3-Day Siwa & El Alamein Tour from Cairo: Desert & History
WWII Battlefield, Ancient Temples, Salt Lakes, and a Night in the Desert
This 3-day tour from Cairo combines El Alamein's World War II history with Siwa Oasis's desert landscape and ancient sites. Day one takes you through the Military Museum and Commonwealth War Cemetery, then onward to Siwa for sunset at Fatnas Island and a traditional Bedouin dinner. Days two and three cover the Mountain of the Dead, temples of Amun and Alexander, Cleopatra's Springs, a desert safari at sunset, and the old market and Shali Castle before returning to Cairo.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: El Alamein history and travel to Siwa
- Pickup from Cairo hotel at 7:00 AM
- Visit El Alamein Military Museum
- Visit Commonwealth War Cemetery
- Lunch in Marsa Matrouh
- Travel to Siwa Oasis and hotel check-in
- Sunset at Fatnas Island
- Traditional Bedouin dinner in desert camp
- Overnight stay at hotel
Day 2: Siwa cultural sites and desert safari
- Breakfast at hotel at 9:00 AM
- Hotel check-out at 10:00 AM
- Visit Mountain of the Dead
- Visit Temple of Amun
- Visit Temple of Alexander
- Visit salt lakes and Cleopatra's Springs
- Lunch at Cleopatra's Springs
- Desert safari from 3:00 PM to sunset
- Dinner at city center market
- Return to hotel for overnight stay
Day 3: Siwa market and return to Cairo
- Breakfast at hotel at 9:00 AM
- Hotel check-out at 10:00 AM
- Shopping in old market
- Visit Shali Castle and old houses
- Depart Siwa at 12:00 PM
- Arrive in Cairo at 9:00 PM
The experience
The tour opens at El Alamein, where the Military Museum holds original tanks, weapons, and exhibits from World War II, followed by the Commonwealth War Cemetery: a quiet memorial to thousands of soldiers. After lunch in Marsa Matrouh, you travel west into the desert toward Siwa Oasis, arriving in the late afternoon to settle into your hotel. The first evening ends with a trip to Fatnas Island to photograph the sunset, then a traditional Bedouin dinner in a desert camp under the stars.
Day two builds around Siwa's ancient and natural sites. Breakfast at 9:00 AM is followed by visits to the Mountain of the Dead, the Temple of Amun, the Temple of Alexander, and the salt lakes where you can swim in Cleopatra's Springs and have lunch there. At 3:00 PM a desert safari begins and runs until sunset, crossing golden dunes before returning to the city center for dinner and an overnight stay.
The final morning gives you time to explore Siwa's old market and Shali Castle: the medieval mud-brick fortress and surrounding houses that define the town's character. You check out at 10:00 AM and depart at noon, arriving back in Cairo at 9:00 PM. All meals, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees, and one night's accommodation are included. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.
What’s included
- All transportation in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
- all entrance fees to El Alamein's Military Museum and Commonwealth War Cemetery, Siwa's temples and sites.
- all meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
- one night in an eco-lodge with half board.
- expert multilingual guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.
- hotel pickup and return.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 25 days ago
Operated by Egyptra Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to combine World War II history with desert oasis exploration in one trip. The three-day pace lets you linger at both El Alamein's battlefields and Siwa's temples without feeling rushed.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.
What is the Military Museum at El Alamein like?
The Military Museum at El Alamein holds original tanks, weapons, and war exhibits from World War II that document the historic 1942 battles fought there. The Commonwealth War Cemetery nearby is a peaceful memorial to thousands of soldiers from multiple nations.
Can I swim at Cleopatra's Springs?
Yes, Cleopatra's Springs in Siwa is a natural pool where you can swim. Lunch is served there on day two after you visit the springs.
What happens on the desert safari?
The desert safari runs from 3:00 PM until sunset on day two, taking you across the golden dunes surrounding Siwa. You return to the city center afterward for dinner.
How much time do I have to explore Siwa's old town?
On day three you have from breakfast (9:00 AM) until noon departure to visit the old market and Shali Castle, the medieval mud-brick fortress and historic houses in the center of Siwa.
Is hotel pickup from Cairo included?
Yes, your driver picks you up from your Cairo hotel at 7:00 AM on day one. The return journey arrives in Cairo at 9:00 PM on day three.
3-Day Siwa & El Alamein Tour from Cairo: Desert & History
3d · EN · ES · FR · DE · IT · at your hotel
from US$ 680 per person
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