Project Egypt: Western Desert & Siwa Oasis Eclipse

Day 1 (27th July 2027) - Arrival in Cairo

Arrive in Cairo, for a two-night stay. Cairo, Egypt's sprawling capital along the Nile River, is a vibrant blend of ancient and modern influences. Renowned for the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, it reflects a profound Pharaonic legacy. The city’s bustling markets, historic mosques, and contemporary life create a dynamic metropolis that enchants visitors with its timeless charm and energy.

 

Day 2 (28th July 2027) - Cairo sightseeing (Giza Pyramids and Sphinx)

Today visit the Giza necropolis, built during the 4th dynasty of the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt, between 2600 and 2500 BC. The necropolis comprises of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with their associated pyramid complexes and the Great Sphinx of Giza. There will be a chance to return to the area again this evening for the optional Sound and Light show.
 

Day 3 (29th July 2027) - Grand Egyptian Museum Cairo and travel to Alexandria

This morning we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (also known as the Giza Museum) which is the largest archaeological museum in the world and home to most of Egypt's main treasures. After lunch travel to the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria for an overnight stay. Alexandria was home to a lighthouse ranking among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World as well as a storied library.
 

Day 4 (30th July 2027) - Day at leisure in Alexandria with optional excursions available

A day at leisure in Alexandria to enjoy the sights and sounds of this huge metropolis or perhaps join an optional excursion and see some of the sights of the city with a guide. Places to visit in Alexandria include The New Library, Pompeys Pillar, Qait Bey Fortress, Montaza Palace Gardens, the Catacombs of Kom al Shoqafa and various Museums.
 

Day 5 (31st July 2027) - Travel to Siwa via El Alamein War Cemeteries

Today travel to Siwa, stopping en route at El Alamein, a town on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. El Alamein is known for the decisive 1942 WWII battle, commemorated in El Alamein War Museum with uniforms and tanks. Just outside town, there are memorials for the soldiers from each of the countries who fought on this battlefield - British Commonwealth, Germany, Italy and Egypt. Afterwards continue to the desert oasis of Siwa, our base for the eclipse.
 

Day 6 (1st August 2027) - Day at leisure in Siwa with optional excursions available

The Siwa Oasis is an urban oasis in Egypt between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea in the Western Desert, 50 km east of the Libyan border. Enjoy exploring this mysterious and beautiful place alone or perhaps join an optional excursion and visit the highlights such as the Shali Fortress, the Mountain of the Dead and the crystal blue salt lakes nearby.
 

Day 7 (2nd August 2027) - Eclipse Day

Today is a very special eclipse day - for some a once in a lifetime experience. Duration of totality at Siwa will be about 5 mins 25 secs here with the sun 75 degrees above the horizon. *Subject to health and safety, an alternative observing location could be away from everything out in the empty desert.

 

Day 8 (3rd August 2027) - Travel from Siwa to the beachside resort at El Alamein

As the desert road between Siwa and El Bahiriya is often inaccessible at this time of year due to sand dunes traversing the road, we will travel to El Bahariya via El Alamein, stopping overnight in the beachside resort to break the long desert journey.  Overnight in El Alamein.

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Day 9 (4th August 2027) - Travel from El Alamein to El Bahariya with Western Desert sightseeing

Continue on to El Bahariya today, taking in some fantastic Western Desert sights over the next few days, including Ein Mady (Bahariya Oasis), Bawiti Salt Lake, Golden Mummies Museum, Benuti tombs. Enjoy the sunset at Gebel Ingliz (English Mountain) in the Black Desert named after the British Captain who was stationed here in WWI. The British monitored the movements of the Libyan Sanusi tribes from here and the ruins of their outpost are on top of the hill.  Overnight in Bahiriya.
 

Day 10 (5th August 2027) - Sightseeing around El Bahariya

Spend an amazing day exploring the fascinating 'other earthly' areas around El Bahariya using 4x4 vehicles. Explore El Marsos Mountain, the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain, Agabat with its amazing limestone and Sand Dunes. Overnight in Farafra.
 

Day 11 (6th August 2027) - Short visit of Farafra before returning to Cairo

Begin today with a short orientation of Farafra. The town once had a Roman fortress to protect the caravan route, which is now in ruins. The adobe structures in the centre are also quite deteriorated, with some revealing medieval elements such as doors or locks. The palm grove next to the centre is more evocative, which gives the town a touch of greenery. Return overland to Cairo for your last night of the tour.
 

Day 12 (7th August 2027) - Join your return flight or perhaps extend your stay

Today is the last day of the tour. Join your return flight home. Unless you have chosen to extend your stay. 

We have the following POST Tour Extensions available for this tour:-

POST Tour Luxor Antiquities - Explore the fantastic treasures of ancient Thebes - details can be found via the link here.

POST Tour Red Sea - Chill out or go diving or snorkelling in a Red Sea resort hotel - details can be found via the link here.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY TOUR?

Tour Price £TBA / $TBA per person*

* Please note you can reserve a space on this tour by paying a 'Save a Space' deposit (£50 / $65 per person). 

* Costings for all itineraries will be available in early January 2025.

 

• Accommodation on the tour from check-in on Day 1 (usually around 3pm) to check-out (usually around 10am) on Day 12

• Daily breakfast at all hotels.

• All airport and hotel transfers, local transportation and domestic flights within Egypt as outlined in the itinerary.

• All local excursions outlined in the itinerary unless it has been specified as an ‘Optional Excursion’.

• The per person cost is based on twin (2 bed) or double (1 bed) hotel rooms with a private bathroom. We are usually able to arrange shared accommodation with a person of the same gender if required - this is known as 'twin share' accommodation.

• A limited number of rooms for sole occupancy are available at a single room supplement of £TBA / $TBA.​

 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN MY TOUR?

• Optional excursions mentioned in the tour are offered closer to the tour departure date (approximately 6 months prior to the tour departure).

• Arrival and departure airport transfers and assistance offered closer to the tour departure date (approximately 6 months prior to the tour departure).

• International flights. Our flight partner, Star Travel UK, can assist with an international flight quote approximately 11 months in advance of the tour departure.

• Additional nights outside the tour dates.  If required these can be requested at the booking stage, with costs being advised approximately 6 months prior to the tour departure.

• Porterage, gratuities and tips.

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You will find further details about what to expect on the Project TSE2027 FAQ page here.