This tour features a day trip from Cairo to the Fayoum region, once known as the bread basket of the Egyptian empire, and still a very important agricultural area today. After driving through varied farmland we head into the desert to the Wadi Rayan Protected Area, which surrounds a fresh-water lake in the middle that is filled by the excess irrigation water from the Fayoum area. The lake is an important stop for migrating water birds in the winter months, and there are some waterfalls here (which feature in many popular Egyptian music videos), as well as a bird hide overlooking the lake. Our next stop is the Springs Oasis area which is a rare example of an uninhabited Saharan oasis, home to a wide range of different plants and animals. These include Ruppell’s Sand Fox, Dorcas Gazelle, and Fennec Fox.

After a packed lunch, we head into the beautiful desert & mountain scenery of Wadi Hitan (Valley of the Whales). A World Heritage Site, Wadi Hitan is considered the world's most significant site that demonstrates how whales evolved. We'll take a 2-3km walk around the site to see several specimens of fossilised whales of different types sitting on the surface of the sand, some still showing the remains of front and back legs. You will also see fossilised mangroves and the remains of crab holes.

Finally we return to Cairo to drop you back at your hotel or airport.

• Sightseeing tour of the Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales
• All transport in AC car/minibus/coach
• Local guide
• Entrance fees to all sights visited
• Packed lunch & bottle of water

• Guide/driver tips

• It can be very hot in Wadi Hitan so please ensure you bring adequate protection, sunscreen and a sun hat.
• Timings are approximate and you may arrive back into Cairo later than shown.
• Please contact our local office at least one day before departure to reconfirm your hotel or flight arrival and pick-up details.