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4 Days - 3 Nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
We provide a 4-day tour package to Siwa Oasis departing from Alexandria. On the journey to Siwa Oasis, which is located in the western desert about 600 km from Alexandria (a 6-hour drive), you will stop at El Alamein. During your visit to Siwa, you’ll explore sites such as the Fortress of Shali, Cleopatra’s Bath, the Temple of the Oracle, Gebel and Mawta, Gebel Al Dakrur, Fatnas Lake, and the Great Sand Sea, all while traveling in a 4×4 vehicle. Your private tour guide will share insights about Siwa Oasis along the way.
Your pick-up will be from your hotel in Alexandria or Giza at 7:00 AM. We suggest arranging a breakfast box from your hotel due to the early start. The drive to El Alamein is approximately 130 km, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. We will make a stop for a coffee break along the way, and we expect to arrive in El Alamein by 8:30 AM. El Alamein: This location governed the North African coast, providing access to all of Egypt and the trade routes to the Far East through the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. During World War II, the Axis powers aimed to take control of Egypt to cut off Britain's maritime routes to its colonial empire, which the British were eager to safeguard. The conflict began in 1940 with Italy's invasion of Egypt from Libya, and the coastal town of Al Diffa became a pivotal battleground. El Alamein Museum : The El Alamein museum, situated approximately one mile west of the British memorial on the north side of the road, is a worthwhile stop for those interested in military memorabilia. Established in 1965 using remnants discovered on the battlefield, the museum features uniforms, weapons, flags, and various other wartime items. Its exhibits also showcase photographs and locations related to the battle. El Alamein war Cemetery : Designed by Sir Herbert Worthington and overseen by the British War Graves Commission in Cairo, this site is the burial place for 7,367 men from Britain, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Greece, France, India, and Malaysia, who are laid to rest in individual graves. Additionally, 11,945 men whose bodies were never recovered are commemorated in the cloister that leads to the cemetery. Outside the cloister, there are individual graves, each marked with a white headstone. Around 815 soldiers have been identified, and their names are engraved on these gravestones. The German war Memorial : Three kilometers west of the Italian marker stands a solitary octagonal building, the German war memorial, which was built in 1959 and has a view of the sea. Designed after the castle del Monte, the memorial houses the remains of 4,280 German soldiers. An impressive golden mosaic greets visitors at the entrance, while to the right lies a small chapel where families and friends pay tribute to the deceased with wreaths, photographs, and memorial ribbons. The Italian Memorial The grand white marble Italian Memorial, the most prominent structure at El Alamein, is located 5 kilometers beyond the German Memorial. It was designed by Paolo Caccia Dominioni, who served at El Alamein and authored a book on the subject. The entrance contains a small museum, and inside the chapel, there is an inscription that commemorates "4,800 Italian soldiers, sailors, and airmen; the desert and the sea did not reclaim 38,000 who are missing." The primary memorial is situated atop a location that has a view of the sea, and a light lunch will be provided during the journey. Enjoy the sunset at Fatnas Lake : Fatnas is a small island located in Birket Siwa, accessible by walking or biking. It is a lovely spot to sit and watch the sunset, offering stunning views of the lake with Gebel Bayda and Hamra providing a picturesque backdrop to the west. A stroll through the garden reveals a variety of trees, including banana, date, and olive trees. Dinner will be served at a restaurant in Siwa, followed by an overnight stay at Ghaliet Ecolodge. Ghaliet is a distinctive SPA Ecolodge situated near the Amoun Temple and the oracle of Alexander the Great in the Siwa Oasis. It is meticulously constructed amidst palm trees, embodying the essence of nature. While staying at Ghaliet, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating tales of Alexander the Great. Here, you can relish natural surroundings, organic aesthetics, wholesome food, and various health programs. The ecolodge features 12 charming rooms, each with its own unique character. You can opt for the upper rooms with transparent glass ceilings, offering a heavenly sleeping experience, or enjoy the exclusivity of the lower rooms, which come with their own private backyards.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a 7:00 AM pickup. Today, you will explore the sights of Siwa, starting with the Temple of Alexander the Great. Temple of the Oracle : This location is commonly referred to as the Temple of the Oracle. It is thought that Alexander the Great intended to visit the Siwan oracle to verify his claim of being Zeus's son, the supreme Greek deity, after he and his party made a lengthy journey through the desert to reach the Siwa oasis. Situated on a hill, the Temple of the Oracle offers breathtaking views of the lush greenery and salt flats of Siwa Oasis, making the ascent to the summit well worth the effort. Then drive to the salty lake : The salty water allows you to float without the need to be an expert swimmer. Be cautious when swimming and avoid letting the water get into your eyes, as it can be quite painful. Opt for a crystal-clear lake, and there are many to choose from. Aim to find the purest lake where you can see the bottom. It's a good idea to bring a bottle of mineral water to rinse off after swimming in the lake. The salt lakes have a hyper-salinity similar to that of Jordan’s Dead Sea, which also means they offer significant healing properties, far superior to regular seawater. Regardless, you’re sure to enjoy a fantastic swim! Next, move on to Cleopatra's Bath, also known as the Spring of the Sun.Travelers to Siwa have noted that local legend claims Cleopatra swam in this location. Next, head to the temple of Umm Ubaydah, also known as the Temple of Amun. Located only 200 meters beyond the Temple of the Oracle, this temple was built by Pharaoh Nectanebo during the 30th Dynasty.This structure has been nearly entirely ruined due to its destruction by dynamite in 1896, when an Ottoman governor sought to obtain construction materials. The only visible remnants now are an inscribed wall. Nevertheless, scholars have inferred from earlier sketches made by early explorers that the temple was built by Pharaoh Nectanebo of the 30th Dynasty. 12:00 PM (Enjoy the Siwan lunch) at Abdo restaurant, a dining establishment in Siwa. Enjoy yourself in the world’s third-largest sand dune area.You will explore the desert by navigating the Great Sand Sea in a 4x4 Jeep and enjoy sandboarding—considered the top destination for sandboarding in Egypt, located near Siwa Oasis. Swimming in a secluded freshwater lake and unwinding at the Bir Wahed hot spring. Savor traditional Bedouin tea as the sun sets. Experience camping at one of the most stunning locations in Siwa—Al Nyhaya. Al Nyhaya features five top-notch Lotus Bell tents situated within the camp's secure outer walls. Each tent comes with cozy mattresses, mosquito nets, and a double layer that helps maintain a comfortable temperature, keeping warmth in during winter and coolness in summer! The Bell tents are placed on a Rocket Bell floor heating system that can be heated with a wood fire, warming the tent's floor during chilly winter nights! Each tent can comfortably host up to 3 people, but it is also perfectly suitable for 1 or 2 individuals. In addition to the Bell tents, we offer a variety of Bedouin tents for experiencing overnight stays in a traditional local manner. The best chance to observe stars is on a clear summer night in the Siwa desert, where the air is cool, and there's minimal light and noise. Spend the night at a desert camp and savor a BBQ dinner. This dining experience includes a unique cooking method known as "Abou Mardam," where the food is cooked slowly underground. If you prefer to stay in a hotel rather than at the camp, we have great ecolodges available in Siwa.
Have breakfast at the camp at 7:00, then drive back to the Siwa Oasis and check into the hotel. Visit Shali Fortress : The Shali Fortress was constructed on a hill within a protective wall that was originally accessed through a single gate, consisting of a complex of mud-brick buildings. The residents of the oasis were supported for almost 800 years. They had to inhabit cramped spaces, sharing their livestock, which were gathered into the area. Every evening, the fortress is fortified with large blocks of salt that are commonly found in the Siwa oasis, as these salt blocks contributed to reinforcing the walls. Regrettably, rain has caused more damage to the fortress than any human attackers. Constructed in the 13th century, the fortress was the focal point of activity. Siwan life has been ongoing for over 800 years. The mosque within the fortress remains active, while numerous homes have been renovated, with some converted into guesthouses for visitors. Next, continue to the Mountain of the Dead, which is a conical peak located just over a kilometer north of Shali. This area contains tombs from the Twenty-sixth Dynasty as well as Ptolemaic burial sites. The Roman era tombs are carved into the mountain's side. At Gebel Al-Mawta, there are four notable tombs to visit. The Si Amun Tomb is considered the most beautiful among them. The Siwa Oasis, associated with Si Amun, was likely home to a prosperous Egyptian, possibly of Greek descent, who adhered to the beliefs of ancient Egypt. The tomb houses an... A depiction from the Egyptian pantheon features a stunning painting of the goddess Nut standing next to a sycamore tree. A leisurely half-day at Ali Khaled Camp. Also referred to as Mountain Camp, Ali Khaled is situated at the base of Dakrur Mountain, surrounded by a lush expanse of palm trees. In this serene setting, guests can unwind in a garden full of greenery. featuring hammocks, daybeds, and a treehouse. Additionally, there's a hot spring and a freshwater plunge pool, allowing you to switch between relaxing in the shaded canopy and immersing yourself in the rejuvenating waters. If you're seeking adventure, you might consider hiking up the nearby Dakrur Mountain, famous for its therapeutic sand baths. The mountaintop is a wonderful place to watch the sunset over the town of Siwa. Overnight in Siwa - Ecolodge
After breakfast, head to Alexandria, stopping for lunch in Marsa Matrouh. Explore the beauty of Marsa Matrouh, located along Egypt's Mediterranean coast, known for its white sandy beaches. With its beaches and pristine waters, many people believe that Cleopatra once bathed in the serene waters of Marsa Matrouh. Lunch will be provided at Magdy restaurant, a seafood establishment in Marsa Matrouh. Next, drive back to Alexandria, arriving there at 8:00 PM.