Magic of Luxor

Travel back in time to the ancient city of Thebes on this enchanting riding holiday in Egypt

Egypt

6
Days
Intermediate
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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.

Discover Egypt from a unique perspective: between the ears of one of our rescue horses. Our partners in Egypt are an Egyptian and American owned company based in Luxor. If you crave adventure, exciting horseback experiences and deeply authentic travel, then this trail is a great choice, designed to show you the very best of riding and sightseeing in Egypt. Explore Egypt's ancient landscapes and incredible history with the teams well-mannered horses. Not only will it be an unforgettable adventure, but by riding in Egypt you will be supporting  important rescue work in Luxor.

  • Ride through the heart of Ancient Egypt
  • Visit the Valley of the Kings and iconic ancient monuments
  • Experience unforgettable desert canters and gallops
  • Sunrise hot air balloon ride
  • Support horse welfare and resue in Egypt

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itinerary

Nearest Airport:
Luxor
Day 1

You’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. You’re welcome to come to the stable to meet the horses and hang out before dinner. We’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. You’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 morning’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

Today you will visit the Dendera Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor about a 1 hour drive from Luxor in the city of Qena. This temple sees fewer touriste because of its location, but it is one of the best-preserved temple complexes of ancient Egypt and well worth the visit. Dendera temple has many passages and chambers to explore, you have the option to go inside the crypts with an extra ticket. The guided tour fills the morning (3 hours). Lunch will be served at restaurant on the route back to the hotel. Then enjoy some downtime in the afternoon before a sunset boat trip on the Nile river (2 hours). Dinner will be served at a restaurant.

Day 6

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!

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Magic of Luxor

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know before you go

Level of Riding & Fitness

You should be comfortable with the basics of riding (in control at the walk, trot, and canter) but do not need to be an expert. There are 4-6 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.

A black horse's head framing a beautiful view of the iconic Colossi of Memnon statues
Guides & 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 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 2-8 people.

A guide and two riders wading through the Nile River at sunset, with the iconic Valley of the Kings hills in the background.
The Horses

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 responsive, willing and versatile. They are ridden in English tack.

Many of the horses have been rescued 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 match horse to rider based on riding ability and personal preferences.

Two smiling women on horseback enjoying their trail ride, backed by a vibrant green grove of dense banana trees.
Tack & Riding Equipment

English tack is used at this destination and each horse is fitted with their own saddle and bridle. Saddle bags are provided to carry your daily essentials.

A rider on horseback is silhouetted by the warm glow of the setting sun, with historic mud-brick and adobe village buildings behind him.
What’s Included
Price includes
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation/ 1 night camping
  • Airport transfer from Luxor
  • 4 days riding (3-6 hours per day)
  • All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 5
  • Drinking water
  • Guided tours at the historical sights detailed in itinerary
Price Excludes
  • International flights
  • Tips (tipping is customary in Egypt, we recommend allowing a tip budget of $125 USD to cover all supporting personnel involved in your holiday including cultural tour guides, drivers, hotels, camping crew, boat drivers, riding guides, and stable staff.)
  • Entrance fees (approx $50)
gyptian wall relief located in the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, popularly known as Medinet Habu,
A black horse's head framing a beautiful view of the iconic Colossi of Memnon statuesA guide and two riders wading through the Nile River at sunset, with the iconic Valley of the Kings hills in the background.Two smiling women on horseback enjoying their trail ride, backed by a vibrant green grove of dense banana trees.A rider on horseback is silhouetted by the warm glow of the setting sun, with historic mud-brick and adobe village buildings behind him.gyptian wall relief located in the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, popularly known as Medinet Habu,

Accommodation

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, we spend the night in a Bedouin style tent alongside the horses. The tent is equipped with mats, sleeping bags, pillows, and camel hair blankets. Individual pop-up tents are also available. Water is provided for washing up and the desert is our bathroom.

Delicious, freshly cooked meals are prepared for riders by the accompanying chef. The cuisine on this ride features many local specialties - kosheri, falafel and ful medames (fava beans).

Magic of Luxor

6
days
5
Nights
4
Days Riding

Flight and transfer information

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

  • Arrival airport: Luxor (LXR)
  • Arrival time: Afternoon or earlier, this allows time for you to get to your hotel and settle in before meeting the group for dinner to kick off your tour
  • Departure time: You can choose to enjoy one more final ride in the morning before your afternoon/evening flight.
  • Transfer arrangements: Included

Single room supplement: £130

Other

£40 (50$) Entrance tickets to the historical sites

£60 (75$) Collective Tip

To be paid direct in cash