Siwa 3 days 2 nights Discovery

The old fortress town of Siwa, built from kershef, a mix of salt, clay and rock. Three days of heavy rain in 1926 melted much of it.

• Families lived inside its walls for centuries
• Climb to the top for sunset over the oasis

On a rock above the palm groves of Aghurmi, the oracle Alexander the Great crossed the desert to consult in 331 BC.

• The oracle was famous across the Greek world
• Alexander left, some say, believing he was the son of a god

A hill full of rock-cut tombs. The tomb of Si-Amun still has painted walls.

• During World War II people from Siwa hid in the tombs

A round stone pool fed by a warm natural spring, surrounded by cafés.

• Legend says Cleopatra swam here
• Swimwear is fine at the springs; cover up in town

Turquoise pools so salty that you float without effort. Siwa also mines its salt here.

• Bring fresh water to rinse off
• Best in the afternoon light

A palm-covered spot on the lake, famous for the best sunset in the oasis.

• Tea and dates at the café at sunset

A mountain known for its hot-sand baths in summer, believed to help with rheumatism.

• Sand baths are taken in July and August

The islands off Hurghada, with white beaches and coral reefs. Mahmya and the Orange Bay area are on Giftun.

• The park protects its reefs – don’t touch or stand on coral
• An eco-fee is often included in the boat price

One of the richest coral seas in the world, with warm, clear water all year.

• More than 1,200 species of fish, around 10% found nowhere else
• Water is warmest from September to November