Departure from Cairo to the Fayoum oasis and Minya 5 days / 4 nights

After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Cairo and travel to the Fayoum Oasis, located approximately 100 km southwest of Cairo.

After about two hours of driving, arrive in Fayoum and begin your sightseeing tour.

Qasr Qarun

Visit Qasr Qarun, an important archaeological site located on the shores of Lake Qarun. Originally an ancient settlement, the site preserves temples and military fortifications dating from different periods of Egypt’s long history.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered ancient streets, houses, and chapels dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god who was particularly revered in the Fayoum region.

Excavations have also revealed papyri, royal and non-royal statues, and ancient coins. Every year on December 21, a remarkable astronomical phenomenon takes place when the first rays of the morning sun align perfectly with the sanctuary of the main temple, illuminating its innermost chamber.

Wadi El-Hitan (Valley of the Whales)

Continue to Wadi El-Hitan, or the Valley of the Whales, a protected natural heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 2005.

This extraordinary location is a unique open-air museum containing rare fossils dating back approximately 45 million years. Visitors can discover fossilized whale skeletons, seashells, shark teeth, and preserved mangrove roots embedded in the desert rock formations.

These exceptional discoveries have helped scientists better understand the evolution of marine and terrestrial mammals, as well as the environmental conditions that existed millions of years ago.

Desert Walk and Camp Experience

Enjoy lunch on site before setting out on a guided walk along the marked trails of the Valley of the Whales.

The route takes you through an impressive landscape of dunes, mountains, and desert hills, offering spectacular views and a truly unforgettable experience in one of Egypt’s most fascinating natural reserves.

As evening approaches, witness a magnificent sunset over the desert. The changing colors of the sky and surrounding landscape create a magical atmosphere and provide excellent opportunities for photography.

Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner under the stars.

Overnight in a desert camp, sleeping beneath the clear desert sky.

After breakfast, depart to explore the natural and cultural treasures of the Fayoum region before continuing to Minya.

Wadi El-Rayan

Begin the day with a visit to Wadi El-Rayan, one of Egypt’s most remarkable protected natural reserves.

This vast desert sanctuary is characterized by a unique combination of natural springs, sand dunes, diverse plant life, and a rich variety of wildlife, including fennec foxes, reptiles, gazelles, and numerous species of resident and migratory birds.

Wadi El-Rayan is home to two large lakes connected by a series of waterfalls created by a 20-meter difference in water level, forming one of the rare natural waterfall systems found in the Egyptian desert. The reserve also features Mount El-Rayan, natural hot springs, and exceptional opportunities for nature observation.

Magic Lake

Located within the Wadi El-Rayan Reserve, Magic Lake is famous for its constantly changing colors. Depending on the position of the sun and the surrounding landscape, the lake's waters appear to shift in color throughout the day.

Surrounded by dunes and mountains, the lake offers a breathtaking setting. Nearby Mashjija Mountain provides spectacular panoramic views over the entire Wadi El-Rayan National Park and is a popular location for activities such as sandboarding, swimming, hiking, and photography.

Medinet Madi

Continue to the archaeological site of Medinet Madi, one of the most important and best-preserved ancient sites in Fayoum Oasis.

Dedicated to the sacred triad of Fayoum—Sobek, Renenutet, and Horus of Shedet—the site derives its modern Arabic name, Medinet Madi, meaning "City of the Past."

Originally built during the 12th Dynasty, around the 19th century BC, under the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhat III, the site preserves remarkable examples of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious traditions.

Tunis Village

Proceed to Tunis Village, a charming hilltop settlement overlooking Lake Qarun.

Known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, the village offers visitors the opportunity to stroll through its unpaved streets, admire traditional architecture, and meet the welcoming local community.

The village gained international recognition after the arrival of Swiss ceramic artist Evelyne Porret in the 1980s. She established a pottery workshop that inspired generations of local artisans and transformed Tunis Village into one of Egypt’s most famous centers for ceramic art and craftsmanship.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant.

Journey to Minya

After lunch, continue by road to Minya, approximately 260 km away.

Arrive in Minya in the late afternoon.

Minya

Minya is a captivating destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The region is particularly famous for its association with Pharaoh Akhenaten, who chose this area as the location of his religious and political capital.

Despite its extraordinary archaeological heritage, Minya remains one of Egypt’s lesser-known treasures, offering visitors an authentic experience away from the main tourist routes.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for a full day of exploration. A packed lunch will be provided for the day.

Beni Hassan Necropolis

Begin your visit at the Beni Hassan Necropolis, located on the west bank of the Nile, approximately 20 km south of Minya.

This remarkable archaeological site contains 39 tombs dating from the Old and Middle Kingdoms. The tomb façades are aligned along a terrace stretching for nearly 100 meters and overlooking the Nile Valley.

Carved directly into the limestone cliffs, these impressive rock-cut tombs are renowned for the exceptional quality and originality of their wall decorations. Many scenes depict daily life, agricultural activities, hunting, military campaigns, wrestling competitions, and other aspects of ancient Egyptian society, providing valuable insight into life thousands of years ago.

Istabl Antar Temple

Continue to Istabl Antar Temple, located approximately 2 km southwest of the Beni Hassan Necropolis.

This small temple was built during the reign of the famous Queen Hatshepsut and is notable for its reliefs and scenes depicting events related to the Hyksos period and their influence on ancient Egypt.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a packed lunch before continuing your journey south to Amarna, located approximately 25 km away.

Amarna – The City of Akhetaten

Discover the archaeological remains of Amarna, the ancient city of Akhetaten ("The Horizon of Aten"), founded by the influential Pharaoh Akhenaten.

Amarna occupies a unique place in Egyptian history because it was here that Akhenaten introduced the worship of Aten as the supreme deity of Egypt. For this reason, he is often regarded as one of the earliest proponents of monotheism in human history.

The vast site stretches along the Nile for approximately 3 kilometers and once included a magnificent royal palace, major temples dedicated to Aten, administrative buildings, and numerous residential quarters.

Amarna is also home to an extensive necropolis containing around 25 rock-cut tombs belonging to high-ranking officials who served during Akhenaten’s reign. These tombs are famous for their distinctive artistic style and their depictions of royal and religious life during the Amarna Period.

At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Minya.

Note: The drives throughout this part of the journey offer beautiful contrasts between desert landscapes, fertile agricultural fields, and traditional Egyptian towns, providing a memorable glimpse into the diverse scenery of Middle Egypt.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for a full day of sightseeing. A packed lunch will be provided.

Tuna El-Gebel Necropolis

Begin your day with a visit to the Necropolis of Tuna El-Gebel, located approximately 50 km south of Minya on the desert plain at the foot of the Western Desert cliffs.

This vast archaeological site served as an important burial ground and contains numerous tombs and monuments from the Late Period, Ptolemaic, and Roman eras.

Among the most significant monuments are:

• The Tomb of Petosiris, renowned for its beautifully painted reliefs that perfectly illustrate the fusion of Egyptian and Greek artistic traditions. Egyptian religious themes are represented using a more naturalistic Greek style, characterized by fluid movements and realistic human figures.
• The Tomb of Isadora, dating to around AD 120. According to local legend, Isadora was a young woman who drowned in the Nile during a tragic love story. Her remarkably preserved mummy can still be seen inside the tomb.
• The Tomb of Neith, dating from the 1st century BC, notable for its highly realistic paintings and strong Hellenistic artistic influence.
• The Animal Catacombs, an extensive underground necropolis containing thousands of mummified ibises and baboons, the sacred animals of Thoth, the god to whom the site was dedicated. A staircase leads down to large galleries lined with niches containing animal mummies placed in pottery and stone sarcophagi.

Lunch Break

Enjoy your packed lunch before continuing to the nearby archaeological site of El Ashmunein.

El Ashmunein (Ancient Hermopolis)

Located only 2 km from Tuna El-Gebel, El Ashmunein occupies the site of the ancient city of Hermopolis, one of the most important religious centers of Pharaonic Egypt.

Dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom, knowledge, writing, and the moon, the city once flourished as a major center of learning and worship.

Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient fortified city, which was once enclosed by massive walls measuring up to 15 meters in thickness. At the entrance stand impressive colossal statues of baboons, sacred animals associated with Thoth.

Highlights of the site include:

• The remains of a Roman basilica and its covered marketplace (Agora), featuring elegant Corinthian columns.
• The ruins of two small temples built by Seti I and Ramesses II, constructed using limestone blocks that were reused from monuments originally erected during the reign of Akhenaten.

At the end of the afternoon, return to your hotel in Minya.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Deir El-Adraa (the Monastery of the Virgin Mary), one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Upper Egypt.

According to tradition, the monastery stands at a location visited by the Holy Family during their journey through Egypt. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Nile Valley, the site offers breathtaking views and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere. The monastery remains an important destination for pilgrims and visitors interested in Egypt’s rich Christian heritage.

Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch before continuing your journey toward the Meidum Pyramid, located approximately 90 km south of Cairo.

Meidum Pyramid

Visit the fascinating Meidum Pyramid, often considered one of the most unusual pyramids in Egypt.

Built by Pharaoh Sneferu during the 4th Dynasty, around the 24th century BC, the pyramid represents an important stage in the evolution of pyramid construction. Its unique design reflects the transition from the earlier step pyramids to the smooth-sided pyramids that would later reach perfection at Giza.

The entrance to the pyramid is located approximately 15 meters above ground level, adding to the monument’s distinctive appearance and mystery.

After the visit, continue the journey to Cairo.

Arrive in Cairo in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Cairo