WHEN it comes to a holiday in Egypt, most Brits head to Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh.
But there is a lesser-known spot in Egypt that people say feels like going back in time.
Siwa Oasisis home to salt pools that are more concentrated than the Dead Sea, clay houses and miles of desert.
You can float in the bright blue waters – just make sure to wash off when you come out with tap water as the salt can irritate your skin.
The pools are surrounded by desert, where you can do a number of other activities including sandboarding and ‘dune bashing’ where you race around in 4x4s.
For another swimming experience, visitors can head to Cleopatra’s Bath – a natural spring with crystal waters.
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Local legend has it that Queen Cleopatra used to swim in the circular pool and visitors can do the same today, as long as your shoulders and ankles are covered.
Around the pool there are even a number of cafes serving Siwan mint tea as well as freshly made juices.
Near the bath is also the Temple of the Oracle, dating back to the 26th Dynasty.
The temple sits on the top of a hill and is known for being the spot where Alexander the Great was named the son of Amun in 331 BCE.
Even though much of the temple today is ruined, visitors can climb to the highest point where they will get panoramic views with palm groves, salt lakes and desert.
The town of Siwa Oasis itself is home to hundreds of clay buildings, with the Shali Fortress standing in the middle.
The fortress dates back to the 13th century and is made of kershef, which is a blend of salt, mud and clay – all from the local lakes.
Despite heavy rain causing damage to the fortress in 1926, it still stands today with a number of alleyways and sets of stairs to explore.
One person said on TikTok: “The town itself feels like you’re stepping back in time.”
There is a catch, however – to get there, you will have to drive 10 hours from Cairo and pass through several military checks on the way.
You can fly to Cairo from the UK in July from £165 one-way.
With GetYourGuide, you could then head off on a three-day tour from Cairo to Siwa Oasis, staying in a lodge in Siwa Oasis for one night and a Bedouin Camp for the second night.
The tour includes exploring Siwa Oasis as well as the El Alamein Military Museum, Mountain of the Dead with the tombs of Si-Amun, dipping in Cleopatra’s pool and visiting the city of Shali.
Also included in the tour is a dune buggy ride and sandboarding.
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The package costs £307 per person.
Alternatively, you could head on a three-day tour with Viator heading to Marsa Matrouh, which Viator claims to be “one of the most beautiful cities on the Mediterranean” before reaching Siwa Oasis.
Similar to GetYourGuide, Viator’s tour will also take you to the Mountain of the Dead.
The tour also includes a dune buggy ride, camping in Siwa Oasis, stargazing and meditation, a tour of the Temple of the Oracle and a visit to Darker mountain.
Tickets for this tour cost from £197 per person.