Overnight Trip from Alexandria to Siwa

Schedule: Daily Departures

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Pickup Time: 06:00 AM

Pickup & Drop-off: Alexandria Hotels or Alexandria Port (Private Round-Trip Transfer)

Accommodation: 1 Night in Siwa (Siwa Paradise Hotel or equivalent, Half-Board)

Tour Highlights

Venture deep into Egypt’s Western Desert on a private 2-day expedition from Alexandria to the legendary Siwa Oasis. Located near the Libyan border, this tranquil oasis is renowned for its lush date palms, olive groves, freshwater and saltwater springs, and distinct Berber (Amazigh) culture. Along the route, witness historic World War II battlegrounds at El Alamein, take in the turquoise waters of Marsa Matrouh, and experience adrenaline-pumping 4x4 desert safari adventures across golden dunes.

• El Alamein War Memorials: Stop along the Mediterranean coastline to reflect at the historic 1942 World War II desert battlefield.
• Marsa Matrouh Bay: Enjoy a Mediterranean coastal lunch and scenic views along the crystalline waters of the northern shore.
• Old Shali Fortress: Walk among the labyrinthine mudbrick and salt-rock (Kershef) ruins of the 13th-century fortified citadel towering above the oasis center.
• Mountain of the Dead (Gabal Al-Mawta): Explore rock-cut pharaonic and Greco-Roman tombs carved into a conical limestone hill, including the tomb of Si-Amun, the tomb of Mesu-Isis, and the Crocodile Tomb.
• Temple of the Oracle of Amun (Alexander's Temple): Stand where Alexander the Great sought confirmation of his divine lineage in 331 BC.
• Cleopatra’s Bath & Spring: Relax by Siwa’s most famous natural stone spring pool surrounded by date palms.
• 4x4 Dune Bashing & Bedouin Dinner: Settle into a rugged 4x4 Jeep for an off-road desert safari across the dunes, followed by an authentic Bedouin dinner under the desert stars.

Detailed 2-Day Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Alexandria – El Alamein – Marsa Matrouh – Siwa Old Town (Shali)

• 06:00 AM: Your private Ramasside Tours Egyptologist guide and driver greet you in your Alexandria hotel lobby holding a personalized name sign.
• Depart Alexandria in a modern, climate-controlled vehicle traveling westward along the coastal highway.
• Historic El Alamein: Make a morning stop at El Alamein, site of the pivotal 1942 desert battle between Allied and Axis forces during World War II.
• Marsa Matrouh Mediterranean Lunch: Continue along the turquoise bays of Marsa Matrouh for a freshly prepared Mediterranean coastal lunch overlooking the water.
• Drive into the Western Desert: Turn south away from the coast, driving roughly five hours across the desert expanses toward the Siwa depression.
• Fortress of Shali: Arrive in Siwa and explore the dramatic ruins of Shali. Constructed in the 13th century from kershef (a local mixture of salt, clay, and mud), this fortified stronghold sheltered oasis inhabitants from desert raiders. Climb to the upper ramparts for panoramic views over the oasis and surrounding salt lakes.
• Traditional Bedouin Dinner: Conclude your day with a slow-cooked Bedouin meal prepared with local herbs, dates, and freshly baked bread.
• Check-in and overnight stay at Siwa Paradise Hotel (or equivalent).

Day 2: Mountain of the Dead, Oracle Temple, 4x4 Desert Safari – Return to Alexandria

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Mountain of the Dead (Gabal Al-Mawta): Visit the honeycomb-like conical limestone hill containing hundreds of rock-cut tombs dating from the 26th Dynasty through the Roman era. Enter preserved burial chambers featuring vibrant wall frescoes, including:
• Tomb of Si-Amun: Widely regarded as the finest tomb in the Western Desert, decorated with painted scenes of the deceased praying to Nut, Hathor, and Osiris.
• Tomb of Mesu-Isis: Notable for clear depictions of Cobra uraeus guardians.
• The Crocodile Tomb: Decorated with colorful motifs of the sacred reptile.
• Temple of the Oracle of Amun (Aghurmi): Visit the hilltop limestone sanctuary where Alexander the Great journeyed across the desert in 331 BC to be anointed the son of Amun.
• Cleopatra’s Pool (Ein Guba): Walk among the palm groves to visit this natural spring pool fed by bubbling limestone fissures, historically linked with the visits of Egyptian royalty.
• Savor lunch at an authentic Siwan garden cafe.
• 4x4 Great Sand Sea Safari: Board a rugged 4x4 Jeep with an experienced desert navigator to explore the rolling dunes, desert tracks, and freshwater/saltwater springs.
• Late Afternoon Return: Board your private vehicle for the return journey via Marsa Matrouh back to Alexandria.
• Arrive at your Alexandria hotel late in the evening.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 1 night hotel accommodation in Siwa (Siwa Paradise Hotel or equivalent) on a half-board basis (breakfast and Bedouin dinner)
• 2 lunches included during the itinerary (Marsa Matrouh coastal lunch & Siwa oasis lunch)
• All private transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles between Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, and Siwa
• Private 4x4 Jeep desert safari expedition in Siwa
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide throughout the entire trip
• All entrance tickets to scheduled archaeological and cultural attractions (Shali Fortress, Mountain of the Dead, and Oracle Temple)
• Chilled bottled mineral water inside vehicles throughout all travel days
• All road tolls, desert checkpoints, and municipal taxes

Exclusions

• Entry visa to Egypt
• Optional swim fees or personal refreshments at Cleopatra’s Spring
• Beverages during lunches and dinners
• Professional vacation photographer add-on
• Personal expenses, dates and olive oil shopping
• Gratuities / Tipping

Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes

Executive Luxury Van Upgrade

Upgrade your long-distance overland transfers to an executive luxury van featuring extra legroom, plush reclining seats, dual-zone climate control, onboard Wi-Fi, and cold beverages.

Professional Vacation Photographer

Hire a dedicated vacation photographer to capture your memories across the mudbrick ruins of Shali, the dramatic dunes, and desert springs for $50 per day.

Desert Packing Recommendations

• Footwear: Flat, comfortable closed-toe hiking shoes or sneakers for walking on rocky surfaces around Shali and the Mountain of the Dead. Sandals for relaxation around the springs.
• Clothing: Light, breathable, modest cotton clothing for daytime warmth, and a warm fleece or jacket for chilly desert nights.
• Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sun hat or desert headscarf.

Child Policy

• 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge
• 2 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour rate
• 12+ years: Full adult rate

For bookings, customized desert itineraries, and private VIP upgrades, contact us at: [email protected]