Egypt Encompassed

As-salamu alaykum! Welcome to Egypt. Your trip will start with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. If you arrive early, get to know this energetic and layered city. You could explore the Citadel for views across the city, or see calligraphy, ceramics and textiles at the Museum of Islamic Art. Maybe wander Khan al-Khalili’s market lanes or watch a traditional Sufi dance performance. Perhaps stroll through the halls of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and its Royal Mummies Room or discover Christian art and artefacts at the Coptic Museum. After your meeting, you might like to head out to dinner to get to know your fellow travellers better.

Today, you’ll start at the Giza Plateau, where you’ll stand before the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos – this is the last remining Wonder of the Ancient World! Then, visit the Valley Temple, where priests mummified the body of King Chephren at the Giza Plateau. From here, you’ll have a great view of the Sphinx – the legendary limestone guardian with the body of a lion and the head of King Chephren. Later, head to the Grand Egyptian Museum – the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. Explore galleries tracing more than 5000 years of ancient Egyptian history, see the colossal statue of Ramesses II in the Grand Hall and discover the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time. The museum’s expansive galleries include the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time, along with extensive halls that trace Egypt’s development from its prehistoric beginnings through the Pharaonic, Late, and Greco-Roman periods. Visitors can explore monumental features such as the Grand Staircase lined with statues of kings and deities, the Hanging Obelisk at the entrance, and the colossal statue of Ramesses II that anchors the Grand Hall.

Hit the road this morning for the drive to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria – Egypt’s second-largest city and main port, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and known locally as the Bride of the Mediterranean. You’ll head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs – this Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt. The crypts are 20 m (66 ft) below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. After, stop by the Roman Amphitheatre. Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Today, you’ll leave Alexandria, heading to El Alamein and the Siwa Oasis. It’s a lengthy drive and a good opportunity to sink into a book or podcast, or get to know your new friends better. When you arrive, you’ll visit the ancient town of Shali and Shali Castle, founded during the 13th century – its ultimate demise probably came during the 20th century due to harsh rainfalls. The houses in town were originally made of khershef (a local mixture of clay, salt and varied materials). You’ll spend the night in Siwa tonight.

Today, you’ll visit the temple of the Oracle of Amun – once home to one of the most famous oracles in the ancient world! In fact, Alexander the Great visited this temple in 331 BC to gain confirmation to be the king of Egypt. After, head to the Cleopatra Bath – the most popular natural water spring in Siwa, yet with no known connection between the queen and the spring. Continue to the Mountain of the Dead – an iconic conical archaeological site, this ancient necropolis is honeycombed with thousands of rock-cut tombs dating back to the 26th Dynasty, as well as the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. In the afternoon, head to the Great Sand Sea for a 4WD dune excursion. The last stop of the day will be at Bir Wahed, a water spring in the middle of the sand dunes. Maybe take a soak in the mineral water and have a cup of tea as you watch the sunset over the desert, before heading back to Siwa.

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Siwa Handicrafts Organisation, which supports hundreds of local women artisans as they preserve traditional Siwan motifs. See their distinctive embroidery, garments, silver jewellery and basketry, and learn how cooperative, home-based work creates sustainable income while keeping local techniques alive. Continue to Marsa Matrouh and settle into your accommodation for the night.

Today is a big drive, so you might like to immerse yourself in a good book or your favourite podcast. Or why not get to know your fellow travellers a bit more with some car games. Tonight, you’ll join an Egyptian local family for a traditional dinner in their home. It’s a great chance to see a different side of local life, try out some excellent Egyptian dishes and swap stories with your welcoming hosts.