Fast Paced Horse Riding Ancient Adventure in Egypt

8 Days, Multiple Departures

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Fast Paced Horse Riding Ancient Adventure in Egypt
  • About
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  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind
  • FAQ

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Highlights

Gallop at the Pyramids of Giza

Visit the Egyptian Museum

Ride to ancient temples

Explore the Valley of the Kings

Camping in the desert

Boat ride on the Nile

Our Horses

Our horses are the local breed commonly found across Egypt, referred to as Baladi or simply Egyptian horses. These horses are native to Egypt and have mixed bloodlines with Arabian and European influences. They are spirited, forward-going, and responsive with impressive stamina for long days in the saddle.

Each horse is unique, and we will do our best to match horse to rider based on riding ability and personal preferences. We hope you love them as much as we do!

Most of our horses have been rescued from difficult situations and rehabilitated. Their stories are unique and the mistreatment they’ve endured varies. Some arrived to us extremely malnourished, while others suffered from untreated wounds, abscesses, or other medical issues. We’ve also rescued horses that were severely mishandled, beaten, or the victim of cruel “training” methods. In some cases, they experienced a combination of these conditions. After time in our care with proper feeding, medical treatment, and gentle handling, they’ve become wonderful riding horses. Their resilience is truly remarkable.

About

Accommodations

Airport transfers

All meals (from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day)

Drinking water

Horse riding with our local guides

Camping in the desert (equipment provided)

Guided tours at the historical sites per the itinerary

All ground transportation (excluding flights)

Entrance fees to the historical sites

All other activities per the itinerary

Flights to/from Egypt

Transfer flight from Cairo to Luxor

Egypt entry visa

Travel and medical insurance

Soft drinks and alcohol

Tips

Additional tours and services outside of the itinerary

Food

Egypt’s cuisine has something for everyone! If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, don’t worry – we can easily cater to any diet. In fact, it’s a vegetarian’s paradise, and many of the most famous dishes are meatless: falafel, ful medames, and kosheri. Meat lovers will enjoy the fresh beef, chicken, and fish, usually served with rice. Not to mention, Egyptians have a huge sweet tooth, so there are plenty of tantalizing desserts, pastries, and fresh juices. (Ever had sugar cane juice?) You’ll be treated to a combination of homecooked meals and eating out at our favorite hand-picked restaurants.


Accommodation

Cairo Accommodation

We stay close to the pyramids at one of the boutique hotels in the heart of Giza. No matter which hotel you are in, you are guaranteed to be wowed with a once-in-a-lifetime view!

Luxor Accommodation

In Luxor, we stay on the tranquil West Bank. This is the quieter side of the Nile where fewer tourists stay. We are in the small village of Ramlah, surrounded by farmland and close to the historical sites; the atmosphere is laid back and relaxing. You might be in a charming villa with traditional dome rooms, a vibrantly decorated guest house with views of the Nile, or your own fully equipped flat.

Luxor Camping

When camping, we spend the night in a Bedouin style tent alongside the horses. The tent is equipped with mats, sleeping bags, pillows, and camel hair blankets. Individual pop-up tents are also available. Water is provided for washing up and the desert is our bathroom. Delicious, freshly cooked meals are prepared for us by our accompanying chef.

"When dreams come true 🤍 this has been one of the best trips I've ever done, I enjoyed every single minute with Ganun, Annmarie & their team & their amazing horses. If you are looking for the perfect horseback riding trip with happy horses (& dogs & cats etc.) combined with culture & good food & adventure & good conversations & a lot of laughter - Horses & Hieroglyphs is the place to go. Words can hardly describe the experience I've made. Riding next to the pyramids, sleeping in the desert, riding into the sunrise while admiring the balloons, riding bare back, cuddling with all kinds of animals and so on. Annmarie & Ganun made sure that I've been feeling comfortable and safe at all times. I learned so much about their horses & how they rescued them & how they are living a happy life now. I got so much more confident with horseback riding myself cause they are amazing teachers & they gave me all the time I needed. On top of that, the accommodations, the restaurants, the boat rides, the tours to the temples have been great. Everything has been planned perfectly. I couldn't stop smiling throughout 10 days . I'll be back in January & I just can't wait 🤍
PS to everyone reading that review - book that trip, you won't regret it, I promise!"

- Rhea B, Nov 2023

"This trek was one of the best I’ve ever done. It goes without saying that the history in Egypt is fantastic but this tour really took it to the next level. The horses are amazing and the team is always willing to cater to your needs. They have a ton of horses that fit all ability levels and love to let you try things out. Everybody really makes you feel like you’re at home and apart of the family there. I cannot wait to go back!"

- Lilly M, Nov 2023

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About The Host
Ganun

Ganun

Ganun has made a name for himself among the horse community in Egypt. He is especially well-known around his hometown of Luxor, where he is a go-to guy for any and all things horse related!

Ganun has loved and worked with horses since he was young, and his remarkable horsemanship is a testament to that. He now has over 16 years of experience guiding horse riding tours around Egypt, from Sharm El-Sheikh to Hurghada and Luxor. Far more than just a guide, he also trains, breeds, shows, and rehabilitates rescue horses.

Fun-loving and full of surprises, Ganun knows how to put a big “Egyptian smile” on your face!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Egypt!

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. You’ll have dinner on the hotel rooftop 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 Ride & Saqqara

Kick off your adventures with an exciting ride at the Pyramids of Giza! You’ll quickly fall in love with Egyptian horses as you traverse the desert around one of the ancient wonders of the world. The open space is perfect for galloping and an exhilarating race across the sand. The ride ends at the base of the Great Pyramid, where you will meet up with your tour guide to further explore the pyramids complex and the sphinx on foot. After lunch, you will continue your sightseeing by car with a trip to Saqqara. The largest archeological site in Egypt, this vast necropolis contains pyramids and tombs for the pharaohs and noblemen of the Old Kingdom. Most notably, Saqqara is home to the oldest pyramid in the world: the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built about 4,700 years ago. When you return to the hotel, watch a once-in-a-lifetime sunset at the Pyramids of Giza from the rooftop before dinner.

Day 3 - The Egyptian Museum & Flight to Luxor

This morning you’ll visit the Egyptian Museum, where you will get to explore the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The Egyptian Museum is one of the most important museums of ancient history and the oldest archeological museum in the Middle East. You’ll get to see incredible works of pharaonic art, mummies, sarcophagi, papyrus, and loads of ancient treasures. A special highlight is the collection of objects recovered from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, including his iconic burial mask weighing about 10 kg of solid gold. After exploring the museum, you will stop for lunch at one of the most famous restaurants in Cairo to try Egypt’s national dish: koshary. You will then make your last visit in Cairo to the Salah Al Din Citadel, where you will visit the beautiful Mosque of Muhammed Ali. Located on the top of a hill overlooking Cairo, this Ottoman-style mosque showcases stunning Islamic architecture and offers one of the best views of the city. Then it’s time to head to the airport for your 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.

Day 4 - Ancient Temples Ride & Sunset on the Nile

After breakfast, you’ll come to the stable to meet the horses and saddle up for your first ride in Luxor. Today you will visit two ancient temples on horseback! Along the way, we ride through the lush farmland and quaint villages of Luxor’s agricultural west bank, showing you what daily life is like in rural Egypt. You’ll be transported back in time as we ride past farmers working their fields with traditional tools and animals such as donkeys and water buffalo. As we get closer to the Theban Mountain, we approach our first destination: Ramesseum, a memorial temple for the great warrior Pharaoh Ramesses II. You’ll get to explore the temple on a guided tour while the horses rest nearby. We then have another short ride to our next stop: Medinet Habu Temple. You’ll learn about this impressive temple built by Ramesses III on another guided tour. Lunch is at a nearby restaurant before we meet up with the horses again and ride back to the stable. After freshening up at the hotel, you will enjoy a late afternoon boat trip on the Nile River. Relax and reflect on the day’s adventures while sipping some Egyptian tea and watching the sunset on the water. Dinner is at a restaurant on the banks of the Nile.

Day 5 - Valley of the Kings & Desert Camping

This morning, you will visit one of the most famous sites in Luxor: The Valley of the Kings! Explore some of the spectacular tombs hidden in this desert valley, which was the burial ground for the New Kingdom pharaohs. You’ll then visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning temple built into the foothills of the mountain for Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh. After the sightseeing, you’ll have lunch and relax at the hotel before the afternoon ride to the desert. We ride out of the village and into the hills behind the Valley of the Kings on our sure-footed partners. As the sun starts to go down, we venture further into the desert where our campsite awaits for the night. When we arrive at camp, we watch the sunset and relax with a drink while our dinner is prepared for us. After a delicious meal, we relax around the campfire under the stars with a cup of Egyptian tea, the horses resting around us.

Day 6 - Desert to Nile Ride & East Bank Sightseeing

Wake up in the desert to a beautiful view of the vast landscape and the horses nearby. If you get up for sunrise, you may even be able to see hot air balloons floating on the distant horizon. After a quiet morning enjoying nature and having breakfast with the horses, we leave camp to return to the stable. We traverse a range of landscapes, riding from the desert and mountain until we reach villages, farms, and the Nile River. Lunch is served at your accommodation upon your return. After lunch, you’ll freshen up and get ready for your sightseeing on Luxor’s east bank. You’ll cross the Nile by water taxi to the massive Karnak Temple complex, the largest religious site ever constructed and a must-see in Luxor. Next, you’ll visit the Avenue of Sphinxes and Luxor Temple, an important place of worship that has been in almost continuous use since ancient times. Back on the west bank, you’ll have a little downtime before heading out for dinner at a restaurant.

Day 7 - Sunrise Hot Air Balloons & Sunset Desert Ride

Today you’ll have an early start, but this morning’s ride is worth it! We ride to see the hot air balloons take off at sunrise, watching from the horses as they float above us and over the Valley of the Kings. As the sun continues to rise, we ride along the edge of the desert, with tomb-filled valleys on one side and ancient temples and ruins on the other. When we return, we enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast: falafel and ful medames. In the midday, you will have downtime to relax at the hotel after your early start to the day. In the late afternoon, you will saddle up for your final ride. We begin through the villages and farms until we reach the outskirts of the desert, where we get to enjoy a long gallop across the sand. We ride up the desert hills for an incredible view of the mountain and the vast landscape beyond, and from here we watch as the sun sets on the horizon. When we return, we enjoy our last dinner together – homestyle Egyptian cooking at the stable alongside the horses.

Day 8 - Ma'salaam (Goodbye)!

If you have the time, saddle up for an extra morning ride (not included). 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. Until next time!

Location
Things to keep in mind

Cancellations

In the event you can’t make your riding tour, please reach out to us as soon as possible. If a cancellation is necessary, refund eligibility is based on the timing of the cancellation request. Deposits are non-refundable and the refund amounts below refer to the remainder of the payment.

  • More than 60 days prior to the tour start date: Eligible for a full refund.
  • Between 30 and 60 days prior to the tour start date: Eligible for a partial refund. At 46 – 60 days prior, a 50% refund will be issued. At 30 – 45 days prior, a 25% refund will be issued.
  • Less than 30 days prior to the tour start date: Not eligible for a refund.

Please note: Any fees associated with processing the transfer will be deducted from the refund amount.

Rebooking your tour for a later date is also possible, with rebooking fees subject to the timing of the request.


Payments

A minimum deposit of 20% of your invoice total is due at the time of booking. Any remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the start date of your tour. The required deposit and remaining balance with the due date will be clearly stated on your invoice. If booking within 60 days of the start of the tour, payment must be made in full at the time of booking.

Please refer to the individual tour pages for what is / is not included in the price of the tour.

Riding Ability

Our tours are geared towards intermediate and advanced riders, but we can cater to beginners that are at least comfortable with the basics (in control at the walk, trot, and canter). To ensure everyone’s safety, please be honest about your riding ability at the time of booking so that we can plan accordingly. If you overstate your riding ability, we retain the right to deny or remove you from any ride or tour at our discretion.

Tour Restrictions

The following restrictions are in place to protect our guests, guides, and horses:

Maximum Group Size: 8

Age Requirement: 14 years or older (younger riders may be considered; must have sufficient riding ability and control over a horse)

Weight Limit: 195 lbs / 89 kg

You should be comfortable using English tack and with the basics of riding (in control at the walk, trot, and canter).

Itineraries are flexible and subject to change at our discretion.

FAQ