+44 (0)20 8741 7390 One of the most remote settings on earth, Egypt s Western desert stretches from the eastern banks of the Nile to the Libyan border, encompassing a vast landscape of shifting dunes, mountainous plateaus, lush oases and ancient tombs. Refreshingly devoid of tourists, it provides visitors with some of the most authentic experiences anywhere in the country. After a chance to explore the treasures and highlights of Cairo, the adventure takes you west, into the haunting vistas of the Black Desert and the oasis of Bahariya, home to the fabulous Golden Mummies. From here you then head into the surreal landscapes of the White Desert, to spend the evening at a Bedouin camp in the heart of the desert. Passing through the oases of Farafra and Dakhla you ll have time to visit the Roman ruins at Deir El Hagar and Bahindi, as well as the mud brick village of El Qasr, before stopping in El Kharga, the largest of the desert oases. Here you will explore the expansive Necropolis of Al Bagawat, before a long desert drive returns you to the banks of the Nile and the city of Luxor. HIGHLIGHTS: Marvel at the ancient pyramids Travel through the stark, silent desert landscape Visit ancient tombs and long inhabited oases Explore the rock formations sculpted by the wind and sand Sleep out in the desert under clear starry skies TOUR INCLUDES: 3 nights in four star hotels in Cairo and Luxor 4 nights three star hotels and desert lodges, in desert 1 night camping in White Desert 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Entrance fees included as per itinerary Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: CAIRO Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel. DAY 2: CAIRO Take a tour this morning to Giza and visit the great pyramids and the Sphinx, continuing further back in time, drive to Memphis, an ancient capital and Saqqara site of the Step Pyramid, thought to be the oldest building in the world made entirely of stone (2625 BC). (B) DAY 3: CAIRO - BAHARIYA OASIS In 4WD drive vehicles head into the stark scenery of the Black Desert. All of the oases have been inhabited since ancient times and Bahariya is no exception, on arrival in Bahariya, visit the Benouti Tombs and old town. (B,L,D) DAY 4: BAHARIYA - WHITE DESERT This morning visit the marvellous collection of Golden Mummies - before journeying south into the incredible White Desert. A geological wonder, huge rocks lie balanced on plinths like mushrooms in this silent moonscape. Spend the night in a Bedouin camp under the stars. (B,L,D) DAY 5: WHITE DESERT - DAKHLA OASIS Visit the small oasis of Farafra before continuing south and onto Dakhla. Afternoon tour of the Roman temple at Deir El Hagar and the mud brick Islamic village of El Qsar. (B,L,D) DAY 6: DAKHLA OASIS Spend more time in Dakhla, one of the most picturesque oases, visiting the Roman tombs in Bahindi and the ruins of Balat, an important city in the 6th century. Afternoon at leisure. (B,L,D) DAY 7: DAKHLA - EL KHARGA OASIS Another desert drive brings you to El Kharga, the largest of the oasis towns. Visit the Necropolis at Al Bagawat, one of the oldest Christian cemeteries in the world and the Persian Temple of Hibis. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: EL KHARGA OASIS - LUXOR A long day's drive through the Western Desert and brings you back to the Nile valley and Luxor. (B,L) DAY 9: LUXOR Take a flight to Cairo to connect with your onward flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BAHARIYA OASIS QASR EL BAWITY The Qasr El Bawity ecolodge is set in the middle of a lush palm grove in the heart of El Bawity,in Bahareya Oasis. Built and decorated in the traditional style of the oasis, the lodge has 24 rooms and four suites that are large, comfortable, and simply but elegantly furnished. Great care was taken in the Qsar's construction with only materials and craftspeople indigenous to the oasis employed to maintain a historically accurate architectural design and neither metal nor concrete was used in the construction. These ancient methods ensure that the rooms remain cool during the day and after a day of exploration and discovery, enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of our spring-fed swimming pool, or enjoy a relaxing night swim under the stars in our on-site hot spring. CAIRO LE MERIDIEN PYRAMIDS HOTEL & SPA The majestic resort Le Meridien Pyramids is beautifully set within walking distance of the Giza Pyramids, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, on the west bank of the River Nile and 10 km from Cairo. The superbly appointed rooms are of a generous size, with great bathrooms and have marvellous views of the Pyramids or of the impressive lagoon-style pool and the well-tended subtropical gardens. Five prestigious eateries offer oriental, Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, and at night a popular Nubian band performs at the Nubian Village restaurant. DAKHLA OASIS DAKHLA DESERT LODGE Situated on top of a nearby cliff you will be struck by the quietness and the splendid views of the mud-brick village of Al Qasr and the distant sand dunes of the Sahara desert. Built in traditional style, this desert lodge hosts 32 large high ceiling rooms, all with private bathrooms, telephone and fan. The rooms are simply but tastefully furnished in the local style and some have terraces with spectacular views over the village and the nearby mountains. The hotel is run in an eco-friendly and sustainable way and there is a dining room, a cafeteria and internet café. EL KHARGA OASIS SOL Y MAR PIONEER HOTEL Pioneers is a three star desert hotel situated in Al Kharga Oasis, a true adventure base from which to explore the marvels of the western desert such as the temple of Hibis. The stunning views of the surrounding desert and the charm of the mountains create a serene and quiet atmosphere. A wide selection of international and local cuisines is available at the hotel restaurant. The hotel features 102 comfortable and pleasantly furnished guest rooms, which have either a balcony or a terrace. Leisure facilities include swimming pool and outdoor fitness facilities. LUXOR
PAVILLON WINTER HOTEL Although more informal than its illustrious neighbour (The Sofitel Winter Palace), the same high standards are provided at the Winter Pavillon with an equally enviable setting in the beautiful gardens of The Winter Palace. Surrounded by tropical gardens and just a short walk from the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Karnak or the Luxor Museum, the Hotel Winter Pavillon comprises 118 rooms, on 5 floors, each equipped with modern facilities and private balconies. The hotel has a good restaurant and other facilities are shared with its sister hotel, including a wide selection of restaurants and bars offering both international and regional cuisine and an outdoor unheated pool. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com