Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Egypt: Alexandria & Siwa - 6 Days

After you settle into your hotel, meet a local Egyptologist who will lead you on a tour to experience the iconic history of this ancient city. First, tour the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, one of Egypt's largest Roman burial sites. Continue the theme with a visit to the second-century Roman Amphitheater, the only one of its kind in Egypt. End the day at the Alexandria National Museum, which displays more than 1,800 artifacts from Egypt's history in the former palace of businessman Asaad Bassili. 

After the library, you'll visit another of Alexandria's most prominent landmarks, the Citadel of Qaitbay, a defensive fortress from the 15th century that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Stop along the way for a traditional Egyptian lunch to sample local specialties like stuffed grape leaves. Finally, you'll visit Montaza Palace, another coastal gem. Dating to the 19th century, it became the summer residence for the Egyptian royal family and features an ornate design mixing Ottoman, Moorish, and Florentine styles. The palace isn't open to the public, but visitors are welcome in the expansive 150-acre (60 ha) gardens.

Day 3: Transfer to Siwa via El-Alamein & Marsa Matruh

Wake up early and hit the road for a full-day, eight-hour transfer west across Egypt to the vast Sahara Desert and the legendary Siwa Oasis. Located near the border with Libya, Siwa is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, including vast dunes, salt lakes, and natural springs.

As you cross the desert, you'll stop in El-Alamein, located on the Mediterranean coast a couple of hours from Alexandria and the site of two major World War II battles. While here, you'll visit a war museum and cemetery dedicated to these battles. Continue to the resort town of Marsa Matruh for a lunch break in one of the local restaurants, then finish the journey to Siwa and check into your accommodation, where you'll have the rest of the evening free to relax.

Day 4: Discover Siwa: Tombs, Springs, Temples, Museums & Islands

After an early breakfast, meet your driver and hop in a vehicle to explore more of the Siwa Oasis. Your guide will lead you to some of the area's major sites and landmarks, including Gebel el-Mawta (the Mountain of the Dead), which houses tombs dating back to the Saite Dynasty (664 BCE to 525 BCE). Venture through the winding passages of the mountain as your guide regales you with stories of the pharaohs who once rested here.

Your next stop is the famous Cleopatra Bath, an oasis spring acclaimed for its rejuvenating properties. Swim in the naturally warm water, just as Cleopatra herself is reputed to have done. Continue to the impressive Oracle Temple, an ancient religious sanctuary from the sixth century BCE. It's said that Alexander the Great visited this temple seeking affirmation during his quest to conquer Egypt. 

Next, you'll learn more about the rich history and culture of the region at Siwan House, a museum set in a historic house with exhibits on the local inhabitants' traditional crafts, costumes, and daily routines. At sunset, visit Fatnas Island (also known as Fantasy Island), a palm-covered islet on Lake Siwa famous for its sunsets and picturesque views of the salt lakes. Afterward, you'll return to your accommodation in Siwa.

Day 5: Explore the Shali Fortress, Safari Tour & Bedouin Dinner

Your oasis adventure continues this morning with a visit to the Shali Fortress. Also known as the Shali Citadel, the ruins of this mud-brick fortress date to the 13th century. This ancient stronghold once housed hundreds of people and offers awe-inspiring views of the oasis and surrounding desert. 

After exploring the fortress, it's time to refuel with a hearty lunch at a local Siwa lodge. Enjoy the flavors of traditional cuisine, such as reearin (Siwan lentil dip), and authentic Siwan hospitality while resting up for the afternoon's safari adventure. After lunch, you'll zip through the desert in a 4WD vehicle as you navigate the sandy dunes, occasionally stopping to marvel at the sight of petrified forests and fossilized seashells. Stop to take a refreshing dip in one of the pristine lakes or natural springs, then end the day with a classic Bedouin dinner under the starlit desert sky. 

Day 6: Transfer to Cairo, Depart