Frank Pimentel
frank@realhawaiitours.com
909-702-4919
Overview
Siwa Visits:
- Exploring the Local Market
- The Salt Lakes
- Swimming at Cleopatra’s Spring
- Desert Safari by Jeep
- Sandboarding in the Desert
- Sunset at the Great Sand Sea
- Bedouin Dinner Under the Stars
- Relaxation at Fatnas Spring
- Shopping for Local Souvenirs
- Cycling Around the Oasis
- Learning to Make Local Products
- Visiting the Old Shali Fortress
Short itinerary
Quick route overview-
1
Day 1
Day 1 : Aug 01 (Sunday) : (Sunday) Arrive at Siwa Airport :
- Arrival to your Siwa from Cairo Airport. we offer the "meet and greet" service. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in.
- you will enjoy a luxurious dinner at your hotel.
-
2
Day 2
Day 2 : Aug 02 (Monday) : {solar eclipse viewing day}
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, setting a refreshing tone for the the hitorica events ahead ahead.
- From morning to dinner time, you will be given the opportunity to witness the Total Solar Eclipse from the clear Siwan deserts. this gives the ample time for photography professional and enthusiasts to set up their cameras and tools to immortalize this day.
- After finishing the solar eclipse viewing event. you will have lunch as per program.
- Pre-Dinner Relaxation: Return to the hotel for a short rest, preparing for a special evening.
- Candlelit Dinner: Enjoy a charming dinner at one of Siwa’s renowned restaurants, set in a magical atmosphere illuminated by candlelight.
- Authentic Siwan Night: After dinner, attend a traditional Siwan party, featuring captivating performances and local folklore that reflect the authenticity and spirit of the region.
-
3
Day 3
Day 3: Aug 03 (Tuesday) :Desert Adventures
- Tour of Shali Fortress: Visit the historic Shali Fortress, exploring Siwa’s traditional houses and immersing in the rich heritage.
- Safari Adventure: Embark on an exciting safari in the Great Sand Sea with 4x4 vehicles, discovering the stunning desert landscapes.
- Sandboarding: Enjoy the thrilling experience of sliding down soft dunes, full of excitement and fun.
- Tea Break: Pause for a light snack and traditional Siwan tea while admiring the natural colors of the sunset—a magical and serene experience.
- Post-Sunset Dinner: Head to the camp for a special dinner amidst the natural beauty of the desert.
-
4
Day 4
Day 04 : Aug 04 : Relaxation and Departure:
- Salt Lakes or Fatnas Spring: A relaxing morning to enjoy the serene views.
- Shopping: Buy souvenirs like dates, olive oil, and handmade crafts.
- Departure: Head back to your starting point.
Your Experience Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Meals: Dinner
Hotels
Day 1 : Aug 01 (Sunday) : (Sunday) Arrive at Siwa Airport :
- Arrival to your Siwa from Cairo Airport. we offer the "meet and greet" service. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in.
- you will enjoy a luxurious dinner at your hotel.
Day 2
Meals: Breakfast,lunch,dinner
Day 2 : Aug 02 (Monday) : {solar eclipse viewing day}
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, setting a refreshing tone for the the hitorica events ahead ahead.
- From morning to dinner time, you will be given the opportunity to witness the Total Solar Eclipse from the clear Siwan deserts. this gives the ample time for photography professional and enthusiasts to set up their cameras and tools to immortalize this day.
- After finishing the solar eclipse viewing event. you will have lunch as per program.
- Pre-Dinner Relaxation: Return to the hotel for a short rest, preparing for a special evening.
- Candlelit Dinner: Enjoy a charming dinner at one of Siwa’s renowned restaurants, set in a magical atmosphere illuminated by candlelight.
- Authentic Siwan Night: After dinner, attend a traditional Siwan party, featuring captivating performances and local folklore that reflect the authenticity and spirit of the region.
Day 3
Meals: Breakfast,lunch,dinner
Day 3: Aug 03 (Tuesday) :Desert Adventures
- Tour of Shali Fortress: Visit the historic Shali Fortress, exploring Siwa’s traditional houses and immersing in the rich heritage.
- Safari Adventure: Embark on an exciting safari in the Great Sand Sea with 4x4 vehicles, discovering the stunning desert landscapes.
- Sandboarding: Enjoy the thrilling experience of sliding down soft dunes, full of excitement and fun.
- Tea Break: Pause for a light snack and traditional Siwan tea while admiring the natural colors of the sunset—a magical and serene experience.
- Post-Sunset Dinner: Head to the camp for a special dinner amidst the natural beauty of the desert.
Inclusions
Luxury Accommodation:
- Aug 01- Aug 04: Ghalite Ecolodge & spa on bed and breakfast
Transfers:
- Aug 01: Arrival transfer to your Hotel from Cairo Airport
- Aug 01: Transfer from your hotel to Almaza Airport to fly to Siwa
- Aug 01: Transfer from Siwa Airport to Your Hotel
- Aug 04: Transfer from your Hotel to Siwa Airport to fly to Cairo
- Aug 04: Transfer from Almaza Airport to your Hotel
- Aug 04: Final transfer from your hotel to Cairo Airport for final dep.
Sightseeing:
- Aug 02: Full-day Main Total Solar Eclispe Viewing Event: include Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2024
- Aug 03: Full-day Desert Adventures, Sandboarding., Visit to Bir Wahed,Sunset at the Great Sand Sea,Bedouin Dinner Under the Stars include Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2024
- Aug 04: Full-day Salt Lakes or Fatnas Spring, Shopping including Guiding, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2024
Not included:
- Visa $25
- Tipping
- International and Domestic flights
- any option tours
FAQ
Egypt is very safe to visit and the police, tourist police, and army are in prominence wherever you go, giving you a feel of being in secure surroundings. Egypt prides itself on its high safety record for tourists and will do all it can to maintain this.
Egyptian Arabic is the official and most widely spoken language in Egypt. English is taught in schools and is considered a secondary language that is most commonly used for tourism purposes.
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and upscale shops. There are also ATMs available at hotels and outside major banks dispensing local currency.
The best time to visit Egypt would be during the winter months, from October to April. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, although evenings can become quite cool. December through January are the peak tourist months so expect large crowds if travelling at this time. The best time to enjoy the beaches, without having to endure the large crowds of summer tourists, would be from March to May. Temperatures at this time are warm and tourist sites are not too crowded.
Egypt, being a predominantly Muslim country, is naturally conservative (not like the Gulf States or Saudi Arabia) but the average people are careful in what they wear. The dress code in Egypt for women is considered conservative by western standards and it is respectful to obey this code.
For men it is not really an issue -- normal trousers and shirt or T-shirt are fine -- but in Cairo it would not be acceptable to wear short shorts or a tank tops/sleeveless tops. In the resorts like Sharm El Sheik, Hurghada, Sinai, etc. -- shorts are fine and it is very open and flexible. This also applies to ladies for the beach areas, but going into the market area in Hurghada, for example you may be more comfortable in trousers. Generally for men in Cairo or any city that is not on the sea side, remain with trousers (at tourist sites long loose shorts) or jeans and T-shirt , as even in Cairo, local people do not feel comfortable seeing a man in shorts. In Sea Side areas it's ok to walk in shorts, but once you enter a local restaurant or market, it's better to be more covered.
For the vast majority of travelers to Egypt, a valid passport and a travel visa is required. A visa can easily be purchased at the airport when you arrive. The cost for a single-entry, 30-day tourist visa is $25 (or equivalent in Euro), must be paid in cash (no credit or debit cards accepted), and your passport must be valid for at least six months. Citizens of all European countries, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, South Korea, Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and United States can obtain a visa upon arrival. (Egypt does allow visa-free access for certain countries such as Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macao, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.) Visas can also be purchased beforehand through Egypt’s Visa e-Portal: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg. Forty-one different nationalities are eligible to purchase the e-visa, however, it’s far easier to simply buy the visa at the airport.
As with most European and North American countries, tipping is graciously accepted in Egypt. A 10% tip at restaurants and to guides and drivers is standard. Unfortunately, at major tourist sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, touts aggressively hustle for tips by allowing you to take photos in areas where it’s clearly posted as prohibited (such as inside the tombs). Please refrain from perpetuating this problem by not paying to take pictures.
Egypt has a voltage supply of 220V and the plugs are the 2-round pin type that are common throughout Europe.
As noted previously, Egypt is a Muslim country, therefore alcohol is not readily available outside of tourist areas and western-style hotels/resorts. Beer and wine is available for purchase on all Dragonfly Kite Safaris.