Horseback riding in EGYPT: VALLEYS & PYRAMIDS

HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE IN EGYPT
PROGRAMME INDICATIF *

Day 1: Cairo. Pickup is at Cairo International Airport. When you arrive at your hotel in Giza, 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 1: You made it to the home of the pyramids! Pickup is at Cairo International Airport. When you arrive at your hotel in Giza, 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 - Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum. Kick off your adventures with an exciting ride to the Pyramids of Giza! Your spirited Arabian will amaze you with their power, speed, and grace. The vast desert surrounding the city is perfect for long gallops and exhilarating races across the sand. Dismount at the Giza complex to explore the incredible history, getting up close to the Great Pyramid and the sphinx on a fascinating tour. Try the national dish kosheri for lunch (our personal favorite) before heading to the Egyptian Museum. This expansive museum contains the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world, including mummies, sarcophagi, papyrus, and much more. Head back to the hotel roof to watch a once-in-a-lifetime sunset at the pyramids before dinner. 

Day 3: Pyramids at Saqqara and Dahshur. Today you’ll visit some outstanding historical sites south of Giza, starting with the oldest pyramid in the world – The Step Pyramid. Built for Pharaoh Djoser about 4,700 years ago, it is one of the most iconic monuments and distinct pyramids in Egypt. Amazingly, the surrounding Saqqara plateau is still filled with tombs and ancient relics hidden under the sand, yet to be discovered. The next stop is Dashur, where you will climb inside the burial chamber of the Red Pyramid and visit the unique “Bent” Pyramid. From Dashur, we head to the stable for lunch and our afternoon ride. An array of classic home cooked Cairo dishes is served before you meet the horses. Our ride takes us 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 only three have stood the test of time. In the desert around the pyramids, we enjoy all paces including a lively gallop. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Egyptian dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: El Zahraa Arabian Stud. Take a unique day trip exclusively for horse lovers: a visit to the world famous Straight Egyptian Arabian stud farm, El Zahraa. Remarkably, this stud farm is the original source of all horses known as “Straight Egyptian Arabians,” and is one of the largest breeding centers for purebred Arabian horses in the Middle East. Stud programs around the world have been founded on horses exported from El Zahraa, which has played a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the Arabian breed. In addition to breeding, the farm hosts a large national and international show as well as annual auctions that attract VIPs from all over the globe. You will get to tour the facilities and meet the distinguished stallions and broodmares that truly embody the ideal Arabian. We spend a leisurely morning enjoying the magnificent horses, admiring their delicately dished faces, raised tails, and mesmerizing floating trots. Then we head to the airport for our next destination: Luxor! Just a short one-hour flight away, Luxor feels like a world apart from busy Cairo. Unwind and have dinner at your accommodation in the peaceful village of Ramlah near the Nile River.

Day 5: Luxor. After breakfast at your accommodation, come to meet the horses and tour our stable – the heart of H&H. We start off the morning ride along the Nile River. 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 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 savor a quiet moment under the stars with a view of Mount Thebes.

Day 6: West Bank. There is so much to explore on Luxor’s 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, we ride past the iconic Columns of Memnon on our 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, its massive hypostyle hall and statues exhibits the pharaoh’s great wealth during this period in ancient Egyptian history. 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 favorite local restaurants. At the end of the day, relax at your accommodation and rest up for more adventures.

Day 7: Mount Thebes & Desert Camping. 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 before riding into the desert, where our campsite 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 with some Egyptian tea and music and sleep under the stars with the horses.

Day 8: Hatshepsut Temple & Nile Dinner Cruise. Watch the hot air balloons float marvelously above the mountains at sunrise while you have breakfast next to the horses. We then pack up and depart our campsite to make our way back after a night in the desert. We ride through the desert and mountains, eventually reaching village streets and farmland before arriving at the stable. A casual lunch is served at your accommodation upon your return, and then enjoy a little down-time. In the afternoon, you’ll tour Hatshepsut Temple, a striking tribute to Egypt’s longest-reigning female pharaoh nestled at the foot of the Theban mountains. In the evening, you’ll relax with a scenic cruise on the Nile. A freshly prepared dinner is served on the boat at sunset.

Day 9: Valley of the Kings. This morning’s trip is an absolute must-see: The Valley of the Kings! History comes alive 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, where shockingly well-preserved tombs are covered with paintings featuring their original colors, each telling a story of ancient Egyptian life. After your tours, head back to the hotel for lunch and 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 gallop 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 the horses are untacked. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 10: East Bank. 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 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. After lunch, walk through the brilliantly displayed collection of statues, mummies, and ancient artifacts 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: Banana Island & Swimming with Horses. 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 route along the Nile. Canter through the green fields near the stable in the afternoon sun and then cool off in the Nile – on horseback! End the day and celebrate your last night with a lively barbecue at the stable complete with a fire, drinks, and music.

Day 12: Ma'salaam (Goodbye). 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!

* Indicative itinerary.