"FULL DAY TOURS IN AL FAYOUM (QARUN LAKE - WADI EL RAYAN - VALLEY OF THE WHALES - VILLAGE IN TUNISIA)" Private Tour

"FULL DAY TOURS IN AL FAYOUM (QARUN LAKE - WADI EL RAYAN - VALLEY OF THE WHALES - VILLAGE IN TUNISIA)" Private Tour

AL FAYOUM – Where History and Nature Unite: Located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Cairo, Al Fayoum is a captivating oasis city that offers a refreshing escape from the bustle of the capital. Nestled within the vast Fayoum Oasis, one of Egypt’s most fertile and enchanting natural regions, this area beautifully blends ancient history, traditional rural life, and breathtaking natural scenery. Often called Egypt’s hidden paradise, Al Fayoum is home to shimmering lakes, lush farmlands, and cascading waterfalls that seem worlds away from the desert landscape. Explore the tranquil Lake Qarun, one of the oldest natural lakes in the world, where migratory birds gather and fishermen still use ancient techniques. Venture into the Wadi El Rayan Protected Area, famous for its stunning waterfalls and desert dunes, or journey to Wadi Al Hitan (Valley of the Whales), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reveals fossilized remains of prehistoric whales — a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s distant past. Rich in history and charm, Al Fayoum has been inhabited since the time of the pharaohs and remains a living testament to Egypt’s eternal connection between nature, civilization, and life.

THE FAYOUM OASIS – A Journey Through Egypt’s Natural Wonders:

QARUN LAKE: One of the crown jewels of the Fayoum Oasis, Lake Qarun is a breathtaking expanse of shimmering saline waters located below sea level and stretching across several hundred square kilometers. Believed to be a remnant of an ancient lake that once covered the entire region, Qarun is today a sanctuary for migratory birds, fishermen, and nature lovers. Its tranquil shores, dotted with reeds and small villages, offer a perfect escape into Egypt’s natural beauty — where desert sands meet glistening blue waters.

WADI EL RAYAN: A true oasis in the desert, Wadi El Rayan is a protected area renowned for its spectacular landscapes, twin lakes, and the only waterfalls in Egypt. Surrounded by golden dunes and home to diverse wildlife, this natural reserve offers a striking contrast of desert and water, serenity and adventure. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, peaceful boat rides, or a photo stop at the stunning waterfalls — a rare sight in this part of the world.

VALLEY OF THE WHALES (WADI EL HITAN): Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Whales — or Wadi Hitan — is one of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Hidden deep in the Western Desert, this open-air museum reveals the fossilized remains of whales and sharks that roamed the seas 40 to 50 million years ago, when this land was submerged beneath the ancient Tethys Sea. These fossils tell the story of evolution — how whales transitioned from land-dwelling creatures to the marine giants we know today — making this site a must-visit for lovers of science, nature, and history alike.

TUNIS VILLAGE: Tucked away on the edge of the Fayoum Oasis, Tunis Village is a charming artists’ enclave celebrated for its terracotta pottery and traditional craftsmanship. With its mud-brick houses, palm groves, and views over Lake Qarun, the village offers a warm, authentic atmosphere where visitors can meet local artisans, watch pottery-making demonstrations, and even try their hand at the wheel. Over the years, Tunis has become a haven for creatives and travelers seeking peace, inspiration, and a taste of rural Egyptian life.

Itinerary

• Pick up at your hotel, or the one closest to your accommodation by a guide from our agency.

• You will start with a panoramic tour in a private air-conditioned tourist car to enjoy a tour of the El Fayoum Oasis where you can visit the Karanis Ruins, the South Temple and the North Temple; and you can contemplate the Lake of Qarun, whose name given by the ancient Egyptians mer-wer which means the great lake, and is connected to the Nile River by the Joseph Channel.

• In the north of the lake there is a national park where the oldest evidence of the existence of agriculture in Egypt and important secrets of the rise of the pharaonic civilization. From the geological part, it is a unique area because it has pharaonic basalt quarries belonging to the Old Kingdom and excavations of whales and primates.

• This site includes a wealth of remains dating back to the middle of the Mesolithic period, almost 200 thousand years before the Pharaonic era, and remains of 24 whales were found that swam in this area before 42 million years, one of them belongs to a whole new guy.

• Lunch during the tour in a typical restaurant in the area.

• Transfer to visit the famous Waterfalls and Norias del Oasis. Visit the Obelisk of Sonosert I, one of the most important Egyptian obelisks that has reliefs of the gods Sobek, Ra and Osoris.

• Return to the hotel.

• All visits to the different facilities and museums have the presence of a specialist who will guide our tour, explaining in detail the meanings and history of the different attractions that we can observe.

The tour includes

• Guide service in Spanish.
• Transfer Cairo / Fayoum / Cairo by private air-conditioned tourist car.
• Tickets to the aforementioned tourist places.
• Bottle of mineral water.
• Lunch in a typical good quality restaurant.
• Taxes and rates.

Does not include

• Extras not mentioned in the trip itinerary.
• Drinks not mentioned.
• Professional guide in English, French, Portuguese, German and Italian languages. If you want a guide in these languages, it is done on request and an extra charge must be paid.