Siwa Magic
The Remote Retreat

Early departure from your Cairo hotel in a private 4x4 vehicle. Drive west through the desert, passing the famous Bawiti and Bahariya region. Stop for lunch at a roadside café. Arrive in Siwa Oasis in the late afternoon – a lush paradise surrounded by the Great Sand Sea. Check into your ecolodge or hotel. Watch the sunset over the palms. Traditional Siwan dinner. Overnight in Siwa.

Morning visit to the iconic Shali Fortress – a 13th‑century mud‑brick citadel offering panoramic views of Siwa. Then drive to the Temple of the Oracle (Aghurmi) – where Alexander the Great came to be confirmed as the son of Zeus‑Amun. Explore the temple’s chambers and imagine the ancient rituals. Afternoon free to wander the old Siwan market (crafts, dates, silver). Optional: visit the Cleopatra's Bath natural spring (no entrance fee). Overnight Siwa.

Morning: drive to the Great Salt Lakes of Siwa – incredibly buoyant water (higher salinity than the Dead Sea). Float effortlessly and cover yourself in mineral‑rich mud (famous for skin healing). Next, visit Cleopatra’s Bath (a natural spring pool, name is a legend). Perfect for a refreshing dip. After lunch, visit the Dakrour Mountain (hot stone therapy – sit in naturally heated caves). Late afternoon: go to Fatnas Island (aka Phantom Island) for the most famous Siwa sunset – palm trees reflected in a salt lake. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Siwa.

Morning: depart into the Great Sand Sea, one of the most dramatic dune fields on Earth. Ride over rolling dunes in a 4x4, stop at the Bir Wahed hot and cold springs (a natural phenomenon). Experience sandboarding – glide down the soft golden slopes (equipment provided). Afternoon: visit a Bedouin family camp for tea and learn about their nomadic life. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional desert dinner under the stars: freshly baked bread, grilled meat, and sweet Siwan tea. Return to your lodge late evening. Overnight Siwa.

After breakfast, check out from your lodge. Begin the long drive back to Cairo, retracing the Western Desert route. Stop for lunch along the way. Arrive in Cairo in the late afternoon/evening. Private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight (or to your Cairo hotel if staying longer). End of the Siwa Magic – a retreat unlike any other.