A five-step synthesis of (S)-7-hydroxy-8a-epi-5-aza-swainsonine was accessed in good overall yield from readily available D-erythrosyl benzylidene acetal 1,3-butadiene. The key step of the reaction sequence is a full stereoselective Diels-Alder cycloaddition between the diene and dienophile: diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD)/ di- t-butyl azodicarboxylate (DBDA). Cycloadducts were further transformed into the title 5-aza-indolizidine. Optimized procedures were obtained for the synthesis of intermediates and products.