Day 1: Cairo
Sunday. Cairo – El Alamein – Siwa. Starting early (7am) we drive North-west toward the Mediterranean coastline, to the World War II cemeteries of El Alamein. In 1942 the Allies under Britain’s field Marshal Montgomery halted the German- Italian advance towards the River Nile. Marked as a major victory for the Allies, though not without loss of life, with some 11,000 killed and 60,000 wounded. We visit the Commonwealth cemetery and recently erected memorials funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments. Through the arches and beyond the gardens, 7,000 white headstones commemorate the Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers who fought and died. Stopping for a light lunch in Marsa Matrouh we continue onward to Siwa. Evening walk and opportunity for dinner in a typical Siwan style restaurant. Overnight - Siwa Oasis (B, L)

Day 2: Bike ride & Temple of the Oracle
This morning we take a leisurely bicycle ride through the verdant date palm groves, visiting the local sights en-route. Our first stop is the Temple of the Oracle, dating back to near 570BC, whose most famous petitioner was Alexander the Great. Alexander visited the Siwa in the spring of 331BC, seeking confirmation from the Oracle that he was the son of Zeus (whom the Greek’s identified with Amun – the sun god and creator of all life in Pharaonic history). We cycle to Cleopatra Spring for a dip in the pool as the spring fed warm water bubbles to the surface. Afternoon at leisure or optional (book/pay locally) sunset dinner, swim and campfire at the ‘Great Saltwater Lake’. Overnight - Siwa Oasis

Day 3: 4x4 Safari
Today we visit Mountain of the Dead and explore Old Shali. Old Shali is the old city abandoned in 1926 after 3 days of rain that literally melted the mud brick city. A hermetic labyrinth of secret corridors, homes, shops, granaries and mosques are all waiting to be explored.

Afternoon - Desert Safari. 4x4 through the massive sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea, stopping off at an amazing natural spring fed lake surrounded by miles of sandy desert. We also visit the site of an ancient ocean abundant with marine fossils and finish the day at the hot spring of Bir Wahed for swimming and sunset dinner. Overnight - Siwa Oasis (B, D)

Day 4: Libyan market
Siwa – Marsa Matrouh – Alexandria. An early start, we drive along the north coast to Marsa Matrouh . The city has a large Libyan/Berber population distinctive in custom and dress. We stop for lunch, swim in the Med and have time to explore the Libyan souq (if open) before driving onward to Alexandria. Total - 9hrs drive. Overnight - Alexandria (B, L)

Days 5 - 6: Alexandria
Alexandria - Cairo. A free morning to relax, afternoon sightseeing of Montazzah Palace, home to King Farouk – the last monarch of the Mohamed Ali dynasty who abdicated and fled to Italy and Quat Bay Fort, the site of the Pharos – Alexandria ’s great lighthouse. Evening tram ride into the downtown to shop followed by famous Alexandrian Fateer for dinner. On day 6, guided sightseeing of the Catacombs, Pompeii’s Pillar, National Museum and stop at the Library of Alexandria. After lunch, we return to Cairo. Overnight - Alexandria (1), Cairo (1) (B:1, D:1)

 

Day 7: Cairo
Saturday. Our tour concludes, onward transfer to the start hotel of any subsequent tour or to the airport. (B)