We spent three days under the excellent guidance of Mahmoud of Explore Fayoum. As a lifelong native, scholar and enthusiast for all his region has to offer, he shared unique sites throughout Fayoum with us, from the most remote (Qasr Sagha Temple) to the most popular (Valley of the Whales) . We visited geological, paleo-biological, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman and agricultural heritage sites, and desert landscapes of great beauty. We especially liked Medinat Madi and hiking across farmers’ fields to see an ancient waterwheel Mahmoud had discovered by bicycle. We did find the prevalent trash, terrible roads and poverty distressing but these, too, are part of today’s Fayoum. Mahmoud is a skilled communicator and a personable, energetic leader. Couldn’t ask for more!