By far the most accessible of Egypt’s oases, Fayoum has a lot to offer, whether it is desert expeditions, traditional handicrafts, delicious local food, or the one-of-a-kind outdoor museum in Wadi Hetan (Valley of the Whales). Because it’s only an hour or two outside of Cairo, Fayoum is perfect for day or weekend trips, with some really special accommodation options. In the heart of the oasis lies Tunis Village, a beautiful and incredibly lush compound with some wonderfully rustic hotels as well as apartments and villas. Tunis is known for its pottery workshops, with a thriving community of artisans and some incredible pottery collections that are well worth exploring. Heading out of the oasis and into the desert, we have Wadi Rayan, a massive nature reserve that could easily take several days to explore. From ancient ruins and prehistoric fossils of whales and other aquatic creatures, to the waterfalls and the soft sand dunes