Riders approaching the pyramids in Egypt
NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST > Egypt

Palms, Pyramids and Pharaohs

A riding holiday filled with adventure, culture and mystery. You will be riding fabulous Arabian horses, exploring local villages and seeing Egyptian temples up close. Admire the Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World, gallop across the desert and ride to the Red Sea. During this incredible, culture-packed week you will visit the fascinating city of Cairo, ancient Thebes and the Royal Tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. This holiday is designed for those who want to understand the Egyptian culture, food and people while also travelling on horseback through this mystical land.
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Trail Riding
8 days (6 days riding)
From £2,099
Open to non-riders

From the horse’s mouth

  • Palms, Pyramids and Pharaohs
    March 2023 Rochelle aged 55
    A great way to see some of the real Egypt. If you like a busy itinerary and some fast riding teamed with some great history and people then book this. Mostly the horses were in okay condition, just not up to European standards. The ones in Luxor were really well cared for and my ride Luna was a real sweet soul... Read all
  • Palms, Pyramids and Pharaohs
    October 2022 Lucy Alleen aged 47
    I absolutely loved this trip, it was incredible and would have no hesitation in recommending - however for more sensitive travellers the first 24 hours were quite full-on - the aspects of African travel like the horrendous traffic/rubbish/chaos in Cairo was unnerving until we'd done our first ride. Thank you Iris for... Read all
  • Palms, Pyramids and Pharaohs
    May 2019 Lisa aged 70
    This trip was a dream come true! The horses, mounted guides and tour guides were wonderful. The museums and temples were spectacular. Food was great. I wish I could bring Sultan (my horse in Luxor) home with me! Thanks for a great time. First mare in Cairo was too much horse for me. (Ex "dancing horse"?) Second mare... Read all
  • Horse and rider near Cairo, the Great Pyramid of Giza
    Discover the wonders of Egypt on horseback
  • Riding by the sea in Egypt
    Discover Egypt from horseback
  • An arabian horse riding in the Egyptian desert
    Flying across the desert on a beautiful Arabian horse!
  • Two riders on horseback near Luxor, Egypt
    Your holiday will take you to Luxor as well
  • Two Arabian horses in Egypt
    Beautiful Arabian and Egyptian Arabians
  • Watching the pyramids between the ears of an Arabian horse
    A different perspective on the Egyptian heritage...
  • Visitors swimming in the red sea
    Enjoy swimming with dolphins in the Red Sea
  • Trail riders on a horseback vacation in Egypt
    A riding holiday you are not soon to forget!

Itinerary

Highlights

- Discover three incredible destinations in one holiday (Hurghada, Luxor and Cairo)
- Enjoy a variety of adventures and activities: riding, swimming and exploring on foot.
- Witness the Great Pyramids of Giza and the mythical Sphinx.
- Be immersed in the Egyptian culture, history, food and people.
- Fly across the desert on powerful Arabian horses and take them for a swim in the Red Sea (weather dependent)

  • Day 1 1 : ARRIVE IN CAIRO

    Fly to Cairo, Egypt (flight not included). You will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend the night. Dinner is not included.

    Please note: We recommend arrival flights to Cairo and departure flights from Hurghada. If it is more convenient to arrive and depart from the same airport then you can use either Hurghada or Cairo but you will then need a short internal flight from one to the other at the start or end of your holiday. Please contact us and we will be happy to help with your travel arrangements.

  • Day 2 2 : GIZA RIDE AND CAIRO MUSEUM - 2-3 hrs riding

    Meet your horse for the day and head to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Get in the saddle for a 2-hour introductory trail ride around the Pyramid and the Ancient Sphinx! Once you reach the iconic Pyramids, you will have some time to explore the breathtaking structures and the chambers where the Pharaohs were buried. Then you will visit the mythical Sphinx and enjoy lunch.

    No visit to Cairo can be complete without visiting the Cairo Museum home to countless Egyptian artefacts and the world's largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities.

    Night at a hotel or guesthouse

  • Day 3 3 : ABU SIR - SAQQARA - LUXOR - 3hrs riding

    Back in the saddle for a morning ride across the amazing deserts of Abu Sir. With so much space, there really is the opportunity to open up and fly without wings! After lunch, visit Sakkara by car and with an Egyptology guide. Saqqara is an amazing display of how tomb and pyramid-building progressed; a necropolis containing burials from different dynasties. It includes both royal and non-royal tombs, mastabas and cemeteries. You'll also visit the Serapeum of Saqqara where you will enter a series of tunnels to see the sarcophagi of the Apis bulls, sacred to the god, Ptah.

    All guests will need to purchase an internal flight between Cairo and Luxor (please contact us for details - the usual departure time is 5-6pm Cairo time to allow all guests to arrive in time for dinner in Luxor and some time to relax in the evening).

  • Day 4 4 : LUXOR - VALLEY OF THE KINGS - 2-3 hrs riding

    Welcome to the land of the Pharaohs! This non-riding morning gives insight as to why the Valley of the Kings is so important – the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile Delta were the tombs of choice for pharaohs of Egypt’s Old Kingdom but those of the New Kingdom wanted to be closer to the source of their dynastic roots in the south. Consequently they built their crypts in the hills of this barren tract of land which lies west of Luxor, now called the ‘Valley of the Kings’ or the ‘Valley of the Dead’. You will have the chance to visit four amazing tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the most famous female in Egyptian history, and stop at Carters House – this is rarely visited in standard tourist packages and yet is one of the most interesting buildings to be found in Luxor.

    The afternoon sees the beginning of your first horse adventures in Luxor. You will travel by tuk-tuk to the stables where Emma and her team will introduce you to their home and horses. The first riding trip is relaxed and gives you a chance to get to know the team and horses in preparation for a full day trail ride the following day. Ride through the villages on horseback under the palm trees along to the River Nile. The Nile is incredibly peaceful and you can see the buffalo grazing along the banks. Transfer back to your hotel. Dinner will be around 8pm at a local Egyptian feast, eating with your hands whilst sitting on the floor on plush cushions is a must when in Luxor!

  • Day 5 5 : LUXOR - 5-6hrs riding

    A full day on horseback – prepare to fall in love with both Arabian and Baladi (local breed) horses who are famed for their beauty and endurance. These wonderful breeds are chosen for their ability to form a cooperative relationship with humans and they are good-natured, quick to learn and willing to please. Longer trails encourage you to experience our horses and country life. You will see farmers working their fields just as their ancestors did. Mid-morning you can prepare to be amazed as our sure-footed horses will take you behind the Valley of the Kings and to the top of Mount Thebes so you can see panoramic views of Luxor.

    Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and your trail home will take you past The Colossi of Memnon (Arabic: el-Colossat or es-Salamat) which are two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who reigned in Egypt during the Dynasty XVIII. They have stood in the Theban Necropolis for the past 3,400 years (since 1350 BC)! This is a wonderful opportunity for photos together with the horses. This ride is approx. 6 hours end to end. After Karnak you will visit Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum before finishing at the Mummification Museum.

  • Day 6 6 : SUNRISE TRAIL - RED SEA - 2hrs riding

    Sunrise riding trip with the horses to the Valley of the kings is always a highlight! Watch in awe as the sunrises over the Valley of the kings whilst hot air balloons light up the sky. You will ride past Ramesseum temple, the Colossus of Memnon and the giant statues of Tutankhamun's grandfather. Breakfast will be out with the horses overlooking Habu Temple. You will return to your hotel around 11am. After showering and changing, you will be driven to the Red Sea and Hurghada. We always aim to arrive for sunset to our enjoy sundowners overlooking the beach. The end to a fun packed day!

  • Day 7 7 : HURGHADA - 4hrs riding

    You will have the morning off to relax and enjoy the sea or kick back in the pool! After an early lunch, it's time to explore the eastern desert by horseback. Egypt offers some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever witness, be prepared for a kaleidoscope of colours as the last of the day’s rays dance across the desert and glisten on the lapping waves of the sea. Dinner by the sea.

  • Day 8 8 : HURGHADA - EUROPE

    No trip would be complete without our famous swimming with horses experience. This is the grand finale to an amazing week.

    Check out is at 11.30am. For those wishing to stay for lunch or later departure are most welcome to stay on for an extra charge payable locally.

    There is also an option to stay on an extra day and do a full day boat trip to Dolphin House where you can snorkel in the Red Sea and swim with wild dolphins.

Dates & prices

Price details

- International flights are not included, but can be booked upon request. Rates are per person and based on two riders sharing a twin or double room.

- The domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor is not included.

- The group is made of 2-15 riders maximum plus local team.

- Single room supplement: £550/€630/$690. Not applicable if willing to share.

- Transfers: not included and invoiced before you go. If flying into Cairo (between 08:00 am and 08:00 pm) and out of Hurghada (before 08:00 pm) on the last day, this is £70/€80/$85 per person.

- Children aged 8+ are welcome on this ride provided they match the riding requirements. Families with children will be offered "family weeks" independent from our normally scheduled weeks that are tailored for adults and solo riders. Please contact us and we will make a plan.

There is a small entry fee to the temples that may feature on your visit. Prices payable locally:

East Bank:

Karnak Temple – 100le
Avenue of Sphinxes – Free
Luxor Museum – 100le
Luxor Temple – 100le
Mummification Museum – 100le

West Bank:

Valley of the Kings – 150le
Seti I Tomb – 1000le
Tutenkamun Tomb – 200le
Carters House – 60le
Hatshepsut Temple – 80le
Colossi of Memnon – Free
Habu Temple – 60le
Stone Factory – Free
Valley of the Queens – 150le
Tomb of Queen Nefertari – 1000le
Nobles Tombs – 80le
Workers Tombs – 80le

Cairo:

Cairo Museum: 60le admission, Royal Mummies Room 100le, and Centennial Gallery 10le.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 support vehicle
A team of grooms

Inland transport

Land transfers mentioned in the programme

Meals

Full board accommodation in guesthouses or hotel
Mineral water

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras
Dinner on day 1, lunch and dinner on the last day

Transport

International flights + domestic flight Cairo - Luxor
Return airport transfers

Extras

Tips to the local team - $150 given on the first day to the guide
Entry fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary (around $90)
Hot air balloon over Luxor (optional)

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
Visas and personal purchase. You will have to purchase a tourist visa at the airport (around £20)

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
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    28/12/2023 04/01/2024 £2,599 €2,937 $3,223 Guaranteed departure Book now
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    06/01/2024 13/01/2024 £2,599 €2,937 $3,223 Open Book now
    03/02/2024 10/02/2024 £2,599 €2,937 $3,223 Open Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

You will find three types of horses: Arab, Arabian Cross and Baladi. They are renowned for their stamina and are ideal for long distance rides in the Egyptian desert. Each location (Hurghada, Luxor, Cairo) has its own stable so you will be riding different horses during the trip.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You must be a rider of at least an intermediate level, meaning that you must be comfortable on a horse at all paces (walk, trot and canter) and you must be used to riding in open spaces and over different types of terrain. The horses are sensible and well mannered but they are fit and forward-going, not suitable for novice riders.

There is a maximum rider weight of 90kg/ 14st/ 198 lbs.

Pace

The main pace of the trail is the walk, with good opportunities for trots and canters. You can spread out in the desert in Cairo and Hurghada, where there are plenty of open spaces, but riding in Luxor is mostly on tracks and therefore in single files.

Tacking ability and participation

The horses are groomed and tacked up for you. You can help with this (in Luxor especially) but this is not mandatory.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Having some trail riding experience is a bonus, but this is not mandatory. Reasonable health and fitness levels are required. Please note that some of the days are non-riding days: this holiday is designed for you to embrace the Egyptian culture, their local customs and ancient history.

Equestrian equipment

English or Endurance tack.
Treeless and Western saddles are also available. No saddlebags.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

In Hurghada you will be staying in a 3* hotel with wifi, TV and pool. In Luxor you will spend nights at a guesthouse of excellent standards and hospitality. In Cairo you will be offered a 2-3* hotel based on availability.

Meals

All meals are provided for on this riding holiday.

Breakfast: Pancakes, juice, bread, cheese and eggs, tea and coffee.
Lunch: salads, falafels, rice, aubergine, grilled chicken.
Dinner: hot meals (tajines with chicken, meat or fish), rice, salads, mussaka

Water and soft drinks are provided.

Climate

Hot temperatures are common all year round. Temperatures generally range from 18-25C during winter and spring. This ride does not run in the summer as it is way to hot for riders and horses. Rain is not common, and blue skies with sunshine is the norm every day.

Even though the day temperature is usually very hot during the day, it will become much cooler at night once the sun has set. For this reason we recommend you take some warmer clothes to keep you warm during the evenings and nights.

Guide and local team

Your main guides are Mohammed and Emma, accompanied by their team. They speak English and Arabic collectively. Your hosts and drivers all speak English.

Tips

Tipping in Egypt is a way of life. It is considered a norm to leave small tips in services you have received, such as restaurants, hotels, drivers, tour guides, etc. A tip envelope of $150 (or the equivalent amount in euros or GBP) will be given to your guide on day 1 and distributed during the week to cover all of the tips mentioned above. This way you don't have to worry about currency exchange and wondering if you should have tipped or not.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is strongly recommended. We recommend you take your own to ensure the right fit.
- Sun hat when not riding
- Sunglasses-with a cord attached so they don't fly away when galloping.
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust.

Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun.
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper.
- Light waterproof jacket- although it doesn't rain much Egypt, it is better to be prepared.

Legs
- Lightweight riding trousers or jodhpurs. We recommend riding in them at home to ensure they won't rub during your holiday.
- Casual clothes for the non-riding days (jeans or walking trousers)

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may take long chaps or long boots.
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the non-riding days.
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas

Other useful items:
- Swimsuit and a small travel towel
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in your Check-in Luggage!!!!)

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent - a must in Egypt, please take a high quality spray
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hand wash gel

Our Recommendations

- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- Any liquids in your hold luggage, such as shampoo, moisturizer, over 100ml should be decanted into small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- In your hand luggage take any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals

Did you know?

Did you know?

Hatshepsut was one of the few female rulers of Ancient Egypt. She initially served as Thuthmosis III's regent after the death of Thuthmosis II, but when he reached adulthood, she declared herself pharaoh instead of transferring the power to him. In addition to numerous other undertakings, Hatshepsut's reign saw the restoration of previously disrupted commercial networks and the execution of hundreds of construction projects.
Her temple, located in Deir el-Bahri, is one of Ancient Egypt's most magnificent structures despite being mostly destroyed. Beautiful painted relief’s can be found on the walls of the temple, they illustrate ceremonies, religious celebrations and even the movement of obelisks.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Rochelle aged 55 SOUTHEND-ON-SEA 1 trip
    March 2023
    A great way to see some of the real Egypt. If you like a busy itinerary and some fast riding teamed with some great history and people then book this. Mostly the horses were in okay condition, just not up to European standards. The ones in Luxor were really well cared for and my ride Luna was a real sweet soul... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Lucy Alleen aged 47 LONDON 1 trip
    October 2022
    I absolutely loved this trip, it was incredible and would have no hesitation in recommending - however for more sensitive travellers the first 24 hours were quite full-on - the aspects of African travel like the horrendous traffic/rubbish/chaos in Cairo was unnerving until we'd done our first ride. Thank you Iris for... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Lisa aged 70 Des Plaines 1 trip
    May 2019
    This trip was a dream come true! The horses, mounted guides and tour guides were wonderful. The museums and temples were spectacular. Food was great. I wish I could bring Sultan (my horse in Luxor) home with me! Thanks for a great time. First mare in Cairo was too much horse for me. (Ex "dancing horse"?) Second mare... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide