This journey will take you beyond the well-trodden paths into Egypt’s quieter wonders.

Begin in Cairo, where Villa Belle Époque, in the city’s leafy southern quarter, offers a tranquil base from which to explore. Spend a few hours at the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, in a dramatic setting near the Giza Plateau, which offers a wonderful insight into Egypt’s history through its vast collection.

Next, continue north to Alexandria, once the jewel of the Mediterranean, where traces of the city’s classical past remain in its underground catacombs, crumbling amphitheatre and the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

From here, travel west to El Alamein, where low, windswept cemeteries mark the tragic aftermath of a pivotal moment in modern history.

The journey then moves far into the Western Desert, where the remote beauty of the Siwa Oasis unfolds. Surrounded by palm groves, salt lakes and sand dunes, Siwa feels untouched by time. From the hilltop tombs of Jabal el Mawta to the ruins of the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, this isolated settlement offers a glimpse into a very different Egypt – quieter, more elemental and deeply rooted in its own traditions.

This itinerary is designed for those who have seen Egypt’s highlights and are ready to go further – into landscapes less travelled, cities shaped by many eras and oases where history and myth still linger in the air.

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Itinerary Highlights

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Explore the world’s largest archaeological museum with a private guide who brings Egypt’s extraordinary history to life. Home to the full treasures of Tutankhamun and countless ancient wonders, the GEM offers an unparalleled window into the legacy of the pharaohs.

Alexandria

Uncover Alexandria’s classical past with a private guide. First, you will be taken to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt, and Pompey’s Pillar, the last remaining trace of the grand Serapeum, once dedicated to Emperor Diocletian. Next, continue to the Roman Amphitheatre, the only one of its kind in Egypt, with remarkably preserved marble terraces. End the day at the Library of Alexandria, a striking modern tribute to the city’s ancient legacy and a vibrant centre for knowledge, culture and dialogue.

El Alamein War Cemetery

Visit the El Alamein War Cemetery, where more than 7,000 Allied soldiers are buried following the Western Desert campaign of 1940–1942. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the site stands as a powerful reminder of the cost of war. Your guide will help you locate the grave of Major James Stockley Sinnott and offer insight into the Second Battle of El Alamein, a decisive victory that marked a major turning point in the North African campaign during the Second World War.

Tombs of Jabal el Mawta

Explore the Tombs of Jabal el Mawta (or the ‘Mountain of the Dead’), a limestone hill just outside Siwa town that houses more than 700 tombs carved into its slopes. Dating back to the Greco-Roman and 26th Dynasty periods, the site offers a rare glimpse into ancient burial practices. Several tombs are open to the public, their walls still adorned with remarkably preserved mural paintings.

Cleopatra’s Spring

Stop by Cleopatra’s Spring, a natural limestone pool fed by bubbling underground springs and one of Siwa’s most iconic freshwater sources. Situated among palm groves on the path to the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, the spring has been used for centuries as a communal bathing spot – and legend says Cleopatra herself may have bathed here. It is possible to take a refreshing dip but modest dress is advised out of respect for the conservative customs of this small Egyptian town.

Temple of the Oracle of Amun

Discover the Temple of the Oracle of Amun with a private guide. This ancient sanctuary drew rulers and pilgrims for centuries, most famously Alexander the Great, who visited in 331 BC to seek divine confirmation of his claim as son of the gods and rightful Pharaoh of Egypt. The temple’s desert setting and well-preserved ruins offer a rare glimpse into the oracular traditions that shaped both local and wider Mediterranean history.

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
Private international airport transfers in destination
The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
24/7 support whilst travelling
ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Egypt Revisited: From the Sea to the Sands

This journey will take you beyond the well-trodden paths into Egypt’s quieter wonders.

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Cairo

Alexandria

Siwa Oasis

When to go

Best time to visit

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Average time to visit

DID YOU KNOW?

The Siwa people speak a Berber language called Siwi, which is quite distinct from Arabic and is one of the last surviving Berber dialects in Egypt.

Itinerary Highlights

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Alexandria

El Alamein War Cemetery

Tombs of Jabal el Mawta

Cleopatra’s Spring

Temple of the Oracle of Amun

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

Where to stay

Villa Belle Époque, Cairo

Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Alexandria

Adrere Amellal, Siwa Oasis

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