How to Plan Your Private Full-Day Tour of Wadi El-Rayan and Valley of Whales from Cairo

Are you planning a visit to Cairo, Egypt, and looking for a unique experience outside of its crowded city streets? If so, a Private Full-Day Tour of Wadi El-Rayan and Valley of Whales is an excellent choice! This tour is organized by Hesham Egypt Private Daily Tour Guide and offers you the chance to witness the natural beauty of Egypt outside of its ancient monuments.

In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan your private tour and take you through the journey of Wadi El-Rayan and Valley of Whales. Let’s get started!

Overview

The Private Full-Day Tour of Wadi El-Rayan and Valley of Whales is a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of Cairo and experience Egypt’s natural wonders. The tour includes a visit to the Wadi El-Rayan waterfalls, which is a protected area 65 km southwest of the Fayoum Oasis. The site is a geological depression in the desert that collects water from nearby springs, forming two large lakes connected by Egypt’s only waterfall. The tour also takes you to the Valley of Whales, a UNESCO-designated site that contains fossil remains of ancient whales and other marine animals that once roamed the Sahara.

What’s Included

This private tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with a personal driver, a private tour guide, entrance fees, and tipping. The tour group is limited to your party, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience. However, food and drink are not included in the tour, and you need to bring your supplies for the day.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour pickup points are from Cairo hotels, and you can select the nearest pickup point while booking the tour. The pickup timing is usually between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, and the tour lasts approximately 10 hours, so be prepared for a long day.

What To Expect

After meeting your tour guide and driver, you will embark on a scenic drive through the desert landscape towards Wadi El-Rayan. Upon arrival, you’ll spend some time exploring the area around the waterfalls and have the option to go for a refreshing swim in the crystalline waters of the lake. Afterward, your tour guide will take you to a local restaurant to enjoy some traditional Egyptian food and then head towards the Valley of Whales.

The Valley of Whales is a unique site, where you can witness thousands of years old fossils of ancient whales, dolphins, and other marine animals in their natural habitat. Your tour guide will take you through the site and explain the history, geology, and paleontology behind this unique place.

Additional Info

Confirmation for the tour will be received at the time of booking. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and you must be able to walk on uneven terrain, climb stairs and over rocks. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and no previous experience is necessary.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours beforehand, the payment cannot be refunded. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience will not be accepted.

Book the Tour Here

Are you excited to explore the natural wonders of Egypt? Book your Private Full-Day Tour of Wadi El-Rayan and Valley of Whales from Cairo today and create unforgettable memories in this unique destination. Click here now to book!

Insider’s Guide to Cairo: Discovering Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences

As a bustling city with a rich history and cultural diversity, Cairo offers so much more beyond the typical tourist destinations. Here are some lesser-known spots and experiences for a truly unique adventure:

Local Attractions: Uncovering Hidden Gems

While the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum are ancient wonders that cannot be missed, there are plenty of lesser-known attractions to explore. The historic district of El Darb El Ahmar is a hidden gem with charming alleys, vibrant street art, and local crafts. The City of the Dead is a sprawling necropolis where people still live among the tombs, offering a glimpse into Cairo’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. The Hanging Church of Cairo, one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt, is a magnificent example of Christian architecture and art, with frescoes and icons that date back to the 7th century.

Dining Spots: Savoring Local Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, with unique spices, veggies, and meats. For an authentic meal, try Koshari, a beloved street food dish with pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce. Old Fish Market is a seafood heaven with a variety of fresh catches cooked to perfection. FelFela is a popular vegetarian restaurant with a range of dips, salads, and sandwiches. And for a sweet treat, head to El Abd, a family-owned dessert spot famous for its kunafa, a creamy pastry filled with cheese and soaked in syrup.

Cultural Experiences: Immersing Yourself in Cairo’s Traditions

Cairo has plenty of festivals, music, art, and customs that reflect the city’s rich heritage. Al Moulid is a colorful celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed, with music, dance, and storytelling. Tanoura is a mesmerizing Sufi dance performance that involves spinning and mystical music. The Egyptian Opera House hosts world-class concerts, theater shows, and ballet performances. And the Cairo Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, especially at night when the lights create a magical ambiance.

Local History: Discovering Fascinating Stories

Cairo’s history spans over three millennia, with plenty of intriguing stories and legends to uncover. The mosque-madrassa of Sultan Hassan, built in the 14th century, is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and engineering, with a central courtyard, domed ceilings, and intricate mosaics. The Mamluk Tombs, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, tell the stories of the powerful rulers and their lavish lifestyles. And the Citadel of Saladin, a fortified complex that once served as the seat of government and defense, reminds us of Cairo’s strategic significance in the Middle Ages.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Indulging in Unique Experiences

For a truly unforgettable adventure, here are some ideas that go beyond the conventional touristic activities. Take a felucca ride on the Nile, a traditional wooden boat that glides through the calm waters while you soak in the city’s skyline. Explore the City of the Dead at night, accompanied by a local guide who can share the stories and traditions of the people who live there. Join a cooking class and learn how to prepare some iconic Egyptian dishes, from falafel to molokhia. And finally, relax in a traditional hammam, a steamy bathhouse that offers a rejuvenating spa experience with various scrubs, massages, and treatments.

In conclusion, Cairo is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, cuisine, or adventure. By exploring some of the hidden gems and unique experiences that the city has to offer, you can discover a side of Cairo that you won’t find in the guidebooks.