Assistance from the tour coordinator throughout the trip
Excludes
- International flights to and from Egypt.
- Egyptian entry visa and related fees.
- Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the confirmed itinerary.
- Personal expenses, laundry, and telephone calls.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Travel insurance and personal medical expenses.
- Additional accommodation or transport caused by flight changes or unexpected delays.
- Any services not explicitly listed under Includes.
- Nile cruise accommodation and services unless included in the selected package
More Info
Experience an unforgettable journey through Egypt with the 20 Day Egypt Desert Safari & Ancient Wonders tour by Let’s Explore Egypt Travel. This extended adventure combines the legendary monuments of ancient Egypt with the dramatic landscapes of the Western Desert and the remarkable temples of the Nile Valley.
From the world-famous Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx to the spectacular white rock formations of the White Desert, this itinerary offers a diverse perspective on Egypt’s history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Explore ancient capitals, discover archaeological treasures, experience the peaceful atmosphere of desert oases, and travel south to Luxor and Aswan to uncover the stories of the pharaohs.
Designed for travelers who want more than a conventional sightseeing holiday, this 20-day journey offers a combination of guided historical visits, desert exploration, scenic road journeys, and opportunities to enjoy Egypt at a relaxed pace. The program can be customized according to your interests, preferred accommodation, travel dates, and budget.
Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza
Your Egyptian adventure begins in Cairo and Giza, home to some of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Visit the Giza Pyramid Complex and discover the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
Stand before the Great Sphinx, the monumental sculpture traditionally associated with King Khafre, and explore the nearby Valley Temple. Your guide can explain how these structures were connected with royal burial traditions, religious beliefs, and the extraordinary achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization.
The Giza Plateau also provides excellent opportunities for photography, particularly from panoramic viewpoints overlooking the pyramids and surrounding desert.
Depending on your selected package, you may have the option to enter certain pyramids or add other experiences. Individual monument tickets and optional activities should be confirmed before booking.
Discover Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur
Continue your exploration of ancient Egypt at Saqqara, one of the country’s most important archaeological sites. Here you can see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a landmark in the development of monumental stone architecture.
Visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where archaeological remains and monumental sculptures provide insight into the country’s early political and cultural history.
At Dahshur, admire the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. These monuments demonstrate important developments in pyramid construction and help explain how Egyptian builders refined their techniques before the construction of the great pyramids at Giza.
Together, these destinations provide a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian architecture beyond the most famous monuments.
Experience Cairo’s History and Culture
Cairo offers a fascinating combination of ancient heritage, historic neighborhoods, museums, and modern city life.
Depending on your confirmed itinerary, explore a major museum to learn more about Egyptian kings, archaeological discoveries, sculptures, and ancient artifacts. You may also visit historic Cairo, where traditional streets and architectural landmarks reveal different periods of the city’s history.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar offers an opportunity to discover traditional crafts, souvenirs, spices, and local products. If you prefer a sightseeing experience without shopping stops, communicate your preference when arranging your tour.
Free time in Cairo allows you to enjoy local cuisine, explore additional attractions, or relax before beginning the Western Desert adventure.
Explore the Western Desert and Bahariya Oasis
One of the highlights of this tour is the journey into Egypt’s Western Desert. Leaving Cairo behind, travel toward Bahariya Oasis, a settlement surrounded by desert landscapes, palm groves, and rocky hills.
Bahariya provides a gateway to some of the Western Desert’s most remarkable scenery. The changing landscape offers a striking contrast to the busy streets of Cairo and the monumental architecture of the Nile Valley.
Depending on local arrangements, you may have opportunities to explore selected viewpoints and learn about the oasis environment and its role in life across Egypt’s desert regions.
The desert portion of the itinerary is designed to introduce travelers to a different side of Egypt, where natural formations, open horizons, and quiet surroundings become the main attraction.
Discover the Black Desert and White Desert
The Western Desert safari is a major feature of the 20 Day Egypt Desert Safari & Ancient Wonders experience.
Travel in a suitable 4×4 vehicle through the Black Desert, known for its dark volcanic hills and unusual terrain. The contrast between the dark hills and pale desert sand creates a distinctive landscape for photography and exploration.
Depending on the route and operating conditions, the excursion may include stops at Crystal Mountain and the dramatic formations of the Agabat area.
Continue toward the White Desert, famous for its white chalk formations sculpted by wind erosion. These natural structures resemble mushrooms, towers, animals, and other unusual shapes, creating an almost surreal environment.
Sunset can transform the landscape with changing shades of gold and orange, while sunrise offers a quieter atmosphere and beautiful photographic opportunities.
An overnight desert camp may be available as part of the selected package. Camping arrangements, equipment, meals, and sleeping facilities must be confirmed in advance. All desert activities remain subject to weather, road conditions, local regulations, and authorized guide availability.
Enjoy the Unique Atmosphere of the Desert
The desert offers an experience very different from visiting Egypt’s archaeological sites. Instead of monumental temples and crowded urban streets, you encounter broad horizons, dramatic rock formations, and the peaceful surroundings of the oasis region.
During the safari, take time to appreciate the landscape, photograph the natural scenery, and enjoy the slower rhythm of desert travel.
Travelers should bring comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection, personal medication, and a warm layer for cooler evenings. Desert temperatures can change significantly between daytime and nighttime, depending on the season.
The itinerary also includes time to rest after the safari before returning to Cairo. This helps balance the outdoor adventure with the longer journeys and sightseeing experiences later in the trip.
Discover Luxor, the World’s Ancient Thebes
After exploring the Western Desert, continue your journey to Luxor, one of Egypt’s most important destinations for ancient history.
On the West Bank, visit the Valley of the Kings, where many New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in decorated tombs. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and royal burial traditions.
Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an impressive monument built against the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. Stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that have stood in the Theban landscape for thousands of years.
Explore Karnak Temple, a vast religious complex developed by generations of Egyptian rulers. Its monumental columns, obelisks, courtyards, and sacred spaces illustrate the scale and ambition of ancient Egyptian religious architecture.
Luxor Temple offers another perspective on the city’s ceremonial history and its connection with royal festivals and religious traditions.
A professional Egyptologist guide can help bring these monuments to life, subject to the guiding services confirmed in your package.
Travel Along the Nile Valley
The journey south toward Aswan reveals another side of Egypt. The Nile has supported agriculture, settlements, transportation, and civilization for thousands of years, and its valley remains central to the country’s cultural identity.
Depending on your confirmed route and transport arrangements, visits to Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple may be included.
Edfu Temple is dedicated to Horus and is renowned for its impressive preservation. Kom Ombo is distinctive because of its association with two deities and its unusual double design.
These visits depend on available time, transport arrangements, and any Nile cruise schedule included in your package.
Explore Aswan and Philae Temple
Aswan offers a scenic setting along the Nile, with islands, rocky landscapes, and a distinctive southern Egyptian atmosphere.
Visit Philae Temple, dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis. The temple complex is particularly notable for its architecture and the international effort that relocated it to protect it from rising waters following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Depending on your selected program, you may also visit the Unfinished Obelisk or arrange an optional felucca sailing experience.
Aswan is an excellent place to enjoy views of the Nile and take a break between the archaeological discoveries of Luxor and the excursion to Abu Simbel.
Discover the Magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most extraordinary ancient monuments. Built during the reign of Ramses II, the temples are famous for their colossal statues, impressive facades, and richly decorated interiors.
The site also tells a remarkable modern story. In the twentieth century, an international conservation project relocated the temples to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Visiting Abu Simbel offers an opportunity to appreciate both the ambition of ancient Egyptian architecture and the importance of preserving world heritage.
The excursion requires advance planning because of the distance from Aswan and the applicable transport arrangements. Entrance tickets, transfers, and any additional accommodation should be confirmed in your final quotation.
Enjoy Free Time and Optional Experiences
A 20-day journey allows time for both organized sightseeing and relaxation. The suggested program includes leisure time in Cairo, with the possibility of adding an excursion to Alexandria or other activities according to your interests.
Alexandria offers a Mediterranean atmosphere and a different historical perspective, with attractions that may include the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina area.
Alternatively, you may prefer to spend more time exploring Cairo, visiting additional museums, enjoying local food, or simply relaxing at your hotel.
The itinerary can be adjusted to prioritize ancient monuments, desert scenery, cultural experiences, or a more relaxed pace. Remote oases such as Farafra, Dakhla, and Kharga may be considered as an alternative extended desert route, but they require additional driving time and logistical planning.
Accommodation, Transportation, and Tour Arrangements
Accommodation for this journey may include hotels in Cairo and the Nile Valley, accommodation in Bahariya Oasis, and desert camping if selected. The exact hotel category, room type, and number of nights depend on your confirmed booking.
Private air-conditioned transfers may be arranged for scheduled journeys and sightseeing, while a suitable 4×4 vehicle is planned for the desert safari. Domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor may be included depending on the selected package.
Meals, entrance tickets, guide services, airport transfers, and optional excursions vary by quotation. Review the final Includes and Excludes sections carefully so you understand exactly what is covered.
International flights, visa fees, personal expenses, tips, travel insurance, and activities not listed in the confirmed package are generally excluded unless specifically stated otherwise.
Best Time to Take This Tour
The cooler months, generally from October through April, are popular for exploring Egypt’s archaeological sites and desert landscapes. Conditions vary by region, and temperatures can be considerably higher in the summer.
Whatever season you choose, plan for sun exposure during outdoor sightseeing. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and suitable clothing. A warm layer is useful for desert evenings, especially during the cooler months.
The desert itinerary may need to change because of weather, road conditions, local regulations, or safety considerations. Your final program should be confirmed with the tour operator before departure.
Why Choose Let’s Explore Egypt Travel?
Let’s Explore Egypt Travel helps travelers discover Egypt through organized sightseeing and customizable travel experiences. This itinerary combines major archaeological sites with a Western Desert safari and the highlights of Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel.
You can discuss your preferred travel dates, group size, accommodation level, guiding language, and desired activities before confirming the tour. If you want a private experience, additional leisure time, or a different balance between desert exploration and historical sightseeing, request a customized quotation.
Clear confirmation of transport, accommodation, tickets, meals, and optional activities helps you plan your journey with confidence.
Book Your 20 Day Egypt Desert Safari & Ancient Wonders
Discover the pyramids of ancient kings, explore the remarkable rock formations of the White Desert, experience the landscapes of Bahariya Oasis, and walk among the magnificent temples of Luxor and Aswan.
The 20 Day Egypt Desert Safari & Ancient Wonders tour offers an opportunity to experience Egypt’s historical treasures and natural landscapes in one extended adventure.
Contact Let’s Explore Egypt Travel with your travel dates, number of travelers, accommodation preferences, and special requests to receive a personalized itinerary and quotation.
Important: This is a suggested itinerary. The final route, accommodation, transportation, desert camping, entrance fees, meals, domestic flights, and optional activities are subject to the services specified in your confirmed booking and to local operating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour is designed to last 20 days and 19 nights, combining ancient Egyptian attractions, desert adventures, and Nile Valley sightseeing.
The suggested itinerary includes Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur, Bahariya Oasis, the Black Desert, the White Desert, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel.
Private arrangements may be available, allowing you to enjoy a more personalized experience. Please confirm the tour type when requesting your quotation.
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted to your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation, and budget, subject to availability and logistical requirements.
Yes, visiting the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx is part of the suggested itinerary. Entrance tickets to individual monuments should be confirmed in your package.
The suggested program includes Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur, offering insight into the development of pyramid construction in ancient Egypt.
The White Desert is known for its extraordinary white chalk formations, shaped by wind erosion into unusual natural sculptures.
The Black Desert is a dramatic landscape of dark volcanic hills and desert terrain in Egypt’s Western Desert.
A suitable 4x4 vehicle is planned for the scheduled desert safari, subject to the confirmed package and local operating conditions.
Camping may be available as part of the safari. Please check your quotation to confirm whether camping, equipment, meals, and other arrangements are included.
