Cleopatra’s Siwa Oasis

Cleopatra’s Siwa Oasis

10 days, 9 nights – £1749 (based on 2 sharing)

🐎 CAIRO, SIWA OASIS & THE RED SEA 🐎

HORSE RIDING · PYRAMIDS · TEMPLES · SWIMMING · STUNNING FAIRY-TALE LANDSCAPES

Our journey starts where the history of Egypt all began, Cairo, home to Giza Plateau, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world! For nearly 4000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk of the Giza Pyramids have stood as massive tombs, built on the orders of the pharaohs. They were constructed by teams of workers tens of thousands strong, and today they stand as an awe-inspiring tribute to the might, organisation and achievements of ancient Egypt. We continue onto the lesser known but equally as impressive Pyramids of Abu sir and the Sun Temple, an area that also offers superb spaces and open ground for the horses to fly.

Visiting Siwa is an experience straight out of a fairy tale, and make sure you pack your swim suit with you if you want to take a dip in the natural springs, known for their reviving qualities. Life has a different, slower pace and days are permeated with the breath of nature, wide stretching palm trees, sand dunes, kind people and local stories. The local customs and cultures of the original inhabitants of the oasis, the Berbers, give a unique direct feel of timeless life in a desert environment. and you will also get a chance to dip in the mineral rich hot spring Bir Wahed just several kilometers from town. The hot spring is small and acts like a Jacuzzi with plenty of bubbling water. Resting on the dunes and watching sunset afterwards will give you a boosted connection with the natural spirit of the desert.

Our days at the Red Sea are dedicated completely to SADDLE TIME! We have 2 half days, and 2 full days riding! You will enjoy exhilarating riding along the beaches, desert, mountains, Bedouin trails and go swimming with horses.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Cairo and transfer to your guest house

Transfer to your guest house in Cairo.

Day 2: Full day of riding at Giza and Sakkara

Where else could we start our trip other than Great Pyramids of Giza, especially when we do it on horseback! We will ride straight to the four most famous sights; the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Sphinx. An awe-inspiring ride that is unique to this part of the world and allows you to experience one of the classic seven wonders of the World.

This is a great ride packed with amazing photo opportunities!

Our next stop, homemade lunch at our facilities in Abu Sir, a huge lush green stable where you can enjoy a great lunch in a very relaxing environment.

Visit The Pyramids of Abu Sir and the Sun Temple by horseback! Unlike Giza, these Pyramids are rarely visited by tourists and remain ‘un-walled’ which means we are able to ride inside, get off and really explore. Be prepared to be dazzled on horseback as you visit the final resting ground for many pharaohs, nobles and other important officials, and particularly for those who lived during the time of the 5th Dynasty in Egypt’s Old Kingdom era.

Our next riding stop is the Sakkara Pyramids, best known for the ‘Step Pyramid’, the oldest of Egypt’s 97 pyramids built in the Third Dynasty for King Djose. Both Sakkara and Abu Sir served as cemeteries for the ancient Egyptian capital city of Memphis so are bursting with ancient Egyptian history. This is a wonderful trip exploring areas unseen on many tourist trips.

Dinner will be at our guest house or a local restaurant.

Day 3: Scenic Travel to Siwa (non-riding)

Starting from Cairo in the morning we will drive to Marsa Matrouh on Egypt’s Mediterranean shore, where on arrival we have lunch. Afterwards we continue to drive to Siwa, the big highlight of our trip.

Located approximately 350 miles from Cairo, east of the Libyan border, Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s best western desert oases with its thousands of palm trees and gorgeous hot springs. A beautiful green lake sits among this ocean of yellow sand, but Siwa has more than just breathtaking sceneries, it carries a culture of its own, so even if you have been to Egypt before, this place is completely unique and unlike any other part of the country!

Local habitants of Siwa actually speak their own language, which is more like the language spoken by the Berber (desert people from further west), than the Egyptian Arabic spoken in the rest of Egypt.

On arrival we will have dinner and stay overnight in a typical house of Siwa or Hotel.

Day 4: 4×4 Safari of Siwa & Fatnas Island (non-riding)

It is an action-packed day!!! After breakfast we are off on tour in a 4×4. We have many adventures to have including visits to:

Siwa house, Dakrour Mountain & Fatnas Spring.
The Mountain of the Death (Gebal al-Mawta). A rocky hill covered in more than 1500 tombs that dates back to the late pharaonic period temple of Alexander.
Tthe Temple of the Oracle that dates from the 6th century BC and was renowned throughout the Mediterranean world. Alexander the Great came here to ask about his fate and whether he was really the son of Zeus (Aghurmi).

We will arrive at Fatnas Island for sunset and dinner and we will stay overnight at a guest house

Day 5: Siwi Ruins & Salt Lakes (non-riding)

Today we have some treats in store for you! After a wonderful breakfast we will set off with our guide to visit Shali Fortress which is in the heart of the oasis. This charming and unique old city was built between the 12th and 13th century, and Shali Fortress is a structure made of a mixture called Kershef, which is the original local building material used in Siwan architecture. Kershef is a mixture of salt, mud, and other minerals from the Siwan salt lake.

Shali was originally built as a place to protect the Siwi people against potential attacks from other Bedouin tribes. When it was built it was 60 meters high, but heavy rain flooded the area in 1926 and parts of it eroded. Despite being quite abandoned as the inhabitants were forced to move out, it’s often a source of curiosity and exploration for visitors.

After our great walking tour you’ll have built up quite an appetite so we are off to a local restaurant to sample some of the best cuisine in the area!

After a relaxed lunch we have something very special! You will LOVE our trip to the one of the most beautiful sceneries in Siwa, the Salt Lakes.

With waters so clean and transparently green, the Salt Lakes attract people to Siwa all year round. With its health benefits for its high concentration of salt, floating and swimming in the Salt Lakes of Siwa is something you cannot miss.

Will will spend the afternoon here before heading back to our guest house for dinner in the evening.

Day 6: Marsa Matrouh – Cleopatra’s Spring – Transfer to Cairo (non-riding)

Watch a new day dawn over the Oasis whilst enjoying our team’s homemade breakfast. We have one more incredible experience for you before we sadly return to Cairo.

Marsa Matrouh is our grand finale – Cleopatra’s Spring. Also known as Cleopatra’s Bath or Cleopatra’s pool, on the way to the Oracle temple Cleopatra’s Spring is a natural spring water stone pool where locals and tourists enjoy the benefits of a spring bath among the town of Siwa. Even though there are no studies that back up the correlation to this pool to Queen Cleopatra VIII herself, the beauty of the site at the Cleopatra springs sure does the justice to its mysteriously acclaimed name.

Here you will have the morning to swim before enjoying lunch of fresh local fish before we transfer back to Cairo by road.

Day 7: Transfer to Hurghada – Afternoon Riding Trip

After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for a short internal flight of 45 minutes to Hurghada. We endeavour to arrive just in time for lunch and cocktails overlooking the sea.

Mid-afternoon we have a 3 hour riding trip through the scenic eastern desert and along the tranquil turquoise shoreline. Dinner is at our guest house.

Day 8: Full day of the desert, beaches and swimming with horses

After a night of comfort in the hotel and a delicious breakfast, we saddle up the horses for a longer trail ride, starting at Makadi Bay and then onwards to Safaga.

Today you will be exploring the vast golden deserts and sand dunes that create the backdrop to Hurghada. Our riding tour continues along the coast to our lunch destination. On arrival you will find an authentic yummy lunch waiting for you. There is also an opportunity to swim with the horses after lunch for those who wish to.

The afternoon trip on horseback will take us along through the desert along to the turquoise Red Sea. The morning and afternoon rides are approx. 2.5 hours each. At the end of the day you will return to your hotel for dinner and a cocktail.

Day 9: Full day Bedouin desert trail ride with lunch

Feel the positive energy of the eastern desert and the freedom of the wind blowing through your horse’s ears, while riding in breathtaking desert surroundings.

Spend 6 hours in the saddle taking a full days trip to a Bedouin camp located at the bottom of stunning mountain scenery, where the desert atmosphere, a camel ride and a typical Bedouin lunch will leave you with unforgettable memories. You will ride back in beautiful sunset colours.

Day 10: Swimming with horses and check out

Swimming with horses has to be our number 1 requested trip when visiting the Red Sea. In the morning, we ride down to the crystal-clear shores for a chance to unsaddle and splash about with your horse in the Red Sea while soaking up some Egyptian sunshine at the same time! Lunch will be served on the beach.

After that it is time to say goodbye as you check out for your onward journey home.

Accommodation

Cairo: Small boutique hotel by the pyramids.
Siwa Oasis: Ecolodge & Spa.
Hurghada: Quaint hotel by the sea.

Information

Price & Duration: £1749 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 10 days / 9 nights. Single person supplement: £450.
Board Type: All meals & water.
Type of Ride & Paces: Confident, happy riders.
Riding months: October to May.
Saddles: English. Western, Arabian and Australian trail saddles are subject to availability.
Weight limit: 100kg.
Recommended airports: Cairo arrival, Hurghada departure. Transfers on request.

Our information page has more details on what is and isn’t included as well as useful general advice.