Exploring Siwa and Egypt North Coast

Alexandria

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll leave Cairo behind us for our morning’s two-hour journey to the ancient port of Alexandria. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Mediterranean on arrival and then begin your guided exploration here in the fabled city of Cleopatra and Alexander the Great.

The Royal Library of Alexandria was one of the greatest institutions of the ancient world, drawing learned people from throughout the Mediterranean and beyond from its construction in the 3rd century BCE until its destruction centuries later. Today, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina stands as a marvel of the modern world. Shaped like a giant discus embedded in the ground, its granite facades are carved with letters, pictograms, characters and hieroglyphs from more than 120 different scripts. Inside, its main reading room can hold 8 million books and accommodate 2,500 people under its distinctive sloping roof.

After our guided tour through this striking landmark, we’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant with a view of the sea and then check in to the 5 stars sea view hotel. Meals: B+L.

Alexandria

Founded in 331 BCE by Alexander the Great, this legendary port city has much to see that bears witness to its ancient glory. With our engaging guide, your touring begins with the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Just discovered in 1900, this vast complex of rock-cut tombs was used for nearly 200 years starting in the 2nd century AD. With ornamented columns, labyrinthine passages, funeral halls and relief carvings in a variety of styles, the Catacombs are a vivid illustration of Alexandria’s unique blend of Egyptian, Greek and Roman traditions. At Pompey’s Pillar, you’ll discover an impressive monolithic column that was erected in 300 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Outside of town, explore the lovely Montazah Palace and Royal Gardens. Set on nearly 150 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds along the Mediterranean, you’ll discover two striking palaces. Built as a hunting lodge in 1892 by the last ruler of the Mohammad Ali Dynasty, the Salamlek Palace has been restored on several occasions and served as a presidential residence. On the same grounds, the newer Al-Haramlik Palace is distinguished by its fanciful blend of Moorish, Turkish and Florentine architectural elements. Before returning to your luxury hotel, you’ll also visit the ancient Roman Amphitheater and enjoy lunch at a sea view restaurant.  Meals: B+L.

Marsa Matruh

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road towards Alamein (60km), and visit the WWII Museum and the War Memorial. Moving on, we’ll reach Marsa Matruh and check-in the hotel to enjoy the marvelous beach of Marsa Matruh. Dinner will be served at the Hotel. Meals: included: B+D Optional: L

Siwa Lodge

After breakfast we start our way towards Siwa Oasis.  Famed as the location of the Oracle of Amon, whom Alexander the Great consulted before continuing his Persian conquest, Siwa exists today much as it always has, boasting majestic rock formations, lush groves and brilliant salt lakes throughout the oasis. We’ll check in your choice of Siwa lodges: The Eco-lodge Adrère Amellal, created at the foot of the “White mountain” is like some fairytale casbah form “A Thousand and One Nights”. It provides a breathtaking view of the salt lake or of the surrounding oasis every where you look. Or you’ll check in the Albabenshal Heritage Lodge, located directly outside the entrance of the historic Fortress of Shali. Or Shali Lodge, set within the exceptional landscape of the Sahara desert and constructed using popular Siwan’s ways. Settle in to your room where you’ll have time to refresh before dinner. Meals:  Adrère Amellal (Full Board). Albabenshal and Shali lodge: included: B+L Optional: D

Siwa Lodge

After breakfast,  you’ll enjoy authentic experiences around Siwa and unforgetful adventures discovering the Oasis of the Oracle. With our expert guide you’ll visit the great historic sites of Siwa created by Siwa’s earliest civilizations like Cleopatra’s Water Spring, Mountain of the Dead and The Temple of the Oracle of Amun, where Alexander the Great came in 331 BC to consult the Oracle of Amun in order to seek confirmation that he was the son of the gods and consequently the legitimate Pharaoh of Egypt. You can enjoy a lovely lunch in a local restaurant (Optional) and you can also enjoy the Dinner served at the hotel. Meals:  Adrère Amellal: Full Board. Albabenshal and Shali lodge: included: B+D Optional: L

Siwa Lodge

After breakfast, our guide will take you to an adventurous ride through the rolling dunes (Optional and not included in the price). Even if you’ve been to countless other deserts, nothing can prepare you for what you’ll encounter here. Alone and surrounded by endless mountains of talcum-powder-quality sand, the guide will take you on a “Sahara rollercoaster”, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you hurtle down the side of yet another mammoth dune and find yourself at a different lake. Meals:  Adrère Amellal: Full Board. Albabenshal and Shali lodge: included: B+L Optional: D

Cairo

After breakfast, we head back to Cairo in our air-condition vehicle. Lunch will be served on the way. Upon arrival we check in at  Cairo hotel.  Meals: included: B+L Optional: D

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to check-in for your onward flight. Meals B