Ancient Adventures
Highlights will include a ride at the Pyramids of Giza, desert camping with your horses, a sunset dinner on the Nile and a visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples. Ride forward-going horses through the desert and take in the incredible sights of this ancient land.
This is a unique opportunity to explore ancient Egypt on horseback. Riding highlights include galloping at the Pyramids of Giza, riding though deserts to ancient temples and exploring the Valley of the Kings. Halfway through the week you'll transfer to Luxor where the riding is through lush banana plantations, and you can gallop through fields of sugar cane.
- Gallop at the Pyramids of Giza, one of the most iconic riding experiences on earth
- Two destinations in one: Cairo's ancient wonders followed by Luxor's temples and the Valley of the Kings
- Sleep under the stars in a Bedouin tent in the desert
- Ride through banana plantations, sugar cane fields and along the Nile with spirited Egyptian horses
- Watch hot air balloons rise above Luxor at sunrise from your desert campsite
- A sunset dinner on the Nile and visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple & the world's oldest pyramid at Saqqara
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Here is what our customers say
itinerary
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 Cairo’s stunning mosques for a fantastic cultural experience before dinner. If you’re up for it, end the day with an enchanting night time carriage ride.
Day 3
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 world’s oldest pyramid – 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
Day 4
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 you will 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
Enjoy a relaxed morning after yesterday evening’s travels. Meet the horses and have breakfast at the stable: omelettes, fresh feta cheese, and Egyptian “sun bread.” After pairing up with one of the horses, you’ll tack up for a day of riding and sightseeing. Start off trotting and cantering through lush green fields along the Nile and through village streets. Ride up to the impressive Colossi of Memnon for an exceptional photo-op on your way to Medinet Habu Temple. You’ll be transported back to the times of Ramses III while touring this temple dedicated to the ancient Egyptian Sun God, Amun. Take a break for lunch before getting back in the saddle to ride to your next destination: Ramesseum, a large temple complex built by Ramses II. After another immersive tour, ride into the desert to watch a magnificent sunset. A home cooked dinner will be waiting for you when you return.
Day 6
Today’s journey takes you from the banks of the Nile all the way to Mount Thebes, ending with camping in the desert! You'll start your ride at a lively pace. Canter between fields of banana trees and past the ancient village of Old Qurna. After a home cooked lunch in a nearby village, you’ll ride up Mount Thebes and be rewarded with stunning views of Luxor and the Nile in the distance. Explore the hills around the Valley of the Kings on your sure-footed partner before descending to the desert, where a Bedouin tent awaits 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 7
Watch the hot air balloons rise marvellously above Luxor at sunrise while you enjoy breakfast at your campsite. Ride back to the stable through Al Aqaltah village and along the canal. A casual lunch is prepared for you in the stable when you get back. Kick your feet up and enjoy some down-time before your afternoon excursions. You’ll head back to the Valley of the Kings (by car) to explore the spectacular tombs of ancient Egypt's most famous pharaohs. Dinner is at one of our favourite restaurants by the Nile. The evening is laid-back and can be spent hanging out at the stable with drinks by a fire or enjoyed on your own.
Day 8
A hearty breakfast is served at your accommodation before the day's ride. Canter along the Nile, trot through rural villages, and delve into the desert for invigorating gallops. Break for lunch with the horses at a Banana Island restaurant. You’ll be treated to feteer, a delicious pastry-like bread served with an array of honey, molasses, and feta cheese. With some fruit juice or Turkish coffee, you’ll be fully refreshed for the afternoon! Ride through the farmland around Banana Island on your way back to the stable. After a quick freshen-up, take a water taxi to East Bank for tours of the spectacular Karnak and Luxor Temples. These temples are some of Luxor's finest and cannot be missed! Wrap up the day with a relaxing dinner on the Nile.
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Ancient Adventures
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
You should be comfortable with the basics of riding (in control at the walk, trot, and canter). There are 3-7 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.
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 can’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 2-6 people.
All of the horses are Egyptian or “Baladi” 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.
Price includes
- Accommodation and meals
- Transfer from Cairo airport and transfers to and from Luxor airport
- Other ground transportation
- Entrance fees and cultural tours
- 5 Days riding
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Personal travel expenses
- Visas
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Additional activities outside of the itinerary
Accommodation
In Cairo you will stay close to the pyramids at a boutique hotel in the heart of Giza, just across the Nile from Cairo. No matter which hotel you are in, you are guaranteed to have a once-in-a-lifetime view!
In Luxor, 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.
Ancient Adventures
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Extras
£190 single supplement
£80 ($100) Entrance Tickets
£80 ($100) Collective Tip
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.
This riding tour starts in Cairo and ends in Luxor; therefore you will need to book your own transfer flight.
Flights between Cairo and Luxor operate at various times daily. The following flight time(s) should be booked:
Transfer Day: 7:15pm flight from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Luxor International Airport (LUX)
Last Day of Tour: If you booked a roundtrip ticket to and from Cairo, we recommend booking a roundtrip flight between Cairo and Luxor as well. When picking your Luxor departure flight, make sure to plan enough time between arriving in Cairo and your Cairo departure time. We advise giving yourself at least 3 hours in case of delays.