Journey into the heart of Siwa's extraordinary cultural heritage, where ancient traditions remain vibrantly alive in daily life. This immersive experience transcends conventional tourism by connecting you with the authentic cultural fabric of one of North Africa's most distinctive communities.

From the imposing mud-brick fortress of Shali to intimate family homes where traditional crafts are still practiced, you'll discover how Siwan culture has preserved its unique identity while adapting to changing times.

Guided by cultural experts with deep community connections, you'll participate in centuries-old traditions, learn from master artisans, and gain privileged insight into the customs, arts, and wisdom that define Siwa's remarkable cultural resilience.

This extended 5-night journey allows for deeper cultural immersion, meaningful community connections, and participation in authentic practices rarely accessible to short-term visitors.

Day 1 (Cultural Foundations):

• Morning: Welcome ceremony with traditional Siwan tea ritual and cultural orientation

• Midday: Guided exploration of the ancient Shali Fortress with historical context

• Afternoon: Traditional textile workshop with Siwan women artisans

• Evening: Cultural dinner featuring historical dishes with storytelling by community elders

Day 2 (Living Traditions)

• Morning: Visit to traditional olive groves and ancient pressing techniques

• Midday: Participation in seasonal cultural activities (harvest, festivals, or crafts)

• Afternoon: Silver jewelry workshop with master craftsmen using traditional methods

• Evening: Private musical gathering with local musicians and traditional instruments

Day 3 (Sacred Heritage)

• Morning: Visit to historical sites including Temple of the Oracle of Amun

• Midday: Traditional meal preparation in a family home with local matriarchs

• Afternoon: Cultural symbolism workshop exploring Amazigh patterns and meanings

• Evening: Sunset visit to sacred sites with traditional ceremonies (seasonal)

Day 4 (Artistic Expression)

• Morning: Traditional pottery making with clay from Siwa's salt lakes

• Midday: Visit to local artisan cooperative with hands-on demonstrations

• Afternoon: Basket weaving workshop using palm fronds with master weavers

• Evening: Traditional storytelling session with Siwan folklore and mythology

Day 5 (Living History)

• Morning: Visit to ancient irrigation systems still in use today

• Midday: Participation in traditional bread making in earth ovens

• Afternoon: Traditional costume workshop and cultural dress practices

• Evening: Community celebration with traditional music and dance performances

Day 6 (Cultural Continuity)

• Morning: Visit to local school or community center to learn about cultural preservation

• Midday: Final workshop creating a personal cultural artifact to take home

• Afternoon: Cultural symbolism workshop exploring Amazigh patterns and meanings

• Evening: Farewell celebration with traditional music, dance, and ceremony

Through this experience, you'll:

• Participate in authentic cultural practices alongside community members

• Learn traditional craft techniques from master artisans in intimate settings

• Discover the historical significance of Siwa's architectural and archaeological treasures

• Experience seasonal cultural activities and celebrations (varies by time of year)

• Document cultural traditions through guided ethnographic photography (with permission)

• Engage in meaningful cultural exchange beyond surface-level tourism

• Create multiple traditional crafts using authentic techniques and materials

• Share meals with local families in their homes

• Learn key phrases in the Siwi language to connect with community members

• Participate in traditional ceremonies not typically accessible to tourists

Your guide will be the professional cultural anthropologist and Siwan native, Fatima El-Siwi, who has dedicated her career to documenting and preserving Siwan cultural heritage. With deep family roots in the oasis and formal training in cultural preservation, Fatima provides unique insight into both the visible traditions and subtle nuances of Siwan culture. Her established relationships throughout the community open doors to authentic experiences rarely accessible to visitors, while her expertise ensures respectful and meaningful cultural engagement.

For this extended experience, Fatima is joined by local cultural historian Ahmed Mahmoud, whose family has maintained oral histories and traditional knowledge for generations. Together, they create a comprehensive cultural immersion that balances academic understanding with lived experience.

• Deep understanding of Siwa's unique cultural identity and historical significance

• Appreciation for the sophisticated knowledge systems embedded in traditional practices

• Meaningful connections with community members through shared activities

• Insight into how traditional cultures adapt and preserve identity in changing times

• Respectful documentation of cultural practices with guidance on ethical representation

• Handcrafted items created using traditional techniques during workshops

• Understanding of cultural preservation challenges and community-led solutions

• Ability to recognize authentic cultural elements versus tourist adaptations

• Knowledge of Siwan cultural calendar and seasonal traditions

• Lasting relationships with community members that can be maintained after your visit

Comprehensive 5-night/6-day cultural program with all workshop materials and activity fees

Comfortable accommodation at the historically-inspired Resort with traditional architectural elements

Traditional meals showcasing Siwan culinary heritage (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners)

Transportation to all cultural sites and community locations

Cultural resource materials and ethnographic journal for documentation

Handcrafted Siwan souvenirs and items created during workshops

Contributions to local cultural preservation initiatives

Translation services throughout all activities and interactions

Cultural orientation guide with ethical photography guidelines

Digital archive of community-approved photographs from your experience

Individual cultural journey: €1,100 per person

Family cultural experience (2 adults, 2 children): €2,000

Cultural immersion extensions available for deeper engagement

Private family/group experiences available upon request

Early booking discount of 10% when reserved 3+ months in advance