Overnight Trip from Alexandria to Siwa Oasis

Schedule: Daily Departures

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Pickup Time: 06:00 AM

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

Tour Highlights

Venture deep into the Western Desert on an exclusive 2-day private overland expedition from Alexandria to the legendary Siwa Oasis. Combining World War II military history, scenic Mediterranean coastline drives, ancient Berber heritage, and thrilling desert dune bashing, this journey offers an authentic immersion into one of Egypt’s most secluded desert sanctuaries.

• El Alamein War Memorials: Stop at the historic battlefield of El Alamein, site of the pivotal 1942 Allied victory during World War II.
• Marsa Matrouh Coastal Lunch: Savor fresh Mediterranean cuisine overlooking the turquoise waters of Marsa Matrouh before turning south into the Sahara.
• Ancient Shali Fortress (Old Town Siwa): Explore the labyrinthine ruins of 13th-century Shali, built from kershef (a traditional mixture of salt, clay, and mud), followed by an authentic Bedouin dinner under the stars.
• Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al-Mawta): Step inside rock-cut tombs dating back to the 26th Dynasty and Ptolemaic periods, featuring the vibrant burial chambers of Si-Amun, Niperpathot, and the Crocodile Tomb.
• Temple of the Oracle & Cleopatra’s Spring: Stand where Alexander the Great was declared the son of Amun in 331 BC, and visit the crystal-clear natural limestone spring known as Cleopatra’s Bath.
• 4x4 Desert Safari & Sandboarding: Traverse the rolling dunes of the Great Sand Sea in a private 4x4 Jeep, visiting tranquil natural desert lakes and ancient fossil deposits.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Alexandria – El Alamein – Marsa Matrouh – Siwa Oasis & Old Shali

• Your Ramasside Tours Egyptologist guide and professional driver will meet you directly at your Alexandria hotel at 06:00 AM holding a personalized sign.
• Travel west along the coastal Mediterranean highway toward El Alamein. Visit the historic World War II battlefield and pay respects at the military museum and commonwealth cemeteries commemorating the landmark 1942 campaign.
• Continue along the shoreline to the picturesque bay of Marsa Matrouh. Savor a relaxed Mediterranean seafood lunch overlooking the azure coast.
• Drive inland south through the desert landscape toward Siwa Oasis (approximately 4.5 to 5 hours from Marsa Matrouh).
• Upon arrival in Siwa, check in to your hotel (Siwa Paradise Hotel or equivalent authentic desert property).
• The Fortress of Shali: Ascend the ancient mud-brick and salt-rock ruins of Old Shali, wandering through its organic alleys for panoramic sunset views across the palm groves and salt lakes.
• Conclude your evening with a traditional Bedouin dinner featuring slow-cooked Saharan specialties, aromatic mint tea, and open campfire hospitality.
• Overnight in Siwa Oasis.

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

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel featuring local date preserves, olives, and fresh bread.
• Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al-Mawta): Explore the conical limestone hill honeycombed with ancient tombs from the 26th Dynasty through Greco-Roman times. Admire the preserved colored frescoes inside the Tomb of Si-Amun and the sacred reliefs of the Crocodile Tomb.
• Temple of the Oracle (Aghurmi): Visit the sanctuary where Alexander the Great sought confirmation of his divine lineage from the Oracle of Amun in 331 BC.
• Cleopatra’s Bath (Ein Guba): Stop beside the famed natural circular spring where legend recounts Queen Cleopatra once bathed. Relax at nearby palm-shaded cafes.
• Savor lunch at an authentic local Siwan restaurant.
• 4x4 Great Sand Sea Safari: Board a private, rugged 4x4 Jeep for an exhilarating excursion into the Great Sand Sea. Experience sand dune bashing, try sandboarding down soft desert slopes, and visit the fossil fields of the prehistoric Eocene ocean.
• Depart Siwa in the afternoon for your comfortable private overland return transfer to your hotel in Alexandria.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 1 Night hotel accommodation in Siwa (Siwa Paradise Hotel or equivalent) on Half Board basis (Breakfast & Bedouin Dinner)
• Private round-trip overland transfers between Alexandria and Siwa in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
• 4x4 Desert Safari Jeep excursion with skilled desert driver in the Great Sand Sea
• Two lunches included during the itinerary (Mediterranean lunch on Day 1 & local lunch on Day 2)
• Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist/desert guide throughout the entire tour
• All entrance fees and tickets to sites mentioned in the itinerary (El Alamein, Shali, Gebel al-Mawta, Temple of the Oracle)
• All service charges, road tolls, and municipal taxes

Exclusions

• Entry visa to Egypt
• Optional drinks and personal expenses
• Professional photographer add-on
• Gratuities / Tipping

Accommodation Options

• Siwa Oasis: Siwa Paradise Hotel / Dream Lodge Siwa / Shali Resort Siwa / Ghaliet Ecolodge & Spa (Subject to availability at time of booking)

Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes

Executive Luxury Van Upgrade

Upgrade your long-distance overland transfers to an executive luxury van featuring reclining captain chairs, extra legroom, dual-zone air conditioning, and onboard refreshments.

Professional Vacation Photographer

Hire a professional photographer to accompany you across Siwa’s ancient fortresses, springs, and rolling sand dunes for $50 per day.

Seaside Lunch Upgrade

Upgrade your Marsa Matrouh lunch to a premium seafood menu at an oceanfront restaurant for an additional $15 per person.

Essential Packing List

• Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking boots for climbing Shali and Gebel al-Mawta.
• Sandals or flip-flops for the springs and natural desert lakes.
• Sunglasses, wide-brim sun hat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Warm layers or a light jacket (desert temperatures can drop significantly after sunset).

Child Policy

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

For reservations, custom departure points, or VIP private upgrades, contact us at: [email protected]