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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Overnight: Siwa \u00b7 Meals: dinner<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Overnight: Siwa \u00b7 Meals: breakfast, dinner<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Overnight: Siwa \u00b7 Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Overnight: desert camp or Siwa \u00b7 Meals: breakfast, dinner<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Overnight: Siwa \u00b7 Meals: breakfast, dinner<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Overnight: Siwa \u00b7 Meals: breakfast, dinner<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Meals: breakfast<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Prices are per person in a shared twin room. Single room: + \u20ac200 per person (4 single rooms available, allocated in order of booking).<\/p>\n