Cairo & the Fayoum Oasis

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, Fayoum Oasis

This tour focuses on the bustling city of Cairo and the nearby tranquil Fayoum Oasis. This is the perfect tour for travelers returning to Egypt for a second, third or fourth time.

First, experience Cairo as an insider—our tours offer the most in-depth, sophisticated Cairo touring available. Meet local artisans and tent makers and visit top art galleries such as Al Masar Gallery, Karim Francis Contemporary Art Gallery and Zamalek Art Gallery. Visit the most interesting cultural attractions in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Hanging Church. Tour our favorite neighborhoods, which are filled with beautiful Fatimid, Islamic, Mameluk, Ottoman, Coptic and Art Deco architecture. See well-preserved medieval residences formerly occupied by wealthy merchants. Walk through fascinating markets such as the renowned Khan al-Khalili bazaar. Also visit smaller and lesser-known museums dedicated to Islamic art, applied arts and Egyptian culture.

One day, take a private excursion to even older pyramids of Dahshur and Saqqara. If desired, venture inside the Bent Pyramid or Step Pyramid to discover some of their secrets. Also visit with artisans at the Ramses Wissa Wassef Arts Center.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange VIP experiences such as exclusive access to well-preserved tombs that are not open to the public, private tours of conservation labs and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Continue to Fayoum Oasis, a region of lakes and farmland on the edge of the Western Desert. En route, visit Wadi Degla Protectorate, a nature reserve outside Cairo. In Fayoum Oasis, tour Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological site of Medinet Madi and the village of Tunis. Meet local potters and enjoy panoramic views of desert landscapes with sand dunes, lakes and interesting rock formations.

Return to Cairo and tour the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO-listed necropolis of pyramids, tombs, temples and other monuments. See the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. Enjoy lunch with a view of the pyramids and if desired, venture inside the Great Pyramid. Also visit the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cairo VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Cairo & the older pyramids Full-day private excursion to Dahshur and Saqqara, including the Step Pyramid and exclusive access to a tomb, and Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center Day 3 Cairo Full-day private tour Day 4 Cairo – Fayoum Oasis Private transfer to resort for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 5 Fayoum Oasis Full-day private tour Day 6 Fayoum Oasis – Cairo Private transfer to Cairo for continued private city touring and a 2-night stay at hotel Day 7 Cairo & the Pyramids of Giza Full-day private excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum Day 8 Depart Cairo Private airport transfer. VIP airport assistance

Hotels

Cairo: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or The St. Regis Cairo Fayoum Oasis: Lazib Inn Resort & Spa

Cost

Upon request