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 Basis)
Tour Type: Private Chauffeured & Egyptologist-Guided Desert Expedition
Tour Highlights
Venture deep into Egypt’s Western Desert on an exclusive 2-day overland expedition from Alexandria to the legendary Siwa Oasis. Located near the Libyan border, this tranquil desert haven is framed by thousands of date palms, olive groves, freshwater natural springs, and distinct Berber (Amazigh) culture. Tracing the historic Mediterranean coastal road through the World War II battlefield of El Alamein and the turquoise coastline of Marsa Matrouh, this itinerary combines ancient history, rock-cut tombs, and an exhilarating 4x4 desert safari across the golden dunes.
- El Alamein WWII Battlefield: Pause along the northern Mediterranean coast to view the historic 1942 desert battlegrounds and commemorative monuments.
- Marsa Matrouh Coastal Lunch: Savor fresh Mediterranean cuisine overlooking the turquoise waters of Egypt’s northwestern shore.
- Old Shali Fortress: Walk through 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 26th Dynasty 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 pharaonic lineage in 331 BC.
- Cleopatra’s Bath & Spring: Relax beside Siwa’s most celebrated natural bubbling spring pool surrounded by lush palm groves.
- 4x4 Great Sand Sea Safari & Bedouin Dinner: Settle into a rugged 4x4 Jeep for an off-road dune safari, followed by an authentic Bedouin dinner prepared with regional desert herbs under the starry night sky.
Detailed 2-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Alexandria – El Alamein – Marsa Matrouh – Siwa Old Town (Shali)
- 06:00 AM: Your private Ramasside Tours tour leader and driver greet you in your Alexandria hotel lobby holding a personalized name sign.
- Settle into your modern, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic drive westward along the Mediterranean coastal highway.
- Historic El Alamein: Make a morning stop at El Alamein, site of the decisive 1942 desert confrontation between Allied and Axis forces during World War II.
- Marsa Matrouh Bay: Continue along the white-sand coastline of Marsa Matrouh to enjoy 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 traditional mixture of salt rock, 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, Cleopatra's Bath & 4x4 Safari – Return to Alexandria
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Mountain of the Dead (Gabal Al-Mawta): Visit the 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 paintings, including:
- Tomb of Si-Amun: Renowned 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 protective cobra (uraeus) motifs.
- 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 proclaimed the divine son of Amun.
- Cleopatra’s Pool (Ein Guba): Walk through date-palm orchards to visit this natural spring pool fed by bubbling limestone fissures, historically linked with royal visits.
- Savor an authentic Siwan oasis lunch at a local garden restaurant.
- 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 purchases
- 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 leather captain chairs, 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.
Shore Excursion Assurance
For cruise ship travelers docking at Alexandria Port on multi-day calls, this tour features guaranteed terminal gate pickup and return timed safely ahead of your vessel's departure.
Child Policy
- 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge
- 2 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour rate
- 12+ years: Full adult rate
Recommended Alexandria & Egypt Day Tours
- Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo: Discover the classical Mediterranean capital on a full-day private journey from Cairo covering the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Roman Amphitheatre, and Fort Qaitbay.
- Cairo to Alexandria Archaeological Day Tour: A dedicated historical expedition from Cairo covering the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, and sunken Roman ruins.
- Alexandria City Highlights Day Tour: A classic 5–6 hour guided orientation exploring the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, historic downtown quarters, and the royal gardens of Montaza Palace.
- Alexandria Archaeological Day Tour: An in-depth Greco-Roman circuit within Alexandria covering the underground tombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Kom El Dikka, and the coastal citadel.
- Alexandria Historical Tour with the Graeco-Roman Museum: Explore over 40 renovated galleries of classical antiquity masterworks alongside major coastal landmarks.
- Alexandria Scuba Diving Adventure: Explore submerged ruins beneath the Eastern Harbor, including Cleopatra’s sunken palace and the ancient Pharos Lighthouse blocks.
- Alexandria Ghosts & Mysteries Tour: An evening storytelling walk exploring illuminated coastal citadels, royal garden lore at Montaza, and the infamous alleys of Raya and Sakina.
- Day Tour to Cairo from Alexandria: Travel from the Mediterranean coast to the Giza Plateau to marvel at the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
- Alexandria Shopping Tour: Combine modern retail therapy at the seaside San Stefano Grand Plaza with traditional craft bargaining in historic Mansheya souks.
- Alexandria Food Tour: Taste authentic Egyptian coastal flavors, street snacks, freshly fried Ta'ameya, Kebda Iskandarani, and Mediterranean seafood.
- Alexandria Airport Layover Tour: Maximize transit waiting times at Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) with a chauffeured private city excursion.
- Alexandria by Night Tour: Experience evening coastal charm with a traditional horse carriage (Hantour) ride along the Corniche and Stanley Bridge.
- Cairo Tour from Borg El Arab Airport: A same-day private express tour from Alexandria's airport directly to Cairo's Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum.
- Overnight Cairo Tour from Alexandria: A 2-day private excursion covering Saqqara, Memphis, the Giza Plateau, the Citadel of Saladin, and the Egyptian Museum.
- Wadi El Natrun Monasteries Tour: Journey south into the sacred desert depression to explore the four active 4th-century Coptic Christian desert monasteries.
- Rosetta (Rashid) Cultural Day Tour: Visit the Nile delta port where the Rosetta Stone was unearthed, complete with an estuary boat ride and Ottoman brick mansions.
- El Alamein World War II Battlefield Tour: Pay tribute at the WWII Military Museum, Commonwealth War Cemetery, and German and Italian coastal memorials.
For bookings, customized desert itineraries, and private VIP upgrades, contact us at: [email protected]
