Magic of Luxor

5 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ735pp

Egypt ( Best airport: Luxor)

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Travel back in time to the ancient city of Thebes on this enchanting riding holiday. Ride, relax, and immerse yourself in the local culture and the magic of Luxor. Highlights include a visit to the Valley of the Kings, canters along sugar cane fields and a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Level of Riding and Fitness

You should be comfortable with the basics of riding (in control at the walk, trot, and canter). There are 4-7 hours of riding a day so a good level of general fitness is beneficial. Although there is an age limit of 16 years or older, younger riders may be considered if they have sufficient riding ability. The weight limit is 95kg.

Guides and Group Size

Your guide Ganun has made a name for himself in the horse world in Egypt. He is well-known around the streets of Luxor and canโ€™t go far without someone trying to sell him a horse!

Ganun has worked with horses since a young age and his understanding of them is remarkable. From Sharm El-Sheikh to Luxor, he has excelled as a guide leading horseback riding tours for over 16 years. He was even featured as a top tour guide in Luxor in 2016. In addition to leading tours, he has extensive experience training, breeding, showing, and rehabilitating horses.

The group size for this ride is limited to 2-8 people.

Any questions?

Contact us now on WhatsApp with any queries you have about this trail.

The Horses

All of the horses are Egyptian or โ€œBaladiโ€ horses, the type of horse most commonly found across Egypt. Baladi horses are native to Egypt but have mixed bloodlines with Arabian and European influences. They are spirited, quick, and versatile. They are ridden in English tack.

Many of the horses have been rescued from difficult situations and rehabilitated. They are forward-going and responsive with impressive stamina for long days in the saddle. Each horse has their own unique personality, and your guides will do their best to match horse to rider based on riding ability and personal preferences.

Horse Riding Holidays Egypt

Accommodation and Dining

You will stay on the tranquil West Bank, the quieter side of the Nile with fewer tourists. The riding base is in a small village surrounded by farmland not far from the sights; the atmosphere is laid back and relaxing. You might be in a charming villa with traditional dome rooms, a vibrantly decorated guest house with views of the Nile, or your own fully equipped flat. In any of the places, you will be well accommodated while still feeling integrated with the local area. When camping, you will spend the night in a Bedouin style tent or under the stars with sleeping bags alongside the horses.

The cuisine on this ride is mainly local specialties – kosheri, Egyptโ€™s national dish, “bird’s tongue” soup and pigeon, falafel and ful medames.

Itinerary

Day 1 Youโ€™ve arrived at the land of the pharaohs! Pickup is at Luxor International Airport. Our driver will bring you to your accommodation to get settled in and unwind after your travels. Youโ€™re welcome to come to the stable to meet the horses and hang out before dinner. Weโ€™ll take you to one of our favourite restaurants in Luxor where we can get acquainted over some delicious Egyptian food.
Day 2 After breakfast, we begin with scenic riding through lush farmland around the Nile River. Youโ€™ll be transported back in time as we trot and canter past farmers working the fields with traditional tools, donkeys pulling carts of wheat and clover, and water buffalo cooling off in the Nile. Soon we approach quaint village streets where you can get a glimpse of daily life in rural Egypt. Shortly outside town, we pass sprawling archeological sites and stop to marvel at the impressive Colossi of Memnon, two towering pharaonic statues set dramatically against the backdrop of the Theban Mountains. At the outskirts of the desert, we have the opportunity for exhilarating gallops and race each other across the sand. We then make our way to Banana Island, riding between leafy banana plants to our lunch stop. Enjoy freshly baked feteer, a delicious pastry-like bread served with feta cheese, molasses, and tahini along with fresh fruit juice. On the way back to the stable, we ride in parallel with the boats drifting along the Nile River. After the morningโ€™s ride, prepare for an afternoon of amazing sightseeing! Your first stop is Luxor Museum, home to incredibly well preserved mummies, sarcophagi, and other ancient relics. Then stroll along the famous Avenue of Sphinxes and through the historic walls of Luxor Temple. After sundown, visit the bustling market filled with spices, colourful Egyptian clothing, and beautiful arrays of jewellery and trinkets. Back on the quiet west bank, we finish the day with a multi-course dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants.
Day 3 This morning you will visit one of the most famous sites in Luxor: the Valley of the Kings, where you will explore the spectacular tombs of renowned Egyptian pharaohs including Ramses IV, Merneptah, and Seti I. Next, learn the fascinating story behind Egypt's longest-reigning female pharaoh on a tour of the Temple of Hatshepsut, built into the foothills of the Theban mountains. After your tours, come to the stable for lunch and enjoy pita sandwiches with hot falafel, shakshuka, and moussaka along with some Egyptian tea before the afternoon ride. The sightseeing continues as we ride past incredible structures built by Ramses II on our way to Habu Temple, where we dismount for a tour. When we get back in the saddle, we ride into the desert to watch the sun set behind the mountains before returning to the stable. Back at your accommodation, a home-cooked Egyptian dinner will be waiting for you after the long day.
Day 4 Today begins with a truly magical experience: a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. Seeing Luxor glow in the early morning sun as you drift above the tomb-filled mountains, ancient temples of the west bank, and the Nile River is simply unforgettable. (Option: If you would prefer, you can ride to watch the hot air balloons take off at sunrise from horseback instead). After the balloon ride, you will take a water taxi to the east bank for a tour of the impressive Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site ever constructed and another must see in Luxor. Lunch is back on the west bank, and then you'll have a midday break to relax by the pool at your accommodation. In the late afternoon, enjoy sailing the Nile River in a traditional felucca and see a stunning sunset on the water. Dinner is at the stable with the horses; enjoy a barbecue of fresh meat and vegetables cooked over a fire while listening to some Egyptian music.
Day 5 If you have the time, tack up for a casual morning ride. Otherwise, relax at the stable with the horses, take a dip in the pool, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs to bring home. Our driver will take you to the Luxor Airport to catch your flight. Until next time!

Magic of Luxor

5 days / 4 nights / 3 riding days
ยฃ735pp

ยฃ130 single supplement

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking Confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

We recommend arriving in the afternoon or earlier on the first day. This allows time for you to get to your hotel and settle in before meeting the group for dinner to kick off your tour. However, we understand if this is not possible and we can still accommodate other travel plans.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Transfers to and from Luxor airport
  • Other ground transportation
  • Entrance fees and cultural tours
  • 4 Days riding
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Personal travel expenses
  • Visas
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Additional activities outside of the itinerary