Egypt - Pyramids and Valleys Ride

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Day 1
Welcome to Egypt, the home of the pyramids. Meet at Cairo International Airport (CAI) for the transfer to the hotel in Giza. Soak in the atmosphere with a drink while settling in. Dinner is on the hotel rooftop with commanding views of the pyramids. Watch the sound and light show over dinner before turning in for the night.

Day 2
The group will travel south of Giza to Dahshur to visit the Red Pyramid this morning, and the nearby “Bent Pyramid”. Both pyramids can be explored from the inside and are evidence of the architectural development that led to the later construction of the Pyramids of Giza. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, head to the stable for our afternoon in the saddle. Ride to Abusir, the main burial site for the pharaohs and elites of the Old Kingdom 5th Dynasty. The royal necropolis contains numerous tombs and pyramids, but sadly, most are largely destroyed. Ride at all paces through the sands and enjoy a beautiful sunset on horseback. After the ride, return to Giza for dinner at the hotel.

Day 3
Today begins with an exciting ride at the Pyramids of Giza. It is easy to fall in love with Egyptian horses as they effortlessly carry riders across the desert to one of the ancient wonders of the world. The open space is perfect for galloping and exhilarating races across the sand. The ride ends at the base of the Great Pyramid where the group will meet up with a tour guide to explore the complex and the sphinx on foot. After lunch, continue the sightseeing by car on a trip to Saqqara. This is the largest archaeological site in Egypt and contains pyramids and tombs of the pharaohs and noblemen of the Old Kingdom. Most notably, Saqqara is home to the oldest pyramid in the world: the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built about 4,700 years ago. On return to the hotel, watch a once-in-a-lifetime sunset over the Pyramids from the rooftop before dinner.

Day 4
This morning the group visit the Egyptian Museum and get to explore the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. The Egyptian Museum is one of the most important museums of ancient history and the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and houses incredible works of pharaonic art, mummies, sarcophagi, papyrus, and loads of ancient treasures. A special highlight is the collection of objects recovered from King Tutankhamen's tomb, including his iconic burial mask weighing about 10 kg of solid gold. After exploring the museum, stop for lunch at one of the most famous restaurants in Cairo to try Egypt’s national dish: koshary. The last visit in Cairo is to the Salah Al Din Citadel to see the beautiful Mosque of Muhammed Ali. Located on the top of a hill overlooking Cairo, this Ottoman-style mosque showcases stunning Islamic architecture and offers one of the best views of the city. Then it’s time to head to the airport for the one-hour flight to Luxor. Luxor feels like a world apart from busy Cairo and the group can unwind and have dinner at the accommodation in the peaceful village of Ramlah.

Day 5
After breakfast, meet the horses at the stable and saddle up for the first ride in Luxor. Today's itinerary visits two ancient temples on horseback! Ride through the lush farmland and quaint villages of the agricultural west bank for an example of daily life in rural Egypt. It is like being transported back in time, watching farmers work their fields with traditional tools and animals like donkeys and water buffalo. On approaching the Theban Mountain, the first destination comes into view; Ramesseum, a memorial temple for the great warrior Pharaoh Ramesses II. Explore the temple on a guided tour while the horses rest nearby. After a short ride the group reach the next stop: Medinet Habu Temple an find out about the impressive structure that was built in the time of Ramesses III on the guided tour. Lunch is at a nearby restaurant before meeting up with the horses again and riding back to the stable. After freshening up at the hotel, enjoy a late afternoon boat trip on the Nile. Relax and reflect on the day’s adventures while sipping some Egyptian tea and watching the sunset on the water. Dinner is at a restaurant on the banks of the Nile.

Day 6
This morning, the group visits one of the most famous sites in Luxor: The Valley of the Kings. Explore some of the spectacular tombs hidden in this desert valley, the burial ground for the New Kingdom pharaohs. Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning monument built into the foothills of the mountain for Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh. After the sightseeing, enjoy lunch and relax at the hotel before the afternoon ride in the desert. Ride out of the village and into the hills behind the Valley of the Kings on the sure-footed horses. As the sun starts to set, venture further into the desert where the campsite awaits for the night. On arrival, watch the sunset and relax with a drink while the dinner is being prepared. After a delicious meal, relax around the campfire under the stars with a cup of Egyptian tea, the horses resting close by.

Day 7
Wake up in the desert to a beautiful view of the vast landscape and the horses nearby. If up for sunrise, riders may see the hot air balloons floating on the distant horizon. After a quiet morning enjoying nature and having breakfast with the horses, leave camp for the return to the stable. Traverse a range of landscapes, riding from the desert and mountain until reaching villages, farms, and the Nile River. Lunch is served at the accommodation upon return. After lunch, freshen up and get ready for your sightseeing of Luxor’s east bank. Cross the Nile by water taxi to the massive Karnak Temple complex, the largest religious site ever constructed, and a must-see in Luxor. Next, visit the Avenue of Sphinxes and Luxor Temple, an important place of worship that has been in almost continuous use since ancient times. Back on the west bank, there is a little downtime before heading out for dinner at a restaurant.

Day 8
Today is an early start, but the ride to see the hot air balloons take off at sunrise is worth it! Watch from the horses as they float above and over the Valley of the Kings. As the sun continues to rise, ride along the edge of the desert, with tomb-filled valleys on one side and ancient temples and ruins on the other. On return, enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast; falafel and ful medames. At midday there is time to relax at the hotel after the early start to the day. In the late afternoon saddle up for another ride. Begin through the villages and farms until reaching the outskirts of the desert, where to enjoy a long gallop across the sand. Ride up the desert hills for an incredible view of the mountain and landscape beyond, the ideal spot to watch as the sun sets on the horizon. On return, we enjoy a homemade dinner at the stable alongside the horses.

Day 9
Today takes riders outside of Luxor to visit Dendera Temple, a beautiful monument dedicated to the goddess Hathor, about an hour away by car in the city of Qena. This temple sees fewer tourists because of its location, but it is one of the best-preserved temple complexes of ancient Egypt and well worth the visit. Lunch is at a restaurant along your way back from the temple. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax. Dinner is served at the accommodation.

Day 10
Visit to the ruins of the village where the workmen lived, the site also contains their own tombs, which they carved into the slopes of the surrounding mountainside. Although smaller than the tombs of the kings, they are equally impressive, covered with vibrant paintings depicting scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt. Next, visit the Tombs of the Nobles, which see fewer tourists, but boast some remarkable tombs for the governors, advisors, and officials from the Old and Middle Kingdoms. There are over 400 tombs in total, and the group will visit a few of the most impressive. After the sightseeing, enjoy lunch at the hotel before preparing for an afternoon ride to another campsite in the desert for a second night of camping with the horses,

Day 11
Savor the peacefulness of the desert this morning. Enjoy coffee or tea alongside the horses and take a walk around the campsite to explore the hills and soak in the views. After breakfast, say goodbye to the desert and start the ride back to the stable. There is some downtime before a light lunch at the hotel. Later in the afternoon there is the choice between a sunset ride in the countryside ,or sailing on the Nile in a traditional felucca boat – either option an excellent way to wrap up the adventures! The farewell dinner is at a favourite restaurant.

Day 12
Ma'salaam (Goodbye): If there is time, saddle up for an extra morning ride (not included). Otherwise, relax at the stable with the horses, take a dip in the pool, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs to take home before heading to Luxor Airport for the homeward journey.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The horses are a local breed commonly seen throughout Egypt, known as Baladi or simply Egyptian horses. Native to the region, they carry a mix of Arabian and European lineage. These horses are energetic, responsive, and forward-going, with remarkable endurance for long days of riding. They are well cared for, and the hosts will carefully pair each rider with a suitable horse based on skill level and personal preference.

Riders need to be fit and confident, able to walk trot and canter well.
Max. rider weight 90kgs and the minimum rider age is 16yrs.

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

In Cairo, riders will stay near the pyramids at a charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Giza.

In Luxor, accommodations are located on the peaceful west bank of the Nile, where fewer tourists venture. This tranquil village setting is surrounded by lush farmland and close to significant historical landmarks, offering a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere. Depending on availability, guests may stay in an en-suite villa with traditional domed rooms, a vibrantly decorated guesthouse overlooking the Nile, or a fully equipped apartment. No matter the lodging, riders will be well cared for while remaining immersed in the local culture.

During the camping experience, guests will sleep in a Bedouin-style tent alongside the horses. The tent is furnished with mats, sleeping bags, pillows, and camel hair blankets, while individual pop-up tents are also an option. A skilled chef prepares delicious, freshly cooked meals to complete the experience.

Egypt's cuisine is varied, the meat dishes are usually served with rice, whilst many local dishes such as falafel, ful medames and kosheri, are vegetarian. Sweet dishes, pastries and fresh juices are plentiful too.

There is a combination of home-cooked and restaurant meals. Drinking water is provided, soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased. Please ask your travel consultant if a special diet is required.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. When visiting Egypt your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. You can get a visa before you travel from the official Visa2Egypt portal or your nearest Egyptian consulate. A tourist visa granted using the e-visa system is valid for a maximum of 3 months. You will need a paper copy, and the e-visa must be obtained a minimum of 7 days before arrival and a maximum of 2 months in advance. It is advisable to get a visa before you travel, particularly if travelling for work or business. If you wish to get a visa on arrival, you can do so at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is US$25, payable in US dollars as the preferred currency, although you may also be able to pay in pounds sterling or Euros. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days. There’s no need to buy a visa from an agent. In many cases agents will charge more than US$25 for a visa. If you’re harassed by an agent, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Egypt.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/egypt

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Luxor has a hot desert climate like the rest of Egypt. Aswan and Luxor have the hottest summer days of any other city in Egypt.Luxor is one of the sunniest and driest cities in the world. Average high temperatures are above 40 °C (104 °F) during summer (June, July, August). During the coolest month of the year, average high temperatures remain above 22 °C (71.6 °F) while average low temperatures remain above 5 °C (41 °F).
The climate of Luxor has precipitation levels lower than even most other places in the Sahara, with less than 1 mm (0.04 in) of average annual precipitation. The desert city is one of the driest ones in the world, and rainfall does not occur every year. There is an average relative humidity of 39.9%, with a maximum mean of 57% during winter and a minimum mean of 27% during summer.
The climate of Luxor is extremely clear, bright and sunny year-round, in all seasons, with a low seasonal variation, with about some 4,000 hours of annual sunshine, very close to the maximum theoretical sunshine duration.
In addition, Luxor, Minya, Sohag, Qena and Asyut have the widest difference of temperatures between days and nights of any city in Egypt, with almost 16 °C (29 °F) difference.
The hottest temperature recorded was on May 15, 1991 which was 50 °C (122 °F) and the coldest temperature was on February 6, 1989 which was −1 °C (30 °F).[28]

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Tap water is NOT considered safe to drink, bottled water is widely available and reasonably priced. Bilharzia and water-borne parasites are rife in the canals and under no circumstances should guests bathe or swim in the canals or rivers.

Travellers should come prepared for heat particularly from April to October. High Factor sunscreen should be worn at all times and rehydration salts should taken and taken daily as a precaution.

Medical facilities around Cairo are good. Outside Cairo they can be basic and in case of emergency you are advised to travel to Cairo. You should ensure that your medical insurance covers the cost of local hospitalisation and medical repatriation to your country of residence.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Egypt and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

The heat may be a problem for guests in the summer especially and every effort should be taken to avoid sunstroke. Rehydration salts should be taken if required and more water than usual consumed, even if you don't feel thirsty. Try to ensure a good volume of urine is produced at least 4X daily and that it is a light colour (not concentrated). This is a far better measure of hydration status than thirst.

In Egypt the supply voltage is 220V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 220V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

There is signal and WiFi coverage at the accommodation. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the group's permission to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Lightweight long sleeved shirts – light colours are best
Insect repellent/sun screen
Cycling shorts/padded underwear/seat saver if not used to long days in the saddle

12 days / 11 nights / 8 riding days between September and May

2025: 7 Mar; 2, 18 Apr; 1 May; 4, 17 Oct; 7 Nov; 5, 23 Dec

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The Amelia Peabody Mysteries by Elizabeth Peters. 

The Complete Pyramids by Dr Mark Lehner 

Tombs, Temples and Hieroglyphics by Barbara Mertz

Ancient Egypt and Nubia — Fully Explained: A New History of the Nile Valley Civilizations of Kemet and Kush by Adam Muksawa

The Egyptian Alternative: In Search of the Identity of the Egyptian Arabian Bloodlines by Philippe ParaskevasFor the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com 

Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Birds are abundant in Egypt, especially in the Nile Valley and the Delta region.
Birds of prey include vultures, eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Other large birds include storks, flamingos, herons, egrets, pelicans, quail, sunbirds and golden orioles.
About four hundred and eighty species of bird have been recorded, the globally endangered ones being the red-breasted goose, white-headed duck, Balearic shearwater, Egyptian vulture, Rüppell's vulture, sociable lapwing, slender-billed curlew, saker falcon and yellow-breasted bunting.
Egypt is on a major bird migratory route between Eurasia and East Africa and around two hundred species of migrants pass through twice a year.
About thirty species of snake occur in Egypt, about half of them venomous. These include the Egyptian cobra, false smooth snake and horned viper. There are also numerous species of lizards.

Egypt has a conservative social culture, and both men and women tend to dress modestly. You will find the locals wearing a mix of traditional clothing (for example, galabayas) as well as Western-style clothing.
It is not expected that tourists dress in the local attire or for women to cover their hair (unless entering a mosque). In larger cities and tourist areas, you will see tourists wearing all varieties of clothing including shorts and sleeveless tops. However, we'd suggest dressing on the conservative side to be respectful of the local culture.
Please avoid excessively revealing clothing, military clothing, and camo.

Egypt is 90% muslim (mostly Sunni) and 9% Coptic.The type of Islam practised is far more moderate than in the gulf states and very accepting of other religions. There is no requirement for women to cover up or wear the veil. Having said that it is a conservative society and both women and men should dress modestly, keeping upper arms and legs covered. We recommend loose fitting T-shirts with short sleeves (to just above the elbow), no low cut necklines or shorts, trousers and skirts ending below the knee. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. What may be acceptable in the tourist resort areas may be frowned upon in other areas. Drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is not allowed. Apart from visits to "must see" tourist sights much of the itinerary is off the beaten track. This means you will be welcomed and treated as an honoured guests by most villagers you encounter and be far safer than the average tourist. The Muslim religion commands its followers to honour and protect visitors and this is taken seriously in the countryside where hospitality is without strings. At mass tourism sights you will often be besieged by guides asking you to visit a shop, and consider souvenirs to buy. Most guides make their money, not from their job as a guide, but from the commissions they earn when you buy something. Should you not wish to buy anything it is worth explaining to your guide that he will receive a good tip but it will be in inverse proportion to how much you are hasseled to buy things. In any event decline politely. The dialling code is +20. The time difference is GMT +2 The crime rate in Egypt is low and mostly consists of petty theft/pickpocketing in crowded areas. You should safeguard valuables including your passport and money. You should carry some form of photographic ID at all times. A copy of your passport is sufficient.