Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
Concealed just 100 km southwest of Cairo, Egypt's Al Fayoum Oasis is one of the nation's best-kept treasures—a city that combines history and nature with authentic Egyptian culture. All too often overshadowed by the flash of the Giza Pyramids or the Nile temples of ancient times, Fayoum is a tranquil, rewarding escape that transposes travelers from the frenzy of urban life into a more timeless Egypt.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Al Fayoum a truly magical destination and why it's a must-visit for travelers who want to experience a unique side of Egypt.
The oasis itself was occupied since Pharaonic times and played an important role in ancient Egyptian agriculture and economy. Traditionally, "Crocodilopolis" was a site of worship for the crocodile-shaped god Sobek. Now, Al Fayoum still testifies to its historical heritage in the shape of scattered ruins, temples, and artifacts.
Hawara Pyramid: Built by Pharaoh Amenemhat III, it is graded as the most mysterious and least-visited pyramid.
Qasr Qarun Temple: Exquisitely preserved Ptolemaic temple of Sobek.
One of Fayoum's greatest natural wonders is Wadi El Rayan, a nature reserve where Egypt's only waterfalls exist. The valley lies surrounded by desert and yellow sand dunes and offers stunning scenery contrasts—from barren cliffs to sparkling lakes.
Sandboarding the dunes that circle the valley
Wildlife spotting (including threatened birds and rarely seen fennec fox)
Sunset lake boat trip
Wadi Al Hitan ("Valley of the Whales") located off the northwestern edge of the Red Sea is one of its paleontological wonders. Here, fossilized remains of ancient whales that used to live there over 40 million years ago are discovered, testifying to the evolution of sea animals from terrestrial mammals.
Tip: If you are nature- or science-typed, you shouldn't give this place a miss. The on-site museum and guided tours ensure a concentrated learning experience.
Located by the shores of Lake Qarun, Tunis Village has evolved into a cultural haven, famous for its traditional potteries, serene eco-lodges, and laid-back lifestyle. It's perfect for:
Learning pottery
Enjoying fresh produce
Buying handmade crafts and artwork
Visitors are known to call the village a spiritual haven—a destination where the tensions of contemporary times get lost.
One of the world's oldest natural lakes, Lake Qarun is a key feature in the Fayoum system and a bird-watcher's, angler's, and nature lover's paradise. Flamingos, herons, and pelicans normally inhabit the lake, and it is therefore an ideal location for photo-shooting or contemplation.
Al Fayoum has also become one of the prime destinations for eco-tourism and soft adventure. Through the advent of environmentally friendly resorts and community-based tourism, tourists get to enjoy:
Horseback riding
Desert safari treks
Hiking through the surrounding dunes
While mass tourism resorts offer a pretty crowded and pretentious travel experience, Fayoum offers a more intimate and authentic traveling experience—ideal for the adventurous kind.
October to April is the ideal time to travel to Al Fayoum with a mild weather and comfortable climate perfect for tourism. Summer is extremely hot, especially for desert travel.
It is 1.5 to 2 hours' drive from Cairo. Day tours or overnight excursions can be organized privately through a local tour operator. There are public transport facilities available but not ideal for the visit to outlying desert sections.
Al Fayoum Oasis offers a compelling mix of nature, art, history, and calmness. You may be intrigued by ancient fossils in Wadi Al Hitan, sandboarding at Wadi El Rayan, or sipping tea in Tunis Village, but Fayoum has a tale to tell in each corner and nook—its tale far within the depths of Egypt's history but very much alive today.
Discover now our answers to the most common questions that may come to your mind about tourism and trips to Egypt
Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
The Dead Sea, Petra in Jordan, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's historic temples, and many other famous sites can be expected to be explored with Deluxe Tours.
offer a hassle-free holiday, Deluxe Tours' packages generally include lodging, transport, meals, guided tours with experienced local experts, and entry fees to attractions.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the finest weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, making those months the best times to visit Egypt and Jordan.
These two countries are close by, only a 1.5-hour flight apart, and when combined, offer a variety of distinctive experiences. We advise you to spend at least 12 days visiting both countries for a truly unforgettable experience
Combining the eclipse viewing with visits to historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and a Nile River cruise are highly recommended.
