Discover a side of Egypt that few tourists ever see on this immersive 2-day El Fayoum overnight tour from Cairo. El Fayoum is Egypt’s greatest natural secret — 95 km from Cairo yet completely different in character: fertile farmland, ancient lakes, desert wadis, and one of the world’s most important fossil sites, all in a single stunning depression.
Day 1 takes you through Wadi El Rayan, a protected nature reserve with two interconnected salt lakes and Egypt’s only natural waterfalls, then into the desert for the Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al Hitan) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where prehistoric whale skeletons and ancient sea life fossils protrude from the desert floor. Spend your night at a beautiful traditional chalet in Tunis Village on the shores of Lake Qarun — one of the most peaceful and photogenic villages in Egypt, renowned for its pottery workshops and stunning lake views.
Day 2 continues exploring Lake Qarun and the surrounding countryside before returning to Cairo — refreshed, inspired, and having experienced a truly authentic Egypt.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- 1 night at traditional chalet in Tunis Village
- Private A/C vehicle from/to Cairo
- 4×4 vehicle for Whale Valley
- Licensed guide
- Wadi El Rayan and Wadi Al Hitan entrance fees
- Dinner at local restaurant + breakfast
- Bottled water
The Cost Excludes
- Lunches
- Personal expenses and pottery purchases
- Tipping for driver and guide
- Travel insurance
Trip Facts
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Private A/C vehicle + 4×4 in Whale Valley
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Cairo or Giza hotel (07:00)
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October – April
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Dinner at local restaurant (Day 1); breakfast at chalet (Day 2)
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Traditional chalet in Tunis Village, Lake Qarun
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English, German, French
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1–10
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Overnight Adventure, Private
Overview & Highlights
Discover a side of Egypt that few tourists ever see on this immersive 2-day El Fayoum overnight tour from Cairo. El Fayoum is Egypt’s greatest natural secret — 95 km from Cairo yet completely different in character: fertile farmland, ancient lakes, desert wadis, and one of the world’s most important fossil sites, all in a single stunning depression.
Day 1 takes you through Wadi El Rayan, a protected nature reserve with two interconnected salt lakes and Egypt’s only natural waterfalls, then into the desert for the Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al Hitan) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where prehistoric whale skeletons and ancient sea life fossils protrude from the desert floor. Spend your night at a beautiful traditional chalet in Tunis Village on the shores of Lake Qarun — one of the most peaceful and photogenic villages in Egypt, renowned for its pottery workshops and stunning lake views.
Day 2 continues exploring Lake Qarun and the surrounding countryside before returning to Cairo — refreshed, inspired, and having experienced a truly authentic Egypt.
Highlights
- Visit Wadi El Rayan — Egypt's only natural waterfalls amid a desert landscape
- Explore Wadi Al Hitan (Whale Valley) — UNESCO World Heritage fossil site
- Overnight stay in a traditional chalet on the shore of Lake Qarun in Tunis Village
- Discover Tunis Village — a community of potters famous for their traditional Fayoum ceramics
- Spot migratory birds, desert foxes, and rare flora in the protected nature reserve
- Sunset over Lake Qarun — one of Egypt's most beautiful natural sights
Traveler reviews
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See what travelers say about Egyptian Trips, then share your own experience after your tour.
Trip of a lifetime
From the pyramids at Giza to the temples of Luxor, every day was perfectly organised. Our guide was knowledgeable, warm and made sure we never felt rushed. Highly recommend Egyptian Trips.
Seamless from start to finish
Booking was easy, the driver was always on time, and the hotels were excellent. The Nile cruise was the highlight of our holiday. We will be back for the desert tour next year.
Knowledgeable guides, no hidden costs
Everything was exactly as described. Our Egyptologist brought the history to life and the whole team was responsive on WhatsApp throughout the trip. Five stars well deserved.
Better than we imagined
A truly authentic experience. The food, the people and the sites all exceeded our expectations. Special thanks to the team for handling every detail so we could just enjoy Egypt.
Felt safe and looked after
As two women travelling alone we felt completely safe and cared for the entire time. The itinerary balanced sightseeing with rest perfectly. Cannot recommend them enough.
Outstanding value
Great communication before the trip and flawless execution once we arrived. Abu Simbel at sunrise was unforgettable. Thank you Egyptian Trips for a wonderful week.