Ancient Siwa
Shali’s old town and the Temple of Amun.
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Privately arranged in Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Journey
Cairo, Siwa Oasis and the Red Sea
11 days / 10 nights · Cairo → Siwa → Cairo → El Gouna
Cultural + adventure + coastal escape
This private journey can be personalised around your dates, accommodation preferences and travel style.
Your trip at a glance
- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Travel style
- Cultural + adventure + coastal escape
- Activity level
- Moderate
- Best season
- October–April
- Destinations
- Cairo, Siwa Oasis & El Gouna
- Pace
- Active · two full-day drives
- Accommodation
- Selected Cairo hotel, Siwa stay & El Gouna resort
- Ideal for
- Couples, families with older children & friends
- Starts / ends
- Cairo / El Gouna (Hurghada Airport)
- Customisable
- Yes
The experience
Ancient history, desert adventure and coastal relaxation
The Grand Egyptian Journey brings together three very different sides of Egypt. Begin in Cairo, then cross the Western Desert to Siwa Oasis for ancient ruins, salt lakes, natural springs and the dunes of the Great Sand Sea.
Return to Cairo for the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic heritage, Khan el-Khalili and a nighttime felucca. Finally, fly to the Red Sea for three nights in El Gouna, a private boat experience and a full free day.
The two long drives between Cairo and Siwa make this an active journey. Once in each destination, the pace slows down, with easy mornings, free afternoons and time to enjoy where you are.
The route
Your journey at a glance
A route overview, not a map to scale.
- 01
Cairo
Day 1 · 1 night
Full-day drive - 02
Siwa Oasis
Days 2–4 · 3 nights
Full-day drive - 03
Cairo
Days 5–7 · 3 nights
Flight to Hurghada - 04
El Gouna
Days 8–10 · 3 nights
Day 11 · airport transfer
10 nights: Cairo 4 · Siwa Oasis 3 · El Gouna 3
The highlights
What you’ll experience
Springs & salt lakes
A nighttime soak and time to float in Siwa’s salt lakes.
The Great Sand Sea
Private 4×4 adventure, optional sandboarding and tea by a bonfire.
The great monuments
Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Cairo by night
The historic quarter and a private nighttime felucca.
Red Sea days
A private boat outing and a full free day in El Gouna.
Day by day
The itinerary
A considered starting point. We confirm timings, access, activities and meal arrangements in your personalised proposal.
Day 1: Welcome to Cairo
Airport welcome and private transfer to a selected five-star Nile hotel. Settle in, with an optional welcome dinner depending on arrival time.
Overnight · Cairo
Day 2: Journey to Siwa and the Hot Springs
Leave Cairo early for the overland journey across the Western Desert to Siwa Oasis.
Travel in comfortable private transport, with planned stops along the way. After checking in, allow time to rest before visiting one of Siwa’s natural hot springs at night.
This is a long, full-day drive. No major sightseeing is planned after arrival; the hot-spring visit can be adjusted if you would prefer to rest.
Overnight · Siwa Oasis
Day 3: Ancient Siwa and the Great Sand Sea
Begin in Shali, Siwa’s historic old town, followed by the Temple of Amun.
After lunch, depart on a private 4×4 adventure into the Great Sand Sea. Enjoy dune bashing, with optional sandboarding.
End the desert experience with a bonfire on top of a sand dune, locally prepared tea and sunset views.
Return to Siwa for dinner at a local restaurant. Guests may have the option to try locally prepared camel meat.
Overnight · Siwa Oasis
Day 4: Salt Lakes and Sunset over the Oasis
Enjoy an easy morning, with time for a slow breakfast and rest.
Around midday, visit Siwa’s salt lakes. The high salt concentration makes floating an unusual part of the experience.
Fresh water and towels are provided so you can rinse off before returning to your accommodation to shower and change.
Later, travel to a small island overlooking the oasis lakes and watch the sunset over the palms, water and desert.
Overnight · Siwa Oasis
Day 5: Return to Cairo
Drive privately from Siwa back to Cairo, with planned stops along the way.
Check into the five-star Nile hotel, rest and enjoy dinner at a selected Cairo restaurant. There is no sightseeing scheduled today.
Overnight · Cairo
Day 6: The Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum and Khan el-Khalili
Begin early at the Giza Plateau and Great Sphinx with a private guide. Optional pyramid entry can be arranged.
Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Return to the hotel and rest before visiting Khan el-Khalili in the evening.
Finish with dinner in or near the historic quarter.
Overnight · Cairo
Day 7: Old Cairo and a Night on the Nile
Visit Old Cairo and the Coptic Quarter, including landmarks such as the Hanging Church and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon. In the evening, board a private traditional felucca for a nighttime sail along the Nile.
Overnight · Cairo
Day 8: Fly to El Gouna
Private transfer to Cairo Airport and flight to Hurghada, followed by a private transfer to El Gouna.
Check into the selected hotel. The rest of the day is yours for the beach, pool, resort or a walk around Abu Tig Marina.
Overnight · El Gouna
Day 9: Private Red Sea Boat Experience
Spend the day aboard a private boat with swimming, snorkelling and lunch onboard.
Dolphins may occasionally be seen in their natural environment, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. Wildlife is observed respectfully, without chasing, feeding or disturbing it.
Return to El Gouna in the afternoon and leave the remainder of the day free.
Overnight · El Gouna
Day 10: Free Day in El Gouna
Today is completely free.
If you would like to add an activity, these options can be arranged separately and are not included in the standard itinerary:
- Kitesurfing
- Golf
- Spa treatments
- Lagoon cruise
- Diving
- Paddleboarding
- Beach club
- Sunset dinner
Overnight · El Gouna
Day 11: End of the Journey
Relaxed final breakfast and morning.
Your private transfer takes you to Hurghada International Airport. Guests who need to return to Cairo can add a domestic flight, airport assistance or an additional Cairo night.
Departure day · airport transfer
Stay your way
Accommodation options
Every option below is available on request. Final accommodation depends on your dates, group size, availability and budget. Rooms, facilities and meal plans are confirmed in your proposal.
Cairo’s Nile-front choices include Four Seasons and The St. Regis. Steigenberger El Tahrir is listed separately as a central city alternative.
Adults-only properties are not proposed for families travelling with children. We check current age policies before recommending a stay.
Your accommodation in Cairo
Cairo
Cairo · Nile
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
A five-star Nile-front hotel with river views and a comfortable base for exploring the capital.
Best for: Couples, families & comfort-focused travellers
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
Cairo · Nile
The St. Regis Cairo
A five-star riverfront stay with spacious accommodation and a refined setting on the Nile.
Best for: Couples & special occasions
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
Cairo · Tahrir Square
Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
A central Cairo alternative near Tahrir Square. This is a city-centre hotel rather than a Nile-front property.
Best for: Central location & cultural exploration
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
Your accommodation in Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis
Adrère Amellal
An eco-luxury retreat built from natural materials and integrated into the Siwan landscape. Rooms are illuminated by candlelight rather than conventional electricity.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners & special occasions
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
Siwa Oasis
Taziry Ecolodge
Traditional architecture, natural surroundings and a peaceful setting for time in the oasis.
Best for: Couples, families & nature-focused travellers
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
Siwa Oasis · Shali
Albabenshal Heritage Lodge
A heritage lodge beside Shali Fortress, close to the old town, local restaurants and everyday oasis life.
Best for: Cultural travellers & a central location
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
Siwa Oasis
Private serviced Siwan villa
A private villa in the architectural style of Siwa, with shared living areas and guest services. Depending on the villa, options may include housekeeping, breakfast, prepared meals or a chef, driver coordination, a garden or pool and local assistance.
Best for: Families & groups of friends
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
Your accommodation in El Gouna
El Gouna
El Gouna
La Maison Bleue
Adults-onlyAn intimate boutique hotel with elegant interiors, personal service and a peaceful waterfront atmosphere.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners & special occasions
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
El Gouna
Casa Cook El Gouna
Adults-onlyA design-led coastal retreat with rooms, suites and private villas, natural textures and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners & design-conscious travellers
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
El Gouna
Cook’s Club El Gouna
Adults-onlyA contemporary hotel close to downtown, with a younger, more energetic and social atmosphere.
Best for: Couples, friends & younger travellers
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
El Gouna
Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna
A spacious resort surrounded by lagoons and golf landscapes, with extensive facilities and a traditional resort experience.
Best for: Couples, families, golfers & mixed-age groups
Available on request ↗Or similar, subject to availability.
The practical details
What’s included
In your confirmed proposal
- Transportation within Egypt for the confirmed itinerary
- Selected accommodation and agreed meal plan
- Domestic flights where listed in the final proposal
- Private transfers
- Guided cultural visits and entrance fees to confirmed sites
- Activities and meals specifically named in the proposal
- 24/7 in-destination support
Not included unless agreed
- International flights
- Egyptian entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned
- Alcoholic drinks unless expressly agreed
- Optional experiences and upgrades
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Final inclusions are confirmed in each personalised proposal. Accommodation, meals and optional activities are discussed around your preferences; an activity appearing in this outline is not a guarantee of access or inclusion.
Is this your kind of journey?
Who it’s for
Couples, friends, families with older children and first-time visitors who want to combine history and desert adventure with a Red Sea stay. You should be comfortable with long overland journeys and several changes of destination. This trip may not suit travellers who dislike long drives or want a completely relaxed itinerary.
Pace & activity level
Intense journey, slow experiences
The activity level is moderate, without demanding hikes, but the overall rhythm is active: two full-day drives, a 4×4 desert outing, full cultural days and several destination changes. We balance those stretches with an easy morning before the salt lakes, relaxed sunsets, free afternoons and a full free day in El Gouna.
Best time to travel
October–April
This is our preferred travel window for this route. Your final programme takes account of the weather, local opening times and, where relevant, sea conditions. We’ll help you choose dates and plan comfortable timings.
Make it yours
Personalise This JourneyPersonalise your journey
Start with this itinerary, then shape the details around the way you like to travel.
A proposal built around you
Your personalised budget
Your budget depends on travel dates, the number of travellers, selected accommodation, room or villa configuration, internal flights, private activities and optional upgrades.
After receiving your enquiry, Sentio will prepare a detailed itinerary and personalised budget.
Request Your BudgetBefore you go
Frequently asked questions
How long are the Siwa drives?
Allow a full travel day each way between Cairo and Siwa, with an early departure and planned stops. We keep both days free of major sightseeing.
How are the ten nights divided?
Cairo: four nights, split between your arrival and return from Siwa. Siwa: three nights. El Gouna: three nights.
Can families choose any of the hotels?
Families can join, but adults-only properties are not proposed for guests travelling with children. We check each hotel’s current age policy and choose a suitable alternative.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphins may occasionally be seen during the boat outing, but sightings are never guaranteed. We do not chase, feed or disturb wildlife.
Does the journey end in Cairo?
It ends in El Gouna, with a transfer to Hurghada International Airport. A domestic flight to Cairo, airport assistance or another Cairo night can be added.
Are the El Gouna activities included?
The private boat day is part of this outline. Activities on the free day, such as diving, kitesurfing, golf or spa treatments, are optional extras confirmed in your proposal.
A few more moments
Picture yourself here
What travellers take home
We’ve taken plenty of ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trips, but this one felt different. The pyramids at sunrise were obviously impressive, but what really stayed with us was the journey to Siwa — hours of empty landscape giving way to that green oasis. Sleeping under the stars near the salt lakes, then floating in the Red Sea in El Gouna three days later, felt like being in two completely different countries. Our guide Ahmed organised everything perfectly. Worth every euro.Elena & Marc
Barcelona, Spain
The Grand Egyptian Journey
Read original Spanish
Hemos hecho muchos viajes 'de una vez en la vida' y este fue distinto. Las pirámides al amanecer fueron impresionantes, obviamente, pero fue el camino hasta Siwa — horas de nada que se convierten en ese oasis verde — lo que realmente nos marcó. Dormir bajo las estrellas cerca de los lagos de sal, y tres días después flotar en el Mar Rojo en El Gouna, fue como estar en dos países completamente distintos. Nuestro guía Ahmed organizó todo perfectamente. Cada euro bien gastado.
Siwa is the reason to book this trip. I’d never heard of it before Sentio recommended it, and now I can’t stop telling everyone about it: the hot springs at sunset, the mud-brick ruins of Shali. Cairo was a great introduction — the guide at the Egyptian Museum was excellent — and finishing in El Gouna was the perfect way to unwind: peaceful lagoons, good food and no stress.Camila Restrepo
Bogotá, Colombia
The Grand Egyptian Journey
Read original Spanish
Siwa es la razón para reservar este viaje. Nunca había oído hablar de este lugar antes de que Sentio nos lo recomendara, y ahora no dejo de contárselo a todo el mundo: las aguas termales al atardecer, las ruinas de barro de Shali. El Cairo fue una gran introducción (el guía del Museo Egipcio fue excelente) y El Gouna al final fue la forma perfecta de desconectar — lagunas tranquilas, buena comida, cero estrés.
Travelling with two teenagers is never simple, but this itinerary kept everyone entertained. The kids are still talking about sandboarding near Siwa and swimming in the salt lakes. Cairo’s markets were chaotic in the best possible way. El Gouna gave us the beach break we needed after so much time on the road. You can tell Sentio knows how to put together a trip that’s more than just pyramids and a resort.Familia Hernández
Mexico City, Mexico
The Grand Egyptian Journey
Read original Spanish
Viajar con dos adolescentes nunca es sencillo, pero este itinerario mantuvo a todos entretenidos. Los chicos todavía hablan de hacer sandboard cerca de Siwa y nadar en los lagos de sal. Los mercados de El Cairo fueron un caos en el mejor sentido. El Gouna nos dio el descanso en la playa que necesitábamos después de tanta carretera. Se nota que Sentio sabe armar un viaje que no es solo pirámides y un resort.
Let’s plan your Egypt
Tell us what you have in mind.
Share a few details and our team will help shape the journey around you.
Chat With Us on WhatsAppinfo@sentioexperiences.comKeep exploring
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Provisional photographs illustrate destinations and suggested stays. Unspecified villas use clearly labelled destination references; your exact property is selected with you.
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — Turquoise salt lake edged with white salt deposits in Siwa
- Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0 — Temple of the Oracle of Amun at Siwa Oasis · Licence · resized / cropped for layout
- Revigorate · provisional reference — A natural spring surrounded by the Siwa landscape
- Eimy Eldeeb · CC BY-SA 4.0 — Two travellers crossing Siwa’s sand dunes at sunset · Licence · resized / cropped for layout
- Heba otefy · CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lanterns in the lanes of Khan el-Khalili · Licence · resized / cropped for layout
- Spies · illustrative El Gouna setting — Lagoons and coastline in El Gouna
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — The Nile and Cairo’s riverside skyline
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — Desert landscape — illustrative journey photograph
- Hayaat Siwa / Booking.com · illustrative spring — Circular hot spring pools in the Siwa desert
- Danni and Fede · provisional traveller reference — Travellers looking over Shali’s mud-brick ruins at sunset
- Discover Siwa Egypt · illustrative desert scene — Travellers on a dune during a Siwa desert outing
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — A moment of rest in Egypt — illustrative local atmosphere
- Travelingyuk · illustrative traveller photo — Traveller floating in a turquoise salt pool at Siwa
- Travel Tours Egypt · illustrative desert evening — A picnic and small fire on the dunes at sunset in Siwa
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — Cairo cityscape in Egypt
- Nile FM · provisional reference image — The illuminated facade of the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — An Egyptian street scene — illustrative cultural detail
- Sailko · CC BY 3.0 — Courtyard and facade of the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo · Licence · resized / cropped for layout
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — The Nile — illustrative river scene
- Tripadvisor · destination reference — Yachts and waterfront buildings at El Gouna marina
- El Gouna · destination photograph — Yachts at Abydos Marina in El Gouna — illustrative Red Sea boating scene
- Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa · CC BY 2.0 — Diver exploring an Egyptian Red Sea reef · Licence · resized / cropped for layout
- TravelBird · El Gouna setting — Quiet beach and parasols at El Gouna
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — Yacht at sea — illustrative sailing photograph
- Four Seasons · property photograph — Nile-view accommodation at Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza
- St. Regis / Executive Bulletin · property reference — The St. Regis Cairo beside the Nile at twilight
- H Rewards · property photograph — Exterior of Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — Egypt destination reference; an alternative Cairo hotel is selected on request
- Hotel photograph supplied by Sentio Experiences.
- Taziry / Hotels.com · property reference — Outdoor lounge terrace at Taziry Ecolodge in Siwa
- Albabenshal · provisional reference — Entrance sign and bicycles at Albabenshal Heritage Lodge
- Unsplash · Siwa destination reference — Siwa setting reference only; your serviced villa is selected individually.
- Fora Travel · property reference — Elegant bedroom at La Maison Bleue in El Gouna
- 10hotels · Casa Cook reference — Pool and earthy architecture at Casa Cook El Gouna
- Cook’s Club / sun+fun · property reference — Poolside loungers at Cook’s Club El Gouna
- golfurlaub.com · property reference — Golf clubhouse at Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna
- Airbnb · El Gouna setting reference — El Gouna lagoon setting; alternative accommodation is selected on request
- Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa · CC BY 2.0 — Diver and reef life in the Egyptian Red Sea · Licence · resized / cropped for layout
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — Traveller exploring Egypt — illustrative photograph
- Unsplash · provisional photograph — Architectural detail in Egypt
- Travelcenter de Wit · Red Sea setting — Sunset along Egypt’s Red Sea coast
- Mohammed Moussa · CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rock formations and open desert at Wadi El Hitan · Licence · resized / cropped for layout