Day 1: Cairo | El Alamein | Matrouh-Siwa
We will pick you up from your Cairo or Giza hotel at 5:00 a.m. Afterward, we start our Siwa Oasis Tour. To ensure you are well-prepared for the early departure, we recommend having a breakfast box from your hotel.
Afterward, we begin our journey to El Alamein, which is approximately 259 kilometers away. Along the route, we will pause for a coffee break, and we anticipate arriving at El Alamein at about 8:30 a.m.
El Alamein Historical Context
El Alamein was strategically important for controlling the North African coast, which provided access to Egypt and trading routes to the Far East via the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. During WWII, the Axis forces aimed to dominate Egypt to sever Britain’s maritime access to its colonial empire, which was crucial for British interests.
Consequently, the Italian forces invaded Egypt via Libya in 1940, leading to continuous combat near the coastal town of Al Diffa.
Museum of El Alamein
For anyone interested in war memorabilia, there is a modest El Alamein museum located on the north side of the road, approximately 1 mile west of the British memorial. Notably, it was built in 1965 from combat debris and features uniforms, weapons, flags, and other military memorabilia. In addition, photographs and details about combat locations are among the exhibits.
El Alamein War Cemetery
Designed by Sir Herbert Worthington and maintained by the British War Graves Commission in Cairo, this cemetery honors 7,367 men from various nations, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Greece, France, India, and Malaysia. In contrast, 11,945 men whose bodies were never found are commemorated in the cloister leading to the graveyard. Individual graves, marked by white markers, are situated beyond the cloister. Notably, approximately 815 servicemen were identified, and their names are inscribed above their graves.
The German War Memorial
The German War Monument, a solitary octagonal structure completed in 1959, is located three kilometers west of the Italian memorial. Facing the sea, it is modeled after the Castle del Monte and houses the remains of 4,280 German troops. Moreover, a stunning golden mosaic adorns the entrance, along with a modest chapel to the right, where family and friends can memorialize the deceased with wreaths, photographs, and ribbons.
The Memorial to Italians
El Alamein’s most prominent structure is the elegant white marble Italian Memorial, created by Paolo Caccia Dominoni, who served at El Alamein. This remarkable structure, standing 5 kilometers beyond the German Memorial, also features a modest museum near the entrance. Additionally, there is an inscription in the church honoring 4,800 Italian soldiers, sailors, and airmen, with a note that 38,000 remain missing.
Lunch Stop
A light lunch will be served while we continue our journey.
Enjoy the Sunset at Fatnas Lake
Afterward, we will head to Fatnas, a small island in Birket Siwa that can be reached by foot or bicycle. Above all, this delightful spot is perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset, with Gebel Bayda and Hamra forming a picturesque backdrop.
During your stroll around the garden, you will encounter a variety of plants, including banana, date, and olive trees.
Dinner and Overnight Stay
Dinner will be served at a restaurant in Siwa, then you will spend the night at Ghaliet Ecolodge. Ghaliet is a one-of-a-kind SPA Ecolodge located near Amoun Temple, known as Siwa Oasis’ famous oracle. Nestled among palm trees, it offers a unique experience that connects you to the ancient legends of Alexander the Great. Additionally, at Ghaliet, guests can enjoy nature, organic design, organic food, and various wellness programs.
Accommodations
The eco-lodge features 12 comfortable rooms, each with its own individuality and atmosphere. For a unique experience, consider staying in the upper rooms, which have a translucent glass ceiling, giving you the feeling of sleeping under the stars. While the lower rooms offer the unique outdoor seclusion of a private backyard.
Day 2: Siwa Oasis Tour—Camping in the Desert
Morning: Exploration of Siwa’s Historical Treasures
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before your 7:00 a.m. pickup. Afterward, visit the iconic Alexander the Great Temple, also known as the Oracle Temple, where it is said that Alexander sought validation from the Oracle regarding his divine heritage.
Refreshing Swim in the Salt Lakes
Following this, we will head to the salt lakes, where you can float effortlessly in the hyper-saline waters. You will have the option to choose from several crystal-clear lakes but be cautious to keep the water away from your eyes. Afterward, rinse off with a bottle of mineral water to cleanse the salt from your skin.
Afternoon Adventures and Cultural Experiences
A delightful lunch at Abdo restaurant; and afterward, we will visit Cleopatra’s Bath, renowned for its historical significance. Subsequently, explore the nearby Umm Ubaydah (Amun Temple), a remnant from Pharaoh Nectanebo’s era, featuring engraved walls that narrate tales of the past.
Desert Safari and Night Under the Stars
In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling 4×4 Jeep adventure across the Great Sand Sea. Here, you can try sandboarding on the highest dunes in Egypt. Additionally, enjoy a visit to Bir Waheed, a unique hot and cold spring, before settling down for traditional Bedouin tea as the sun sets.
Finally, cap off your day with a BBQ dinner at the desert camp, or opt for a comfortable ecolodge if you prefer a hotel stay.
Day 3: Exploring Siwa | Return to Cairo via Marsa MatrouhMorning Activities
Breakfast will be served at 7:00 a.m. at the camp; afterward, we drive back to the Siwa Oasis. Then, our first stop will be Shali Fortress, which sits on a hill behind a protective wall originally pierced by a single gate. This historic fortress served the oasis residents for over eight centuries, where they lived in cramped quarters and shared their livestock, herding them into the stronghold each evening.
Exploration of Historical Sites
Sadly, rain has proven more detrimental to the castle than any human invaders. For nearly 800 years, the stronghold, built in the 13th century, served as the heart of Siwan life. Many dwellings in the citadel have undergone renovations, and locals have transformed some into guesthouses.
Afterward, we will travel to the Mountain of the Dead, located slightly more than a kilometer north of Shali. At Gebel Al-Mawta, tombs from the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty, Ptolemaic period, and Roman era have been carved into the mountainside.
There are four tombs worth visiting, with the most magnificent being Si Amun Tomb, featuring exquisite paintings of the goddess Nut standing beneath a sycamore tree. Notably, Si Amun appears to have been a wealthy Egyptian, possibly of Greek heritage, yet a devotee of traditional Egyptian beliefs.
Travel to Cairo
Afterward, we will travel to Cairo, stopping in Marsa Matrouh for lunch. Marsa Matrouh, known for its serene Mediterranean coast, is a must-see destination. Legend has it that Cleopatra herself bathed in the calm waters of Marsa Matrouh, which boasts sandy white beaches and crystal blue seas.
Lunch in Marsa Matrouh
Lunch will be provided at Magdy restaurant, which specializes in seafood.
Return to Cairo
Finally, we will return to Cairo by car, and we expect to arrive at approximately 20:00.
