Luxor .................. Cairo
Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra and Bahariya. Four of the 'El Wahat
' Oases in the ' Wadi Gadeed'
New
Valley of the western desert. Each one having its own very
personality.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Early morning air conditioned bus from Luxor, arriving
Kharga afternoon. Transfer to hotel. Welcome meeting.Time is
short.
Day 2
Breakfast. Strong, comfortable shoes are needed! Enjoy the
drive to the north of Kharga; climb the gentle slope to the
Roman Temple/Fortress of Nadura .The view from here is
stunning of the surrounding desert. Continue on to Bagawat
and to the Christian Cemetery (believed to be of the oldest
in the world and the best preserved). Nearby is the temple
of Hibis (Persian 26 Dyn ), here we can only look at the
outside of this temple as it is under a big restoration
programme, worthy of a visit though. On to the center of
Kharga and the "souk" within the old part of the city
(chance to buy something to eat/drink), explore the small
dark "Medieval" streets, mostly uninhabited.
Back to hotel evening free.
Day 3
Breakfast. Visit the Ptolemaic temple/Fortress of Qasr El
Ghuieta (fortress of the beautiful garden). Onto the Roman
Fortress/temple of Qasr El Zayyan, with its impressive
enclosure wall. Stop for a drink near Sanaa.
Continue southwards through the ever changing desert scenery
to Dush, a Temple/Fortress, which marks the southern
frontier of the Roman Empire.
Return via Bulaq hot springs --- Are you ready for this???
Day 4
Breakfast. Kharga Museum contains many interesting artifacts
from excavation both here and Dakhla. Onto the next Oases of
Dakhla and the ever changing landscape, particularly the "yardangs"
near Tineida.
First Stop, the Old Kingdom "Mastabas" at Qila El Dakhla.
Note the unusual colour of the mud brick. Check in to hotel.
Hot spring time. Evening free.
Day 5
Breakfast. Visit the old "Medieval" city of Qasr Dakhla, a
well preserved labrynth of uninhabited narrow streets. On to
Deir El Hagar, a Roman Temple, dedicated to the Theban
Triad, Amun, Mut and khons.
Continue through the desert onto Farafra. No Hotels!! We are
sleeping under the stars in the wonders of the White Western
Desert. *** Don't forget you will need your sleeping bag or
warm blanket).
Day 6
Drive on towards Baharyia, stopping at "Gebel El Izzaz" the
beautiful "crystal" mountain. Drink stop. Arrive at Baharyia
check into hotel. Hot spring time.
Evening free.
Day 7
Breakfast. Visit Mohamed Eed Museum and shopping for local
crafts.
Leave for Cairo. |
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