Horseback riding in EGYPT: THE ANCIENT TRAIL RIDE

HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE IN EGYPT
PROGRAMME INDICATIF *

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 Dahshur, where you will get to climb inside the burial chamber of the Red Pyramid and visit the unique “Bent” Pyramid. Then it’s time to pack up 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 4: Habu Temple & Ramesseum Ride. After a later breakfast at your accommodation, come to meet the horses and tour our stable – the heart of H&H. We then tack up for a full day of riding and sightseeing. Start off trotting and cantering through lush green fields along the Nile and through village streets. Ride up to the impressive Colossi of Memnon for an exceptional photo-op on your way to Medinet Habu Temple. You’ll be transported back to the times of Ramses III while touring this temple dedicated to the ancient Egyptian Sun God, Amun. Take a break for lunch before getting back in the saddle to ride to your next destination: Ramesseum, a large and impressive temple complex built by Ramses II. After another immersive tour, you’ll return to the stable and be served an authentic home cooked dinner.

Day 5: Mount Thebes & Desert Camping. Today’s journey takes you from the banks of the Nile all the way to Mount Thebes, ending with camping in the desert! You’ll start your ride at a lively pace. Canter between fields of banana trees and past the ancient village of Old Qurna. We stop for lunch in a desert cave before riding up Mount Thebes. From the mountain, we’re rewarded with stunning views of Luxor and the Nile in the distance. Explore the hills around the Valley of the Kings on your sure-footed partner before descending to the desert, where our campsite awaits for the night. Cook dinner over an open fire and experience an astounding desert sunset. At night, unwind around a campfire with some Egyptian tea and music and sleep under the stars with the horses.

Day 6: Valley of the Kings. 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 some down-time before the afternoon excursions. You’ll visit the Valley of the Kings to explore the spectacular tombs of ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including Ramses III and Seti I. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise on the Nile.

Day 7 - Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Banana Island
After a hearty Egyptian breakfast, take a water taxi to Luxor’s east bank for tours of the spectacular Karnak and Luxor Temples. These temples are some of Luxor’s finest and cannot be missed! Back on the west bank, we saddle up for an afternoon on horseback. We ride through the farmland along the Nile River to Banana Island, where we have lunch with the horses. You’ll be treated to feteer, a delicious pastry-like bread served with an array of honey, molasses, and feta cheese. With some fruit juice or Turkish coffee, you’ll be fully refreshed for more riding! We canter along fields of sugar cane and delve into the desert for invigorating gallops. End the day and celebrate your last night with a lively barbecue at the stable with a fire, drinks, and music.

Day 8 - 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.

* Indicative itinerary.