The Pearl Of The Mediterranean

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambiance and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is only 225 km. from Cairo.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Graco-Roman Egypt; its status as a beacon of culture is symbolized by Pharos, the legendry lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world, but ancient Alexandria declined, and when Napoleon landed he found a sparsely populated fishing village.

Since the 19th century Alexandria has played a new role, as a focus for Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion. This Alexandria has been immortalized by writers such as E.M. Forster and Cavafy. Generations of immigrants from Greece, Italy and the Levant settled here and made the city synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture; Lawrence Durrell described it as " The capital city of Asiatic Europe, if such a thing could exist".

The Siwa Oasis

The Siwa Oasis is situated in the Western Desert close to the Libyan border. It is Egypt's most remote oasis town and the Siwans have developed their own distinct Berber culture. Siwans speak their own language and their jewellery and crafts are exquisite. A decent road and a small airport have certainly put the Siwa Oasis on the tourist map but it is still off the beaten track. As well as its unique culture, the Siwa oasis is known for its geographical beauty, hot springs and the fact that Alexander the Great traveled here to visit the Oracle of Amun.

It's a wonderful place to relax, swim and eat some olives. The old town of Siwa dates back to the 13th century and its mud and brick architecture looks gnarled and quite unique.

Siwa is different. That's what the Lonely Planets says about it and several other guide books. It is different because it is the only oasis in Egypt that is of Berber origin. The culture and way of life is laid back and different to the energy of the big souk's in Luxor and Cairo. Siwa has a village feel and after a few days everybody knows you and how you take your tea.

There is a huge amount of history in Siwa, yet few in Siwa know their own past due to there being no documents or books from the past. Most of the history of Siwa is documented from other cultures, mainly Greek and of course from Alexandria the Great who came to visit Siwa in 331 to confirm he was the son of God in the Orical, one of seven in the world ( shown to the right).

Contact: registration@dssa-egypt.org Fees Info: MYM: €300, Post MYM: €135, Including accommodation, transportation, meals and the program