Experience Egypt’s history, Mediterranean beaches and desert oasis in one unforgettable journey.
This week‑long adventure takes you from the Egyptian capital to World War II memorials on the coast, the serene salt lakes of Siwa Oasis and the cosmopolitan charm of Alexandria. Travelling in a private air‑conditioned bus with a dedicated guide, you’ll enjoy comfortable transfers, carefully selected hotels and authentic local meals. Each day balances sightseeing with free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cairo → El Alamein → Marsa Matruh (overnight)
Begin early from Cairo and drive along the modern desert highway to El Alamein (about 3–3½ hours). Make a rest stop at a service area for breakfast and coffee. In El Alamein, visit the war museum and Commonwealth and German cemeteries to learn about the pivotal North‑African campaign. After lunch, continue along the coast to Marsa Matruh (about 2¼ hours). Spend the afternoon strolling the corniche, browsing local markets and relaxing on Rommel Beach before settling into your seafront hotel.
Day 2 – Marsa Matruh → Siwa Oasis
Spend the morning enjoying the turquoise bays of Marsa Matruh. Explore Agiba Beach and Al‑Gharam (Lover’s) Beach, and visit Cleopatra’s Beach to see its famous rock formation and natural pool. After lunch, depart for Siwa Oasis. The drive through the Western Desert takes roughly 4½ hours; bring water and plan a brief rest stop along the way. Arrive in Siwa in the late afternoon, check into your eco‑lodge and enjoy dinner in a traditional Siwi restaurant.
Days 3–4 – Exploring Siwa Oasis
Spend two full days immersed in Siwa’s unique landscape and heritage. Highlights include:
- Floating in the Salt Lakes – 30 minutes outside town, the highly saline lakes allow effortless floating. Remember to wear sandals and rinse off after your swim.
- Shali Fortress – Wander through this atmospheric mud‑brick fortress and climb to viewpoints over palm groves and salt flats.
- Mountain of the Dead – A hill dotted with tombs from the 26th Dynasty; three tombs are open for visits and offer superb vistas of the oasis.
- Temple of the Oracle of Amun – At Aghurmi village, this temple attracted pilgrims such as Alexander the Great. Admire its carved reliefs and enjoy the desert setting.
- Cleopatra Spring – A natural pool where you can swim in warm mineral water.
- Desert Safari – A thrilling 4×4 excursion into the Great Sand Sea with dune bashing, sand‑boarding and visits to hot and cold springs.
- Fatnas Island – Also called Sunset Island, this palm‑fringed spot is the perfect place to sip tea and watch the sunset behind the dunes.
Evenings in Siwa are relaxed: enjoy local cuisine, visit the Siwa House Museum or join a stargazing tour beneath the desert sky.
Day 5 – Siwa Oasis → Alexandria
Depart early for the long drive to Alexandria (around 5 hours by private bus). Pause in Marsa Matruh or at a roadside café for refreshments. On arrival, walk along the Corniche, breathe in the Mediterranean air and visit the 15th‑century Citadel of Qaitbay overlooking the harbour. Sample fresh seafood for dinner and settle into your hotel.
Day 6 – Alexandria
Spend a full day exploring the cultural layers of Alexandria. Visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina and its museums; descend into the 2nd‑century Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa; see Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum ruins; and tour the Roman Amphitheatre at Kom El‑Dikka. Stroll the gardens of Montaza Palace and browse the vibrant Souq El‑Attarine for spices, fabrics and antiques. Return to your hotel for a second night.
Day 7 – Alexandria → Wadi El Natrun → Cairo
After breakfast, drive south along the desert road to Wadi El Natrun (about 2½ hours). This serene depression is home to ancient Coptic monasteries. Visit Deir al‑Baramus, Deir Anba Bishoi and Deir el‑Suryani to admire icons, chapels and monastic gardens and learn about early Christian monasticism. Continue to Cairo (about 2 hours), arriving in the late afternoon. Spend your final evening exploring Khan El‑Khalili market or relaxing by the Nile.
