El Alamein, Siwa Oasis & Alexandria
Travel west along the Mediterranean via El Alamein to Siwa, wrapping up in Alexandria on the way back to avoid a long, direct return to Cairo.
This loop along the Mediterranean coast and the Western Oasis breaks up the long journey from Cairo to Siwa with two stops in Marsa Matruh, keeping daily driving times manageable. Spend three nights in Siwa exploring the Shali Fortress, the Temple of the Oracle, salt pools, and the Great Sand Sea, followed by two nights in Alexandria on the return. Perfect for repeat visitors to Egypt or travelers who prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Siwa is extremely hot in summer; Marsa Matruh beaches are crowded with local tourists from June to September.
Day by day
Day 1 · El Alamein Battlefield to Marsa Matruh
Alexandria（El Alamein Military Museum、El Alamein War Cemetery） → Marsa Matruh
Take a private car from Cairo to El Alamein in the early morning (approx. 3 hours), then continue to Marsa Matruh (approx. 2.5 hours).
Stay: Marsa Matruh
Day 2 · South into the Desert to Siwa
Siwa Oasis（Shali Fortress、Traditional Siwan House Museum）
Drive from Marsa Matruh to Siwa (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours), passing through military and police checkpoints.
Keep your passport handy throughout the journey for checkpoint inspections.
Stay: Siwa Town and Shali Fortress
Day 3 · Temple of the Oracle & Oasis Sunset
Siwa Oasis（Gebel al-Mawta (Mountain of the Dead)、Temple of the Oracle of Amun、Temple of Umm Ubayda、Cleopatra's Spring、Fatnas Island）
Rent a tricycle (tuk-tuk) or bicycle in town; rides between sights take 10 to 20 minutes.
It is best to visit Cleopatra's Pool in the morning when it is less crowded and the water is clear.
Stay: Siwa Town and Shali Fortress
Day 4 · Salt Pools & Great Sand Sea Off-Roading
Siwa Oasis（Siwa Salt Pools、Great Sand Sea、Bir Wahed）
Take a car to the salt pools in the morning (approx. 30 minutes). In the afternoon, head into the Great Sand Sea by 4WD, returning to town after sunset.
Only enter the Sand Sea with a licensed local 4WD tour, and verify permits before departure.
Stay: Siwa Town and Shali Fortress
Day 5 · Return to the Mediterranean Coast
Siwa Oasis → Marsa Matruh
Leave Siwa in the morning for Marsa Matruh (approx. 4 hours). Spend the afternoon at the beaches west of the city.
The waves at Agiba Beach can be rough; it is not recommended for swimming with young children.
Stay: Marsa Matruh
Day 6 · East Along the Coast to Alexandria
Alexandria（Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa、Pompey's Pillar & Serapeum、Citadel of Qaitbay）
Drive from Marsa Matruh to Alexandria (approx. 3.5 hours). Spend the afternoon taking taxis between city sights.
Stay: Downtown · Raml Station
Day 7 · A Day at Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Alexandria（Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El Dikka)、Graeco-Roman Museum、Bibliotheca Alexandrina、Alexandria Corniche）
Explore the city center on foot and via short taxi rides (sights are within 2 km of each other). Walk along the Corniche in the afternoon.
Stay: Downtown · Raml Station
Day 8 · Montaza Palace & Return to Cairo
Alexandria（Montaza Palace Gardens） → Cairo & Giza
Take a taxi to Montaza Palace in the morning (approx. 40 minutes), then return to Cairo via the Desert Road (approx. 3 hours).