Discover the incredible Western Oases & the stunning White Desert, Crystal Mountain, Tombs of the Golden Mummies, 4x4 jeep safari & Medieval Al Qasr. Not to mention Aswan & Nile felucca cruising, Luxor & the Valley of the Kings, the Red Sea & of course, the pyramids!
Today, we visit Giza Plateau, where we explore the pyramids and Sphinx. Later, we explore Saqqara - an ancient necropolis with many half-buried tombs and the famous Zhoser’s step pyramid.
Overnight - Cairo (B)
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Cairo – Bahariyya Oasis. This morning we drive to Bahariyya Oasis. Spend the afternoon at leisure and watch an amazing sunset over the remote landscape. Overnight - Bahariyya Oasis (B, D)
Bahariyya Oasis - White Desert. We explore
Bahariyya - an ancient oasis dating back to the Middle
Kingdom. Continuing by 4x4, we visit some temples, tombs
and the Black Desert - a region full of black volcanoshaped
mountains. Our desert camp tonight is in the White
Desert. The striking desert is full of unusual wind-eroded
limestone formations and our remote overnight base. Overnight - White Desert (B, L, D)
White Desert - Dakhla Oasis. This morning we
drive onward to Farafra - the smallest oasis in the Western
Desert famed for it’s exotic fruit and olive oil. Here, we visit
Badr’s Museum. Later we tour the medieval city of Al Qasr
- a true highlight of our journey. Only recently abandoned
we wander the eerie high walled city, mosque, school, olive
press and court. Many of the houses here have acacia wood
lintels above the doorways whose kufic (Islamic script)
inscriptions name the builder or occupants of the dwelling.
Additionally, the inscriptions trace the family heritage,
the oldest dating back to 1518. We continue on to Deir
al-Haggar and have lunch. Afterward you can opt for a dip
in one of the mineral rich hot springs. Overnight - Dakhla Oasis (B, L)
Dakhla Oasis - Kharga Oasis - Luxor. This
morning we drive to Kharga Oasis visiting the Temple
of Hibis (exterior only) and the rambling 4th century
necropolis of el-Bagawat built entirely of mudbrick.
After a break for lunch we continue onto Luxor. Overnight - Luxor (B, L)
Luxor - Aswan. Journeying south we arrive at the Nile frontier town of Aswan. Check-in to our hotel, we later visit the mighty High Dam. Continuing, we enjoy a short boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. Later, free time to perhaps do some shopping in the colourful souqs and markets or simply relax in this attractive town which straddles the River Nile. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning drive to Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2-night voyage on the River Nile downstream. If sailing by felucca is not for you, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Nile Cruise Upgrade.
On day 9, relax, go for a swim or just chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away, as the felucca plies its route. A stop will be made at the waterside Temple of Kom Ombo. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking, we enjoy a visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu - a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit is available to the Temple of Luxor by night. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Luxor - Cairo. Opt for an early morning hot air balloon excursion over ancient Thebes. Early today, we visit Luxor’s famous West Bank, taking in the Colossi of Memnon, legendary Valleys of the Kings and the imposing limestone-colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut. Taking a break, we later visit the colossal Temple of Karnak. This evening we take the overnight seater train to Cairo. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Train (B)
Day 12: Cairo & The Egyptian Museum
Upon arriving to Cairo we set off on a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum.
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, commonly referred to as the Egyptian Museum is home to an extensive collection of some 120 000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, with a representative amount on display and the remainder in storerooms. Opt to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom are displayed. The afternoon and evening offers free time. An optional Cairo City Tour is available for those interested. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Arrival and hotel check-in. Scuba diving, snorkelling, sun-worshipping, chilling, shopping - take your pick. You’ve 4 whole days to do as you want. Optional excursions such as snorkelling at Dahab’s Blue Hole or an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and visit to St Katherine’s Monastery are available (book/pay locally). If you’d like to extend your stay in Dahab, consider our Learn to Dive or Jordan bolt-on. Overnight - Dahab (B:4)
Dahab - Cairo. After a leisurely breakfast we return to Cairo. The remians of the afternoon and evening offer free time. Perhaps take a cab to Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili bazaar and enjoy a few hours wandering through the many alleyways. It’s a top spot for the purchase of ornate free-standing tobacco pipes, pharaonic tat, belly dancing costumes, spices and carpets. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Friday. Cairo - breakfast. Today our Egyptian adventure concludes today. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport. (B)
Visit the incredible temples of Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel, possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gigantic rock–cut façade, was created to revere the mighty ruler Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the 4 colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically staring out across the desert, seemingly since time began.
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement.
All our tours are guaranteed to depart subject to a minimum of 2 travellers.
Please note: if departing on 17 Dec 2013, all Dahab hotels charge for a compulsory New Year's dinner. This amount will need to be paid by you locally - budget approx USD$70.
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
Discover the Temples of Abu Simbel on a journey from Aswan by road. Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of King Ramses II, staring out across Lake Nasser.
The World War II cemeteries of El Alamein. In 1942 the Allies under Britain’s field Marshal Montgomery halted the German- Italian advance towards the River Nile. Marked as a major victory for the Allies, though not without loss of life, with some 11,000 killed and 60,000 wounded. We visit the Commonwealth cemetery and recently erected memorials funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments. Through the arches and beyond the gardens, 7,000 white headstones commemorate the Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers who fought and died here.
Upgrade from the included Nile felucca cruise from Aswan to Luxor and cruise in style aboard a luxury Nile cruiser. Our 5 star cruiser has a bar and restaurant, whilst your well–appointed, air-conditioned cabin offers a private bathroom. The boat deck offers plenty of space for relaxation and a swimming pool. Sightseeing stops are made en-route. All meals included, buffet style during your onboard stay.
Start - Wednesdays. Ex Dahab.
Discover Jordan on this exciting 5 day bolt-on. Just a stone’s throw across the Gulf of Aqaba, lies the Dead Sea, the striking Rose City of Petra, with its amazing ruins and famous Treasury and the great desert expanses of Wadi Rum where we camp overnight and enjoy a wonderful Jordanian meal.
Spend longer in Dahab and learn to dive in the Red Sea with our PADI Openwater Learn to Dive Course - 4 day/3 night bolt–on (4/5 day course). Or for experienced divers we offer a Certified Dive and Advanced Dive Bolt-on. Named as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, the Red Sea boasts more than a 1000 species of fish, 400 types of coral, perfect visibility and warm waters. It is a diver's dream!
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum
White Desert, Black Desert and Crystal Mountain
Dakhla Oasis/Al Qasr - abandoned Islamic city
Aswan - High Dam, Philae Temple, River Nile
Kom Ombo - Temple of Kom Ombo, Edfu - Temple of Horus
Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Bahariyya Oasis - Golden Mummy Museum, Tombs of the Nobles, El Heiz - date palm grove and spring
Farafra Oasis - Badr (local sculpter) Museum & Hot springs
Kharga Oasis - El Bagawat - Christian necropolis
Nile felucca cruising - islands en route
Luxor - Temple of Karnak
Dahab - Red Sea coast - swim, relax, opt to snorkel or scuba dive in the clear coastal waters
What's Included
Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
2 nights aboard felucca (open deck)
Swimming in natural hot/cold springs and River Nile
Airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 18
4 days Dahab - Red Sea Stay
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air conditioned vehicles
11 nights 4 - 5 star hotels, 2 nights Oases hotels, 1 night camping - White Desert, 1 overnight seater train, Luxor - Cairo
4x4 desert jeep trekking & camp equipment
Insight into isolated communities & traditional way of life
Touring of Cairo, Giza/Saqqara, oases, Aswan, Edfu & Luxor
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology
What's Not Included
Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller. Tip for your Felucca Crew/ Nile Cruise staff, we recommend you allow $10 USD. Tipping your guide and crew is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: $100-120 USD
International flights and visa
Tipping Kitty: $40-60 USD
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.
Oasis Hotel - Cairo
The Oasis Hotel is surrounded by a palm forest and tropical gardens and boasts a swimming pool and an array of recreational facilities. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, with views over the gardens.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Qasr el-Bawity Hotel - Bahariyya Oasis
Qasr el-Bawity Hotel is a traditional style lodge set in the middle of a lush palm grove. All the materials used are from the local area and all the craftsmen were indigenous to the oasis.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Sonesta Hotel - Luxor
A grand and classical hotel, the Sonesta is luxurious, ensuring you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa.
Our Rating : Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel
Pyramisa Isis Corniche - Aswan
The Isis Corniche has panoramic views of the Nile. There is a range of rooms, which have views over the garden or Nile. The hotel has a wellness centre, with sauna, jacuzzi and steam bath.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Felucca Cruise - Felucca Cruise
Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 8 - 12 passengers comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging and meal area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals, though they welcome helpers! Water, soft drinks and beer can be purchased aboard at a very reasonable cost.
Our Rating : Simple —
Local Rating:
Tropitel Hotel - Dahab
Set on the beach, the Tropitel is a haven of tranquility, with stunning clear water and coral reefs.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days
Good afternoon,
I want to pass on my thanks to the Egypt team and specifically our guide Mahmoud Ramadan for providing and creating an experience that will never be forgotten.
Mahmoud's knowledge of Egypt was exceptional and he definitely went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our time in Egypt as well as learning about the country and customs. He made me feel comfortable from the first day and by the end of the tour we were like a little family, I believe this was due to Mahmoud's awesome personality.
The tour accommodation was better than I expected (top rate) and I am so happy that I elected the Dunes and Tombs because the desert and camping was the highlight of my trip in Egypt.
When we joined with the larger group half way through the tour it was good in the fact we got to meet other tourists enjoying the country as well, although at the same time it was difficult due to the numbers on the tour, it was also a shame to no longer have Mahmoud imparting his passion for Egypt, it was noticed and missed.
Dahab was like heaven, such a beautiful place and Dino did a great job looking after the group.
Again, I want to express my thanks to those involved (in particular Mahmoud, the best guide in Egypt) in making my stay and trip in Egypt one that I will remember and I will definitely look to take another On The Go tour again in the future if they are all of this standard. I will also be hopefully returning to Egypt in the future with other family and friends who are also passionate to learn about the country.
Many many thanks
Natalie Judson,
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days
I had a great time with on the go made a lot of friends, hope see all of them again!
Caio Crespo ,
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days
Egypt was quite an experience made all the more enjoyable with kindness, passion and knowledge of our guide Bassam. Thanking you kindly for making my stay most memorable!
Emily O'Reilly ,
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days
Dear On-the-go
Just to say a big thank you for our Egypt Dunes and Tombs adventure. I have travelled quite a bit but this was the best of all. On-the-go had just the right mix of information, guidance, opportunity to do your own thing, glamour and down-to-earth experiences with great guides and excellent organization. The real highlight was the night in the desert feeding the desert foxes our left-over chicken bones. The nights at oasis were great and also the Red Sea.
I look forward to another On-the-go adventure next winter – perhaps in Africa.
Cheers
Shirley Cornish and John Hayes
Mr John Hayes,
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days
Hi Jane
I have returned from my holiday in Egypt which was absolutely awesome. The people of Egypt are so friendly and extremely welcoming. It was one of the best holidays I have been on and I believe that is not only a testament to Egypt and its people but also to your tour company who ensured that my trip was a holiday, and I had all the time in the world to explore those parts that I was interested in. Not once did I feel like I was being rushed, the tour was well paced and you were able to spend time in some amazing places. The Dunes and Tombs tour I would recommend to anyone, it showed you all aspects of Egypt, the history, the fantastic scenery and also the playful side of Egypt such as Dahab. It was one adventure after another and each day there were new sights to see that were just amazing. But the highlight of the trip itself was the time spent in the desert, having the opportunity to see such spectacular scenery but also to mix with some of the locals along the way and gain an insight into their lives.
The tour itself was well managed and everything was completely organized. Not once were we left guessing as to what we were to do next as we were always kept informed. The tour leaders are to be recommended not only for their knowledge on all aspects of the history of Egypt but also their patience in answering endless questions. I was mainly with Alam for the tour and he was fantastic, very knowledgeable, patient, thoughtful and caring. I had Big Mo for some of the trip and he was also excellent. Both these guides are an asset to your company and to Egypt. Their passion for their country and for OntheGo shows all the time. The whole time that we were in Egypt both Alam and Big Mo ensured that we felt safe and well cared for, providing tips on what you can expect from each place that we visited. I just hope the tourists start coming back to Egypt as it is a wonderful country and the people are warm and friendly.
Anyway thank you for your part in making my trip seem so easy, you are one of the best organized tour groups that I have come across, and I will definitely be recommending your company to others, and taking many more trips with Onthego. I will also definitely be visiting Egypt again as there are many places that I still would like to visit.
Linda Kay,
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days
Excellent range, very memorable. By far the best tour company I have travelled with. Best tour guide ever; Mohammed was knowledgeable, funny, polite, etc. He has ensured the tour to be fantastic and educational.
Troy Nuske,
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days
Best guide ever! Awesome boat, great guys and great food. Pyramids, Abu Simbel and the White Desert were highlights. Mohammed the tour guide was so amazing. I'm already suggesting On The Go to family :)
Benjamin Nicholas ,
Dunes and Tombs - 18 days
I had never done one of these before and had no idea what to expect. I ended up having a blast and I recommend On The Go to anyone going to Egypt. Overall it was truly an awesome experience, and if I didn't have other places in the world to see, I'd go back. I am already planning my next vacation and keeping my great experience with On The Go in mind. Honestly, visiting Egypt was one of the greatest things I've ever done in my life and I have On The Go to thank for doing a wonderful job taking care of all of the logistics, great hotels, transportation, and the lovable tour guides: Sheriff Rules!!! and the other guys were great too.