THE IDEA
Oasis life, local crafts and the Western Desert · a women-only group of up to 9 guests
A quiet week in Siwa, one of Egypt's most remote oases, for a small group of women. We stay in one place for the whole week, with time to rest between the activities. Guests swim in the salt lakes, work with local craftspeople on pottery, palm-leaf weaving and bread baking, spend an evening in the desert under the stars and get to know Siwa's history, from Shali Fortress to the Oracle of Amun.
Key details
- Dates: 24 to 31 March 2027 (over Easter)
- Duration: 7 days in Siwa
- Group size: up to 9 guests, women only
- Accommodation: traditional farmhouse among the palm gardens, reserved for our group only
- Price: €1,750 per person in a twin room, single room + €200 (international flights not included)
Itinerary
Day 1 · Thursday, 25 March 2027
Arrival in Siwa
Pick-up at Cairo airport on the evening of Wednesday, 24 March, and overnight transfer by road to Siwa (approx. 10 hours). Morning arrival and check-in, followed by time to rest. In the evening, a welcome gathering with a short introduction to the oasis, its history and local culture, a light traditional Siwan dinner and time to relax in the hot sulphur springs.
Overnight: Siwa · Meals: dinner
Day 2 · Friday, 26 March 2027
Salt lakes and a workshop with Siwan women
Morning swim in the salt lakes, then time to rest at the accommodation. In the afternoon, a cultural workshop with Siwan women: traditional henna decoration and baking local bread together. In the evening we cross to a small island on the lake for the sunset and a special dinner in a quiet natural setting.
Overnight: Siwa · Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 3 · Saturday, 27 March 2027
Shali Fortress and Siwan handicrafts
Guided visit to Shali Fortress, the old town of Siwa, followed by the first pottery session, shaping clay inside the fortress. After a light lunch and a short rest, a palm-leaf weaving workshop with a traditional Siwan craftsman, including stories about local heritage and craft. Bedouin dinner at the accommodation.
Overnight: Siwa · Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 · Easter Sunday, 28 March 2027
Pottery, desert safari and stargazing
Second pottery session with Siwan artist Hussein. In the afternoon we set out on a desert safari through dunes, unusual rock formations and small hidden springs. Bedouin dinner in the desert, followed by stargazing with a telescope and a local astronomy guide. Overnight in a desert camp, or return to the accommodation if the group prefers.
Overnight: desert camp or Siwa · Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 5 · Easter Monday, 29 March 2027
Dakrour Mountain, the Oracle of Amun and a local farm
Morning walk up Dakrour Mountain for a view over the oasis and Shali Fortress. At midday we visit the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, which Alexander the Great consulted in 331 BC. In the afternoon, a hands-on visit to a local farm to learn about date and olive production. Dinner and an evening of traditional Siwan music with local musicians.
Overnight: Siwa · Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6 · Tuesday, 30 March 2027
Final pottery session and farewell evening
Final pottery session to finish and polish the pieces made during the week. Free time in the afternoon. In the evening, sunset on a lakeside island and a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Siwa · Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 7 · Wednesday, 31 March 2027
Market and departure
Morning visit to the local market for dates, olives, salt and handicrafts. Return to the accommodation to pack, then transfer by road to Cairo airport for the flight home.
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation
The group stays for the whole week in a small traditional farmhouse among the palm gardens of Siwa, reserved for our group only. The house has 7 rooms: 3 twin rooms with two single beds and 4 single rooms, all with views of the palm gardens. Some rooms are built in traditional mud brick, others are tent-style rooms, so each room is a little different.
The 7 rooms share 3 bathrooms. This is a simple, traditional farm stay rather than a hotel, and that is part of what makes the week feel close to local life.
Prices are per person in a shared twin room. Single room: + €200 per person (4 single rooms available, allocated in order of booking).
Included
- Road transfers Cairo airport – Siwa – Cairo airport
- 6 nights in Siwa (one night optionally in a desert camp)
- Meals as listed in the programme
- Workshops: henna and bread baking with Siwan women, three pottery sessions, palm-leaf weaving, farm visit
- Guided visits to Shali Fortress, Dakrour Mountain and the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, including entrance fees
- Desert safari with Bedouin dinner and stargazing with telescope
- Island sunset evenings and the Siwan music night
- Local guide and all excursions as per programme
Not included
- International flights to and from Cairo
- Egyptian visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses