Tuesday, 12 August 2014

Writing Retreat & Tours in Siwa oasis, Egypt October 7th to 11th 2014

'Breathing in the Garden Star'

4 day Writing Retreat & Tours in Siwa oasis, Egypt


Departing Cairo the night of 7th October – Arriving back to Cairo the night of 11th October


*Total price 3,350 LE

*The above price includes: 
Writing tuition fees for an 8 hr course, accommodation at Siwa Gardens Hotel, Siwa, in double rooms, all transfers using a private a/c bus, tour guide fees, entry fees to all monuments and museums, all meals (except in Cairo – Siwa transfer and in Almeen beach resort), mineral water (2 big bottles 1.5 litter of water per person each day), a desert safari tour using 4x4 cars.

This trip has limited places - Maximum 12 people only


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To register, in the first instance, please email the tutor and organiser Linda Cleary: thewriterscentre@gmail.com

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I am so pleased to be able to offer you all another wonderfully inspiring writing holiday complete with daily writing classes, fabulous tours and accommodation in the lovely, calm and well presented Siwa Gardens Hotel http://www.siwagardens.com

We will leave Cairo by private bus the night of Tuesday 7th and arrive at our hotel Wednesday morning; the first day there will be a writing class but we will have an otherwise leisurely introduction to our trip. In total we will spend 3 nights/4 days in Siwa, where over the 4 days you will have your 8 hour creative writing course delivered in 2 hour workshops each day and also enjoy many wonderful excursions around the Siwa area, oasis and desert.

The writing course is designed to not only pass on and expand various writing techniques and exercises but also will be themed on exploring the story of Siwa; its landscape, characters, history and present. All participants, whether just starting out in developing their writing or those who are further on the writing path will benefit. And built into the price is that all course assignment pieces sent by email after the trip ends will receive individual tutor assessment and editing.

All bespoke arrangements for the entire trip is arranged by and taken care of by Truly Egypt tours: www.trulyegypt.com



The full itinerary is here:

Tuesday October 7th
10pm - Pick up and transfer to Siwa via Matrouh overnight.
Cairo to Siwa is about 9 hours' drive.

Wednesday October 8th -Day 1
Arrive at Matrouh around 4am
Rest in Matrouh for about 1 hour.
Drive in the desert road to Siwa, arrive in Siwa around 9am
Check in the hotel and rest.
Lunch at Cleopatra spring. About 10 minutes' drive from the hotel.
Writing workshop in the cafe at Cleopatra spring . Private atmosphere.
Enjoy swimming in the spring in the afternoon and free time.
Back to the hotel.
Dinner and night stay in Siwa.

Day 2
Breakfast
Writing workshop in the morning at the hotel.
Visit Siwa House museum. (The tour duration is about 45 minutes)
Lunch at Abdou Restaurant.
Visit Siwa historical sightseeing such as The Mountain of the Dead and Alexander temple (Oracle temple). (The tour duration is about 3 hours)
Late afternoon: Visit Almaza camp on the shore of the salt lake and enjoy Rigwa fresh water spring, during the sun set.
Back to the hotel and dinner.
Night stay in Siwa.

Day 3
Breakfast
Writing workshop in the morning at the hotel.
Lunch
2 pm start your desert adventure in the western desert using 4x4 car.
Visit the Silica rocks, the fossils, skiing on the sand dunes using sand boards, the cold water lake, Bier 1 hot spring, then boarding on the sand dunes and watch the sun set.
Back to Siwa.
Dinner and night stay in the hotel at Siwa.

 Day 4
Breakfast
Writing workshop in the hotel.
12 pm: Travel from Siwa to Cairo.
Picnic lunch
Stop at El Almeen Sidi Abdelrhman old hotel. Has the most beautiful bay on Egypt's Mediterranean. Drinks and orders are not included in the price.
Travel back to Cairo, arrive around 10pm.
End of the service.

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Not including: Tipping and any other thing not included in the previous section.

If you desire single accommodation then please consult with us about the availability of single rooms as they may not be available.

Those participants without an Egyptian ID must pay an extra for tour entry fees only – please do inform us if you do not have an Egyptian ID so we can let you know that slight increase on the total price.

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About the writing tutor:  
Linda Cleary is a poet - writer – performer, originally from UK with a theatre background and Diploma in LAMDA Speech and Drama. As well as her own work as a writer, actor and performer www.lindaclearypoetry.blogspot.com – and working with musicians to create live performances http://www.soundcloud.com/lindacleary and with film makers on various poetry films - this one has been accepted into Berlin Poetry Film Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0ZDQapSSAg&list=PLC1E8ACDD79A0BC9E she has also created installations using text/audio and image exhibited in several prominent galleries. Linda has been delivering workshops in creative writing, theatre and related arts for many years; working in Holland, Czech Republic, Australia, UK and Egypt and currently provides courses at Diwan, Egypt and is Director of The Writers' Centre: www.writerscentre.blogspot.com and on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/374437262578364/


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This writing retreat has been made in collaboration with Truly Egypt Tours: www.trulyegypt.com


Thank you :)