Cultural Tour: The Siwa Heritage Journey
Embark on this cultural journey to uncover the timeless heritage of Siwa Oasis!
- Price
From SAR 120 per person
- Schedule
Available from 7 Nov 2024 to 5 Apr 2025
- Booking
Advanced booking required
- Experience type
Guided (English)
- Duration
Approx. 2 hours
- Arrival time
At least 15 minutes before booking time
- Age restrictions
5 years and above
- Group size
Maximum of 10 guests per time slot
- Meeting location
Old Town Visitors Centre
- Parking
Free parking at Old Town & AlJadidah South Parking
Overview
Immerse yourself in the captivating cultural legacy of the Siwa Oasis, where Berber traditions thrive. Discover the oasis’ unique architecture, engage in traditional crafts, and savor its authentic cuisine. This journey invites you to experience the vibrancy of Siwan art, music, and storytelling in an intimate and interactive setting.
A glimpse of the Experience
- Marvel at the Shali Fortress: Explore its distinctive mud-brick architecture and learn about its historical significance.
- Engage with Local Artisans: Participate in workshops featuring traditional crafts like basket weaving and jewelry making.
- Indulge in a Siwan Feast: Relish the flavors of Siwan cuisine accompanied by live traditional music.
- Discover Berber Heritage: Participate in an interactive storytelling session showcasing the language and legends of the Berber people.
Overview
Cultural Tour: The Siwa Heritage Journey
Itinerary
meeting Point: Old Town Visitors Centre
Arrive at the designated meeting point where your guide will greet you and introduce the day’s activities.
Tour Start: Shali Fortress
The tour begins with a guided visit to Shali Fortress, a 13th-century mud-brick citadel that stands as a testament to Siwa’s resilience and architectural ingenuity.
Explore the fortress’ narrow passageways and admire its unique construction, designed to withstand the harsh desert climate.
Learn about its historical significance as a safe haven for the Siwan community and enjoy breathtaking views of the oasis and palm groves from its higher vantage points.
Siwa House Museum
Continue to the Siwa House Museum, a beautifully preserved showcase of Siwan traditions and culture.
Delve into the lives of the Siwan people through exhibits of traditional tools, colorful clothing, and intricate artifacts.
Discover the symbolic importance of Siwan bridal garments, jewelry, and crafts, and how they reflect the values and creativity of the Berber heritage.
Traditional Craft Workshop
Engage in a hands-on activity with local artisans, experiencing the art of Siwan craftsmanship firsthand.
Learn techniques passed down through generations, such as basket weaving, pottery, or jewelry making.
Create your own piece of Siwan art to take home as a personal memento of this unique experience.
Siwan Feast and Music
Enjoy a freshly prepared, authentic Siwan meal, lovingly crafted by local families using natural, locally sourced ingredients.
Experience the flavors of the oasis with traditional dishes and enjoy the soothing ambiance of Siwan hospitality.
Be entertained by live performances of traditional Siwan music, featuring melodies and rhythms deeply rooted in Berber culture.
Storytelling and Language
Gather with Siwan elders for an intimate storytelling session, a cherished tradition in Siwan culture.
Hear fascinating tales of Siwan folklore, mythology, and historical events that have shaped the community’s identity.
Learn simple phrases in the Siwan Berber dialect, gaining insight into the language’s role in preserving cultural heritage.
Wrap-Up
Conclude the tour with a group reflection and farewell.
Share your crafted creations with fellow participants and exchange stories from the day.
Capture the moment with group photos, set against the backdrop of Siwa’s picturesque landscapes