Fayoum Oasis & Waterfalls of Wadi El-Rayan guided-tour from Cairo
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8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Get beyond the Cairo sights on a full-day, private tour to Al-Fayoum that explores nature, history and wildlife in an ancient oasis.
Available options
Fayoum Oasis and Waterfalls of Wadi El-Rayan from Cairo
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
air-conditioned transportations
Egyptologist English-speaking guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your guide at your Cairo hotel, and watch the city give way to orchards and green fields on the 65-mile (105-km) trip to Lake Qarun in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Spot some of the stunning birds that thrive at the edge of this salty lake, from black-necked grebes to ibis and flamingos. Continue to the local museum to see stunning examples of Fayoum’s mummy portraits, cloth panel paintings with distinctive Greco-Roman influence. Learn about local history and culture while exploring the museum with your guide, and don’t miss the remarkable collection of statues from regional archeological sites. Cool off in the waterfalls of Wadi El-Rayan, where reed lined channels link a pair of brackish lakes, then take a scenic trip on a felucca, a wooden sailing boat with an elegant, gaff-rigged sail. Take a walk along the shoreline and visit a local restaurant for an Egyptian-style lunch, then finish the day with return transfer to your hotel.
What's not included
beverages
Tipping & Gratuities
Tour Guides for (Spanish, French, German, or Italian) Languages (20 USD per day)
Pick-up outside Cairo City (25 USD per person)
Tour Guides for (Czech, Japanese, Chinese, or Russian) Languages (40 USD per day)
Sightseeing entrance fees are to be paid on each spot by credit card
Available languages
Guide guide
AR
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We do pick up all travelers outside Cairo city at an extra cost of $25 per person
About Giza
Giza, home to the iconic Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, is a city steeped in ancient history and modern intrigue. Just a short distance from Cairo, Giza offers a blend of ancient wonders and bustling urban life, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
Top Attractions
Great Pyramids of Giza
The iconic Great Pyramids, including the Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure, are the last standing wonders of the ancient world.
Historical
Half day to full day
Moderate (Entrance fees apply)
Great Sphinx of Giza
The enigmatic Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, is a symbol of ancient Egypt and a must-see attraction.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate (Entrance fees apply)
Solar Boat Museum
This museum houses the reconstructed solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu, discovered near the Great Pyramid.
Historical
1 hour
Moderate (Entrance fees apply)
Saqqara
Saqqara is an ancient burial ground and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.
Historical
Half day to full day
Moderate (Entrance fees apply)
Dahshur
Dahshur is an ancient royal necropolis featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.
Historical
Half day to full day
Moderate (Entrance fees apply)
Camel Market
The Camel Market is a unique and bustling market where you can see and buy camels, as well as experience traditional Egyptian commerce.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free (Purchases extra)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Koshari
A hearty dish made with lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.
Dinner
Vegetarian
Ful Medames
A traditional breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Breakfast
Vegan
Grilled Kofta
Spiced minced meat (usually lamb or beef) shaped into sausages and grilled to perfection.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Molokhia
A green leafy vegetable soup, often served with chicken or rabbit and eaten with bread.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian (if made without meat)
Popular Activities
Hot air balloon rides over the pyramids
Quad biking in the desert
Spa treatments
Beach visits in Alexandria
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending traditional Egyptian performances
Boat tours on the Nile
Visiting historical sites during the cooler months
Best Time to Visit
October to April
This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the ancient sites.
15-28°C
59-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Giza is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Avoid accepting help from strangers, especially at tourist sites.
- • Use reputable tour companies and guides.
Getting there
By air
- Cairo International Airport • 25 km from Giza
By train
Giza Station
By bus
Giza Bus Station, Downtown Cairo Terminals
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Giza. They are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Pyramids Road
Downtown Giza
Haram
Day trips
Cairo
20 km • Half day to full day
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant city with a rich history and numerous attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, and Coptic Cairo.
Saqqara
20 km • Half day to full day
Saqqara is an ancient burial ground and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.
Dahshur
30 km • Half day to full day
Dahshur is an ancient royal necropolis featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.
Festivals
Cairo International Film Festival • November (dates vary)
Eid al-Fitr • End of Ramadan (dates vary)
Coptic Christmas • January 7
Pro tips
- Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the ancient sites and their significance.
- Visit the pyramids early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the intense heat.
- Bargain politely but firmly when shopping at markets and souks.
- Carry small bills and coins for easier transactions, as change can be hard to come by.
- Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
