Day 1
You made it to the home of the pyramids! Pickup is at Cairo International Airport. You'll be staying in Giza, across the Nile River from Cairo. When you get to your hotel, take some time to get settled in, soak in the lively atmosphere, or relax with a drink. We'll meet you for a rooftop dinner with phenomenal views of the pyramids. Watch the Sound & Light Show as you enjoy your meal. It'll be a relaxed night so you're well rested for the first day of riding.
Day 2
Kick off your adventures with an exciting ride to the Pyramids of Giza! Your spirited Arabian mount will enthral you with their power, speed, and grace. The vast desert surrounding Giza is perfect for long gallops and exhilarating races across the sand. Dismount at the pyramids to explore the incredible complex on a guided tour that will take you into a pyramid's burial chamber and to the sphinx. Try the national dish kosheri for lunch before heading to the Egyptian Museum. This expansive museum contains the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world, including mummies, sarcophagi, and papyrus. Next, you'll discover one of the historic beauties behind Cairo's nickname, "The City of a Thousand Minarets." Visit one of Cairoโs stunning mosques for a fantastic cultural experience before dinner in the historic heart of Old Cairo.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, youโll get picked up for a unique trip exclusively for horse lovers: a visit to the world famous Straight Egyptian Arabian stud farm, El Zahraa. Remarkably, El Zahraa is the original source of all horses known as โStraight Egyptian Arabians.โ Their stud program has carefully preserved the heritage of the desert horses first bred by Bedouin tribes of ancient Arabia. It is one of the largest breeding farms for purebred Arabian horses in the Middle East, and stud programs around the world have been founded on its horses. As part of the Egyptian Agriculture Organization (EAO), El Zahraa is the only authorised office in Egypt responsible for registering Arabian horses. You will tour the facilities and meet the distinguished stallions and broodmares that truly embody the ideal Arabian. Spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the magnificent horses, admiring their delicately dished faces, raised tails, and mesmerising floating trots. Dinner will be served at the hotel upon your return. The day ends with a special treat โ a carriage ride to the pyramids at night!
Day 4
Today you will visit two significant historical sites south of Giza on horseback. You will begin by riding to Abusir, the main burial site for the pharaohs and elites of the Old Kingdom 5th Dynasty. The royal necropolis contains numerous tombs and fourteen pyramids, but due to poor construction, only three pyramids have stood the test of time. From here,you will make your way through the desert to Saqqara, home of the worldโs oldest pyramid โ the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Built for Pharaoh Djoser about 4,700 years ago, it is one of the most iconic monuments and distinct pyramids in Egypt. The surrounding Saqqara plateau still leaves much to be discovered; as recently as November 2020, archaeologists unearthed more than 100 sarcophagi, many with mummies. After a tour of the pyramid complex you will ride back across the desert, enjoying plenty of opportunities for speed. A home cooked lunch of classic Cairo dishes awaits you at the stable. Then head back to the hotel to pack up for your next destination: Luxor! Just a short one-hour flight away, Luxor feels like a world apart from busy Cairo. At your accommodation, you'll unwind over a late dinner and rest up for another day in the saddle.
Day 5
Start off slow this morning with coffee and breakfast at the stable. Meet the horses before saddling up for a late morning ride along the Nile. Trot and canter on the trails that cut through the West Bank's sprawling lush farmland. See daily rural life as you ride past farmers and encounter donkeys, goats, and even water buffalo. Set up a picnic lunch in the grassy fields next to the Nile with the horses. Enjoy more laid-back riding through the village streets and along the canal. Return in the early evening for a barbecue dinner at the stable of grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and fresh Egyptian bread. Stay warm around the fire as night falls or retreat to the stable roof to savour a quiet moment under the stars with a view of Mount Thebes.
Day 6
There is so much to explore on the West Bank, and this exciting day is spent sightseeing on and off the horses. You'll head to the stable directly after breakfast. In the morning, ride past the iconic Columns of Memnon on your way to Medinet Habu Temple. Hop off the horses to get a tour of the temple before enjoying lunch at a nearby restaurant with views of Mount Thebes. Then get back in the saddle to ride to another impressive temple of the Theban Necropolis: Ramesseum. Built in the thirteenth century BC during the long reign of Ramses II, it exhibits the pharaoh's great wealth during this period in ancient Egyptian history. In one of its hypostyle halls, known as "Astronomy Hall", you can see the very first depiction of the 12- month calendar. On your way back to the stable, ride through swaths of farmland and enjoy lengthy canters along fields of sugar cane. Dinner is at one of our favourite Luxor restaurants. At the end of the day, relax at your accommodation and rest up for more adventures.
Day 7
Get ready for a full day of riding! Today's journey takes you from the banks of the Nile River all the way to Mount Thebes, ending with camping in the desert. You'll get an early start and begin your ride at a lively pace. Canter between fields of banana trees and past the ancient village of Old Qurna. Lunch will consist of local specialties, like "bird's tongue" soup and pigeon! An afternoon ride up Mount Thebes offers stunning views of Luxor and the Nile. Explore the hills around the Valley of the Kings on your sure-footed partner. A Bedouin tent awaits you in the desert for the night. Cook a traditional Egyptian dinner over an open fire and experience a magical desert sunset. At night, unwind around a campfire under the stars with some Egyptian tea and music.
Day 8
If you wake up early enough, you'll see colourful hot air balloons filling the sky above the Valley of the Kings at sunrise. A hot breakfast and coffee are prepared over a fire. Tack up for a relaxed ride back to the stable, this time passing through Al Aqaltah village. Lunch is at the charming Villa Nile House. After freshening up, you'll be picked up for an afternoon tour of Hatshepsut Temple, a striking tribute to Egypt's longest-reigning female pharaoh at the foot of the Theban mountains. In the evening, take it easy with a scenic boat trip on the Nile. A freshly prepared dinner is served on the boat at sunset.
Day 9
This morning's trip is an absolute must-see: The Valley of the Kings! Feel like an Egyptologist as you roam the ornate tombs of famous Egyptian rulers, transporting you to another time. The next stop is the equally impressive Valley of the Nobles, featuring well-preserved tombs with vibrantly coloured paintings, each telling a story of ancient Egyptian life. After your tours, head back to the hotel for lunch and to get ready for your afternoon ride. Start off riding at a slower pace through the village until you reach the desert, where you'll canter over the hills and kick up sand on the long flat stretches. In the evening, ride back along the Nile as the sun goes down and see the lights of the East Bank glimmering in the river. Have a refreshing drink back at the stable as you untack. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Day 10
Today you'll venture to the other side of the Nile to see all the best sights on the East Bank. Begin your day with a classic falafel and ful medames breakfast before taking a water taxi across the river. Don't forget to bring a camera for your tours of the incredible Luxor and Karnak Temples. Take in the sights on a carriage ride to lunch at a popular local restaurant. Afterward, walk through the brilliantly displayed collection of statues, mummies, and ancient artefacts at Luxor Museum. Revisit Luxor Temple at night and go inside the remarkable Abu Haggag Mosque. Depending on the time of year, you may even be lucky enough to witness the Moulid of Abu el Haggag street festival. Walk to the souq (market) in the evening to do a little shopping or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Take a water taxi back to the West Bank for a late dinner.
Day 11
This is a fun-in-the-sun kind of day with the horses! Ride to Banana Island, trotting on dusty farm trails and through leafy banana fields. Have a relaxed lunch at the picturesque Banana Island restaurant with a Nile view. After lunch, make a quick stop to see some crocodiles and monkeys at a nearby exhibit. On the ride back, you'll take the scenic Nile-side route. Canter in the green fields near the stable in the afternoon sun and then cool off in the Nile โ on horseback! End the day and celebrate your last night with a lively barbecue at the stable with a fire, drinks, and music.
Day 12
If you have the time, tack up for a casual morning ride. Otherwise, relax at the stable with the horses, hang out by the Nile, or pick up some last-minute goodies to bring home. Our driver will take you to the Luxor Airport to catch your flight. Until next time, ma'salaam!
