Cairo to Fayoum Oasis Pottery Art Magic Lake and Dune Thrills.
Duration
9 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Hands on pottery experience in creative Tunis Village
Waterfalls lakes and panoramic views across Fayoum Oasis
Desert adventure with dune bashing and sandboarding thrills
Peaceful barbecue lunch amid golden sands and silence
€ 109.62
€ 100.85
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Escape the city for a day immersed in creativity adventure and natural beauty in the heart of the Fayoum Oasis. The journey begins with a comfortable pickup and a scenic drive toward Tunis Village a charming community known for its artistic spirit. Here you take part in an authentic pottery workshop guided by local artisans who share traditional techniques and stories. Shaping clay with your own hands becomes a meaningful cultural exchange and a lasting memory. The route continues with a peaceful stop by Qarun Lake where calm waters and open skies create perfect moments for reflection and photography.
The adventure then unfolds amid dramatic desert landscapes. Visit the lakes and waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan and enjoy a gentle camel or horse ride through wide open spaces. From elevated viewpoints the panorama stretches endlessly revealing the shifting colors of the Magic Lake and surrounding dunes. A desert vehicle carries you across rolling sands for an exciting dune bashing experience followed by sandboarding on smooth slopes. The day is completed with a relaxing barbecue lunch enjoyed in the quiet embrace of the desert before returning to the city with unforgettable impressions.
Bottled water and lunch
Four wheel drive dunes
Sandboarding and pottery workshop
Camel or horse ride
Professional tour guide
Personal Expenses
Gratuities
Sun protection recommended: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Weather appropriate clothing
Bottle of water
Camera
Not wheelchair accessible
No public transportation nearby
A valid passport is required for this tour
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Activity Provider: Blue Sky Holidays
Customer Reviews
Dana
We went in wanting to learn but instead the instructor was easily frustrated and just took over the work completely. It takes at least a half hour as a starter to learn to make a bowl but we finished in less than ten minutes because the instructor just did it herself. My friend finished and I decided to not do one after seeing what happened with her. There are plenty of other better options around.
Mohamed
The Fayoum Pottery School, nestled in the serene village of Tunis near Lake Qarun in Egypt’s Fayoum Governorate, stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and artistic innovation. Established in 1984 by Swiss ceramist Evelyne Porret, the school has played a pivotal role in transforming Tunis Village into a renowned center for pottery, attracting artists, tourists, and enthusiasts from around the globe. Historical Background Evelyne Porret’s journey began in 1960 when she moved to Cairo after graduating from the School of Decorative Arts in Geneva. Her passion for ceramics and a deep appreciation for Egyptian culture led her to the Fayoum Oasis in 1977, where she, alongside her husband Michel Pastore, built their home, studio, and kiln using local materials and traditional techniques. Their vision was not only to create art but also to foster a community where local traditions could thrive.  In 1984, recognizing the potential to merge art with community development, Porret established the Fayoum Pottery School. The institution aimed to teach local children and adults the craft of pottery, providing them with skills that could lead to sustainable livelihoods. Over the decades, the school has been instrumental in preserving traditional pottery techniques while encouraging individual creativity among its students. Cultural Impact The influence of the Fayoum Pottery School extends beyond mere craftsmanship; it has been a catalyst for socio-economic development in Tunis Village. By offering training and resources, the school empowered many locals, especially women, to establish their own workshops. A notable example is Rawya Abdel-Qader, one of the first women in the village to open her own pottery workshop. Her work, characterized by deep blues and intricate calligraphic patterns, exemplifies the fusion of traditional techniques with personal artistic expression.  The village’s transformation into a pottery hub has attracted tourists, art collectors, and cultural enthusiasts, leading to economic growth and increased visibility for local artisans. Annual events and festivals celebrating pottery have further cemented Tunis Village’s reputation as a cultural destination. Visiting the School Visitors to the Fayoum Pottery School can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Egyptian pottery. The school offers workshops where participants can learn the basics of pottery making, from molding clay to firing finished pieces. Guided tours provide insights into the history of the school, the evolution of pottery in the region, and the stories of artisans who have honed their craft within its walls. The village itself offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of city life. With its picturesque landscapes, traditional mud-brick architecture, and the serene backdrop of Lake Qarun, Tunis Village provides a perfect setting for artistic inspiration and cultural exploration. Legacy and Continuation Evelyne Porret’s passing in June 2021 marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to thrive through the countless artisans she mentored and the vibrant pottery community she nurtured. The Fayoum Pottery School remains a testament to her vision of blending art with community development, ensuring that the rich tradition of Egyptian pottery endures for future generations.  In conclusion, the Fayoum Pottery School is more than an educational institution; it is a cornerstone of cultural preservation and community empowerment. For those seeking to experience authentic Egyptian art, engage with passionate artisans, and witness the transformative power of community-based initiatives, a visit to this school offers an enriching and inspiring journey.
Jean
Peut être le seul produit intéressant parmi tout ceux réservés pour notre séjour, guide sympathique (étudiante à priori)mais visiblement recruté à la dernière minute anglophone alors nous avions demandé "Francophone". Produit plutôt positif car le programme était pas du tout celui annoncé
Benoit
Excursion interessante, sortant des sentiers battus. On a passé un très bon moment. La partie désert est fascinante, le site de la vallée des baleines très bien aménagé. La guide en revanche était (très) paresseuse et ne semblait pas beaucoup s’intéresser à son job ni à notre visite…
Gilane
I loved the experience it was so fun really and we took lots of photos. The ready pottery is so expensive really
Explore
This is where it all started in Tunis village. The pottery school was established by Evelyn Porret back in 1980s. The staff are very helpful and friendly. Amin and Dina are nice and kind.
Harry
The trip was boring. There was nothing to see. The pictures on the website were misleading. Events promised on the website, such as Greco/Roman temples and sailing in a felucca didn’t happen. I feel it was dishonest.
Dina
People there are really talented. You can learn, try and make pottery, and buy from their exhibition too. If you want your pottery oven dried, make sure you go at least a day before leaving Fayoum because the oven takes 7 hours.