How to Plan Your El Alamein Battlefield Tour from Cairo: Visit the Second World War Cemeteries

If you’re a history buff, a visit to the El Alamein War Museum and Cemetery should be at the top of your bucket list. This private tour offers an opportunity to retrace Egypt’s role in the epic namesake WWII battle while you pay homage to the fallen military commanders. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about planning your El Alamein Battlefield Tour from Cairo.

Tour Overview

This history-packed private tour takes you to the El Alamein War Museum and Cemetery located on Egypt’s picturesque northern coast. The attraction features two cemeteries, the Commonwealth Cemetery, and the German Cemetery, where Allied and Axis soldiers killed during the battles are buried. You’ll explore the museum, where the history of the WWII battle is kept alive with various artifacts on display.

Tour Details

The tour duration is approximately 12 hours, starting at 08:00 AM. A qualified Egyptologist guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing valuable historical background information. The guide’s services are included in the tour package cost, along with all activities and professional guide services. You won’t need to worry about the transfers since the tour comes with comfortable private car transport, and hotel pickup/drop off from Cairo or Alexandria is also included.

What to Expect

The tour starts with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Alexandria. You’ll be transported to the El Alamein War Museum and Cemetery, located approximately 106 miles from Cairo, which takes roughly two hours. The Egyptologist guide will then take you around the museum, where you’ll learn about the famous WWII battle and see various artifacts such as tanks, weapons, and uniforms.

You’ll then visit the Commonwealth Cemetery, where soldiers from the Commonwealth countries killed in the WWII battles are buried. The cemetery features more than 7,000 graves of soldiers from countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. You’ll also see a memorial commemorating the fallen soldiers who have no known graves.

The tour then moves to the German Cemetery, where more than 4,000 German soldiers killed during the WWII battles are buried. You’ll explore the cemetery and pay respect to the fallen soldiers.

Additional Info

Confirmation for your tour will be received at the time of booking, and you’ll receive a voucher to present to the guide on the day of the tour. The voucher includes information about the pick-up time and location.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and you can request a wheelchair if needed. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothing since there is a lot of walking.

Booking Information

You can book your El Alamein Battlefield Tour from Cairo on Viator’s website by following this link: book the tour here. Viator is a trustworthy platform to book tours and experiences worldwide. The high-quality private tour includes transfer from and to your hotel, an expert Egyptologist guide, and all entrance fees.

Conclusion

The El Alamein Battlefield Tour from Cairo offers a unique chance to learn about the famous WWII battle and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers. By following this guide, you’ll be able to plan a hassle-free tour to this historic site. Book the tour today and take a step back in time to Egypt’s role in the epic battle of El Alamein.

An Insider’s Guide to El Alamein: A Battlefield Tour from Cairo

If you’re planning to travel to Cairo and want to explore the World War II history of Egypt, the El Alamein battlefield tour is a must-visit destination. El Alamein is a small coastal town situated around 106 km west of Alexandria, in Egypt. During World War II, two of the most significant battles between the Commonwealth forces and Axis forces were fought here. This guide will help you plan your Battlefield Tour and explore El Alamein like an insider.

History of El Alamein

El Alamein was once a small fishing village located on the railway line between Alexandria and the Libyan border. During World War II, it became the site of two battles that took place in 1942 and 1943. Over 13,000 soldiers from the Commonwealth and Allied forces lost their lives defending the town against Axis forces. Today, El Alamein is a popular destination for tourists who come to pay their respects to the soldiers buried in the two World War II cemeteries here.

How to Get to El Alamein from Cairo

The easiest and most convenient way to reach El Alamein is by car. You can hire a private taxi or join a guided tour from Cairo. The journey generally takes around three hours, and the road conditions are good. If you’re driving yourself, it’s essential to have a good map or GPS as some of the roads can be difficult to navigate.

Places to Visit in El Alamein

A visit to El Alamein is a sobering experience, where you can remember the fallen soldiers who bravely defended their ideals. The landscape around El Alamein is dotted with sites and monuments related to the battles that once took place here. Here are some of the most popular and significant places to explore:

El Alamein War Museum

The museum was designed by the architect Salah El Din Samir Hareedy and opened in 1956. The museum has an extensive collection of military objects and war machines that give visitors a glimpse into the military life of World War II. The museum offers audio-visual presentations in Arabic, English, and French.

Commonwealth and German Cemeteries

Located a few kilometers apart from each other, these two cemeteries receive thousands of visitors each year. The Commonwealth Cemetery holds the graves of over 7,200 soldiers from the Commonwealth forces who lost their lives during the North African Campaign. The German War Cemetery is the final resting place for over 4,000 German soldiers who perished during the same campaign.

Alam El Halfa Ridge

The Byzantine ruins of Alam El Halfa Ridge stand testament to the rich history of the region. During the war, it served as an observation post that offered a panoramic view of the surrounding desert. Today, it affords visitors a fantastic opportunity to explore the ancient architecture that still holds great significance in El Alamein’s history.

Dining Spots in El Alamein

There are several restaurants in El Alamein that offer excellent seafood delicacies, classic Egyptian dishes, and other Mediterranean food options. Some of the restaurants that you can visit are:

The Blue Marlin

This seafood restaurant is famous for its delicacies made from fresh fish and other seafood. Located on the beachfront, the restaurant offers a stunning view of the Mediterranean Ocean.

Stars Cafe and Restaurant

The Stars cafe and restaurant is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, including homemade pasta and risotto. The place offers great views of the sea and a relaxing ambiance.

Cultural Experiences in El Alamein

El Alamein is steeped in history, and a visit to its museums and cultural events is an excellent way to understand Egypt’s diverse culture. The city has a lot to offer, from art galleries to traditional music and dance festivals:

Siwa House Museum

This museum offers an insight into the history of the city and its people. The Siwa House was once the residence of Siwa Oberoi, who was a prominent figure in El Alamein’s history.

Siwa Music Festival

The Siwa Music Festival is a celebration of North African music and culture. The festival features traditional music and dance performances and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions in El Alamein

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several places you can visit in El Alamein that off-the-beaten-path and provide exciting and unique travel experiences:

Marsa Matrouh

Located around 45 kilometers west of El Alamein, Marsa Matrouh is a small Mediterranean town that has beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere.

German Anti Aircraft Fort

Located around 10 kilometers south of El Alamein, this fort was used to protect Germany’s Panzer Division during the Battle of El Alamein from Allied air attacks. The fort offers great views of the surrounding area and has several underground passages that you can explore.

Conclusion

El Alamein’s rich history and significance as a World War II battlefield make it a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Cairo. From the battlefield museums to cultural events and off-the-beaten-path attractions, there’s something for everyone here. Ensure to plan your trip to El Alamein and experience the unique blend of history and culture that this place has to offer.