Egypt Family Easter 13 days

Embark on a captivating day as we pick you up from your accommodation in Giza or Cairo at 6 a.m. Our first destination is Bahariya Oasis, situated approximately 350 kilometers east of Cairo. In the past, those from Bahariya traveling to the Nile valley would often wait for caravans.

During the journey, enjoy two coffee breaks, and take note of the Bahariya Oasis, a crucial source of Egypt's iron ore, evident from the rails transporting reserves to the Helwan steel factory. Four locations, known as Managim, house iron ore derived from middle Eocene limestone.

Arriving at Bahariya Oasis at 10:00, meet your safari guide, hop into your 4x4 Jeep, and commence your journey to the dark desert, named for the black powder coating its mountains, hills, and dunes. Some peaks are entirely covered in this powder.

At 12:00, relish lunch in El Haize Oasis, 37 kilometers from Bawiti, recognized as a distinct oasis. Once prosperous during the Roman era, many families trace their roots back to Libya. Prior to lunch, unwind in a hot spring, known for its stress-relieving properties. The "Water Museum" here educates visitors on the importance of underground water for desert dwellers and the tools Egyptians employed for agriculture.

At 13:00, venture to the Agabat Valley.

By 14:00, reach the Agabat Valley in the heart of the White Desert, a site that showcases otherworldly beauty. Once submerged millions of years ago, the area now reveals distinct formations of limestone, chalk, and sandstone. Explore the jungle valley by 4x4 jeep, engage in sandboarding at 16:30, and discover the national park, Egypt's most renowned desert destination. Admire hundreds of natural rock formations resembling animals, such as a hen, sphinx, camel, tent, and mushroom.

As the rock formations fade, the sky transitions through hues of pink and orange, creating a serene atmosphere by 18:30. Enjoy a delightful dinner around a small fire, and experience the unique taste of chicken, rice, and veggies. Bedouin crews will coordinate your desert camping experience.

Today, start your day with a delightful breakfast amidst the natural beauty of the desert at 7:00 am before embarking on a journey to Bahariya Oasis. At 9:00, make a stop at Crystal Mountain, also known as Gebel al-Izzaz. The hill, composed of quartzite crystals visible on the right, earned its nickname "the Jewel of the Desert" due to its stunning appearance when illuminated by the sun. This natural wonder was discovered by chance a few decades ago.

Continue your drive to Bahariya Oasis by 11:00 and take a moment to relax in the soothing heat of Bir Sigam, a renowned hot spring located 7 km east of Bahariya on Cairo Road. In the summer, an alternative stop is Bir Madi, a refreshing cold spring.

After 12:00, return to Cairo by car, with an estimated arrival time of 16:30. For those eager to delve deeper into the oasis's history, consider two additional options: an excursion to the Alexander the Great Temple, the museum of the golden mummies, and the Bawiti tombs.

Discover Gebel Maghrafa, palm and olive groves, and Bahariya Oasis. In 1914, at the foot of Gebel Dist, the largest Diansour (Stromer's Tidal Giant) ever found was unearthed. Enjoy the view of the sunset from the top of English Mountain (Gebel Al Ingleez) overlooking Lake al-Marun, the largest salt lake in Bahariya Oasis. The summit offers a panoramic view of the northern region of the oasis before you head back on the road to Cairo.

Our representative will meet you at your Cairo hotel to facilitate your journey. We offer various trips to Fayoum Oasis, providing the option of a one-day excursion or an overnight stay in El Fayoum to explore this enchanting oasis. Situated less than a hundred kilometers from Cairo, Fayoum boasts a rich heritage of flora, fauna, and archaeology, making it one of Egypt's most beautiful and fertile regions. Additionally, it is home to two areas protected by the Egyptian Government: Lake Qarun and Wadi Rayan National Parks.

Fayoum is comprised of six administrative centers, with the main towns being Madinat al-Fayoum, Tamiya, Sinnuris, Ibshawai, Yusuf al Siddiq, and Its, encompassing around 157 villages and 1565 hamlets with a population exceeding 3 million inhabitants. The total surface area is 4678 sq. Km, with a cultivated area of 1437 sq. Km.

Following the exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before we return you to your Cairo hotel.

Our air-conditioned car awaits you outside your Cairo hotel, ready to transport you to the Lex Sheraton El Montazah hotel. Upon check-in, our tour begins with a photo stop at Qaitbey's Citadel, a crucial defensive stronghold along the Mediterranean Sea coast and a historic gem in Alexandria. Dating back to the 15th century A.D., the Citadel played a significant role in the city's defense system, situated near the entrance to the eastern harbor on Pharos Island. It occupies the spot where the renowned Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood.

Next, explore the expansive Montazah Royal Palaces and Gardens, once belonging to the royal dynasty of Mohamed Ali Pasha, from Khedive Abbas Helmy II to King Farouk I. As we proceed to the gardens via the impressive Stanley Bridge, you'll have the opportunity to wander through the 3000-meter-wide gardens, boasting a diverse array of trees and plants, some of which are rare and remarkably well-preserved, even after more than 75 years.

Our journey concludes at the Modern Alexandria Library, where you can explore its free exhibits and open court. The Old Library was renowned globally for its extensive collection of literature and scientific works before its decline during the Greco-Roman era. Reconstruction began in the late 1980s, resulting in the current library featuring six above-ground stories and four underground levels. The library's unique architectural design adds to its distinctiveness.

After this enriching tour of Alexandria, our team will pick you up and drive you back to your accommodation.

Pompey's Pillar stands proudly within the Serapis temple, once dedicated to Serapis, the chief deity of Alexandria during the Ptolemaic monarchy. Following breakfast, your Tour Guide will chauffeur you to this historic site in an air-conditioned vehicle. This monumental column, part of the Roman Empire's legacy in Egypt, was erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian.

In the heart of Alexandria, the grandest mosque, Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi, awaits exploration. Adorned with an elaborate tower, arabesque carvings, four imposing domes, and a cream-colored façade, it graces the Anfoushi district, not far from the Citadel of Qaitbay.

Our tour concludes at the Roman Amphitheatre, also known as Kom el-Dikka, a significant archaeological site in the heart of Alexandria. This vast Roman theatre and residential complex, uniquely preserved, boasts thirteen terraces, reflecting the classical Greek style of construction—the sole remaining Roman amphitheatre in Egypt.

Explore Alexandria's historic precinct, catching glimpses of contemporary structures like the Alexander the Great monument and the Alexandrian Unknown Soldier.

Subsequently, our tour guide will drive you back to your accommodation, concluding this fascinating exploration of Alexandria's rich history.

After breakfast, rendezvous with your tour guide and set out for El-Alamein. Begin your journey by exploring the El Alamein War Museum, where you'll gain comprehensive insights into the tragic Western Desert operations. Witness the equipment and attire worn by the troops, unraveling the historical significance of the artifacts. Your day will culminate with an overnight stay at the Eagle Marsa Matrouh hotel.

In a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Marsa Matrouh and drive you to Siwa. Upon arrival, you will check in and spend the night at the Siwa Tazeri hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a journey to explore the Old City of Siwa, known as Shali. Visit the Alexander Temple, dedicated to the God Amon of the 26th Dynasty, situated in Aghurmi Village. Continue your exploration by visiting Um Ubeyda to see the Amun Ra Temple. Proceed to Cleopatra Spring (Ei Guba) to experience its natural beauty. Conclude your day by visiting the Siwa House Museum.

In the afternoon, head to Fitnas Island to witness the enchanting sunset views often mentioned in travel guides. Spend the night in Siwa, immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of this historical and culturally rich destination.

Following breakfast, we set out for Maraki Village to initiate our trek across the Siwa Desert. Traverse the desert terrain towards the Great Siwa Mountain, an awe-inspiring archaeological landmark with ancient human imprints. Our safari expedition will lead us through the dunes to the fossil region, where the Cambrian-era stony coral reefs reveal themselves.

Continuing the journey, we reach Shaiata Lake, a spring-fed oasis in the desert. Here, you may encounter Flamenco birds, indulge in a refreshing springtime bath, and relish the serene ambiance. Take advantage of another opportunity for the thrill of desert sand surfing. Our adventure concludes with a visit to Bir Wahid spring, another hot spring, providing a perfect spot to unwind and relax.

Following breakfast at the hotel, explore the tombs situated atop the Mountain of the Dead (Gabal El Maouta). Discover intriguing tombs, including those of MSW Isis, SI Amon, and the Crocodile Tomb. Afterward, visit the Dakrour Mountains, passing by the Roman Spring Eye and Abu Sherouf, one of the Siwan Villages, where you can experience Bedouin culture. Return to your hotel room for a relaxing evening, enjoy dinner, and spend the night in Siwa.

After breakfast, your tour guide will accompany you to your Alexandria hotel for the night. Our next destination is the Alexandria Museum, the nation's first museum, housing an extensive collection of over 200,000 objects. This collection spans all periods of Egyptian history, from the Old Kingdom to the Roman Empire.

Following a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant, we will proceed to Alexandria's The Jewelry Museum, which boasts a remarkable collection of over 30,000 pieces of jewelry. This collection encompasses artifacts from every era of Egyptian history, ranging from the Old Kingdom to the Roman Empire. Finally, your guide will return you to your hotel for a restful night's sleep.

Today marks the conclusion of our visit to Egypt. For our journey home, we'll travel to the Cairo airport and bring our memories of a very spectacular Christmas holiday.