Gems of Cairo & Fayoum
EGYPT | NOVEMBER 2026
Two great gems!
This short visit begins in one of Egypt’s most intriguing secrets — Fayoum, a little-known oasis just beyond Cairo where desert dunes, fertile fields, and artisan villages create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Over three nights in the charming town of Tunis, we’ll slip into a slower, desert-fringed rhythm surrounded by creativity, colour, and landscapes that feel both timeless and unexpected. Join bread-making and pottery classes, head out by four-wheel drive across shimmering salt flats and Saharan dunes, or explore the astounding Wadi el Hitan – the Valley of the Whales – a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient fossils lie exposed in a surreal desert setting.
Our stay in Fayoum is based at Lazib Inn & Spa, a boutique retreat tucked within Tunis Village. Traditional Egyptian architecture blends with contemporary comfort, and each of the eight suites is individually designed with handcrafted furniture, vibrant textiles, and locally inspired artwork. Private terraces offer sweeping views across Lake Qarun and the surrounding countryside, while lush gardens and three swimming pools create a peaceful setting to unwind. The spa uses locally sourced ingredients in its treatments, and dining spans Egyptian and Mediterranean flavours served al fresco on the lawn, by the pool, or inside the air-conditioned restaurant. You can wander through the village’s renowned pottery workshops, meet local artisans, or simply breathe in the calm of this oasis escape. However you choose to spend your days, we’ll gather each evening to watch the sun set from the terrace with a drink in hand.
After our time in Fayoum, we’ll return to Cairo for two nights to explore the long-awaited Great Egyptian Museum (the GEM). You will enjoy a full day inside this remarkable new institution, where Egypt’s most significant treasures – including the largest-ever exhibition devoted to Tutankhamun’s tomb – are displayed under one vast and beautifully designed roof. There will also be time to explore the labyrinthine Khan el Khalili bazaar, a must-visit in Cairo and the perfect place to wander, shop, and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere.This combination offers a gentle, immersive introduction to Egypt’s natural beauty, artisan culture, and extraordinary ancient history.
If it is your first visit to Cairo a tour of the Pyramids and Sphinx is a must and can easily be arranged for you. If you would also like to sail down the Nile, on either a traditional dahabiya sailing boat or small ship, this can easily be added on and is HIGHLY recommended…… and it would not take much to convince me to join you!
You will love
- Oasis in the Sahara
- Sand dunes & whale fossils
- Artisan pottery & ceramics
- Sundowners on the terrace
- Dovetails with Jewels of Jordan 2026
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
Fayoum Serenity & Cairo Splendour
DAY 1 | THU 12 NOV | FAYOUM | 3 NIGHTS
Arrive in Cairo and transfer south-west to the Fayoum oasis, where wide landscapes, villages and desert edges replace the city’s pace. Settle into your boutique retreat in Tunis Village — a calm base for the days ahead — with time to unwind before dinner.
DAY 2 | FRI 13 NOV | Tunis Village Pottery & Art Tour
Today is yours to enjoy Fayoum at whatever pace you choose. Optional experiences include meeting local artisans, exploring Tunis Village’s celebrated pottery studios, and seeing traditional breadmaking in action. Prefer a slower day? Relax by the pool, visit the spa or simply enjoy the oasis setting. Dinner is included.
DAY 3 | SAT 14 NOV | Desert Safari & Sand Dunes Tour
A day for desert discovery or deep relaxation — the choice is yours. An optional excursion ventures into the surrounding dunes and unique desert landscapes, with the opportunity to explore remarkable fossil sites or savour a long, leisurely picnic. Alternatively, remain at the hotel and enjoy the calm of Tunis Village. Dinner this evening is included.
DAY 4 | SUN 15 NOV | CAIRO SOFITEL | 2 NIGHTS
After breakfast, return to Cairo, stopping en route for lunch before continuing into the city. Check in to the Sofitel and settle into your Nile-side base. This evening includes a visit to historic Khan el Khalili with dinner in one of its most famous restaurants before time to explore the bazaar.
DAY 5 | MON 16 NOV | THE GREAT EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
Today is devoted to the extraordinary Great Egyptian Museum. With an expert Egyptologist, we’ll explore its iconic spaces and landmark collections, including the museum’s monumental galleries and the complete treasures of Tutankhamun displayed together for the first time. With ample time at leisure to explore other exhibits that caught your attention, or browse the museum shops at your own pace, we’ll return to our hotel for a final dinner by the Nile.
DAY 6 | TUE 17 NOV | DAY OF DEPARTURE
A relaxed morning to pack, rest or browse nearby boutiques. If you have never visited the Great Pyramids, this morning provides the opportunity for you to do so if you wish. Mid-afternoon we transfer to Cairo International Airport for departure.
If you are keen to extend your stay in Egypt, additional arrangements in Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria and on the shores of the Red Sea can be arranged. If you have never sailed the Nile then this should not be missed, and we could certainly be talked into chartering a private Dahabiya to host you! Let us know if you are keen to extend by clicking here.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
USD 3,970 per person twin share | USD 1,950 single supplement
Start: Cairo
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Finish: Cairo
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR JOURNEY
- Experience a calm oasis escape in Fayoum
- Stay in a boutique village retreat surrounded by desert, farmland & artisan studios
- Enjoy hands-on experiences with local breadmakers & celebrated Fayoum potters
- Desert dunes adventure and exploration into otherworldly landscapes
- Guided tour of Wadi El Hitan – the Valley of the Whales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Nile-side stay at the new Sofitel Downtown Nile in Cairo
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Wander the atmospheric Khan el Khalili Bazaar by night
- Great Egyptian Museum visit
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Experience the Great Egyptian Museum with an expert Egyptologist, including Tutankhamun’s full collection
- Enjoy time at leisure to relax, shop and soak up the contrasts between oasis life & the capital
- Combine two of Egypt’s greatest gems in one visit
Inclusions
- Escorted by Sarah Hoyland, Director of The Classic Safari Company
- 5 nights in boutique & luxury hotels as specified
- 4 dinners, 2 lunches & breakfast daily
- Bottled water whilst touring
- Airport arrival & departure transfers on dates specified
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- Touring as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary
- Entry to the Great Egyptian Museum & guided internally by an English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- All service charges & local taxes
Exclusions
- International air arrangements plus all applicable pre-paid departure taxes
- Travel Insurance & individual health requirements
- Additional meals, snacks & all drinks
- Room upgrades
- Laundry, camera fees (minimal) & personal purchases
- Discretionary tip for Egyptian Guide (budget US$50)
- Optional touring including touring the Great Pyramids & extended options in Egypt
- Items of a personal nature & any item not specified
Minimum – 8 travellers
Maximum – 16 (plus host)
Terms and conditions apply
This tour departs with a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 16 people (plus host).
A single room supplement applies of USD 1,950. Should you be willing to share please advise, however, note that should no other ‘willing to share’ participant sign up you will be responsible for paying the single supplement.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
All quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at any time prior to, or at the time of, ticketing.
By making any payment for this tour, and/or joining this tour, you acknowledge you have read and understood our Booking Terms & Conditions
Your Host
Sarah Hoyland
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd