Overview
Alexandria is beautiful and will stay with you long after you leave.
I really loved this city. The causeway seems sophisticated and modern at first glance but when you take a second look you realize the background of the city you are standing in. It is remarkable.
Alexandria, Egypt was founded by Alexander the Great in April 331 BC, and became the capital of the Graeco-Egyptian world. The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria also was called "The Pearl of the Mediterranean". The ancient port city was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - The Pharos of Alexandria (The Lighthouse of Alexandria), which is still visible just outside the port. The port served as a primary center for commerce and trade linking Europe with the Middle East and all other points along the Mediterranean Sea and was a very important city for merchants and travelers of ancient time. Alexandria today is still a lovely city with a beautiful causeway parallel to the sea.
Upon your arrival into the Alexandria port you will be met by your representative and then joined by your guide to begin your exploration of Alexandria. On this excursion you will visit all the well known historical sites in the city as well as the famous and impressive library.
The Alexandria National Museum was inaugurated the 31st of December, 2003 by Hosni Mubarak and is located in a restored Italian style palace in Tariq Al-Horreya Street. It contains about 1,800 artifacts that narrate the story of Alexandria and Egypt. This is a perfect place to start your visit to Egypt as you will obtain the background that will inform you for the next few days. Most of these pieces are originally from other Egyptian museums.
Pompey's Pillar is one of the best-known ancient monuments still standing in Alexandria today. It is located on Alexandria's ancient acropolis - a modest hill located adjacent to the city's Arab cemetery — and was originally part of a temple colonnade. Including its pedestal, it is 99 ft high and the shaft is of polished red granite and is 2.7 meters in diameter at its widest.
The Roman Amphitheatre is located in the modern area of Kom El-Dikaa, which is almost in the centre of the city of Alexandria, Egypt. If you arrive on a Friday, it is the best location to be standing for noon prayers, as the Islamic population will fill the streets with prayer, stopping all traffic. Dating from the 2nd century AD it has a large auditorium, about 42m in diameter. The outer face of this building was probably adorned with columns as was the style of the day. In later times the theatre was rebuilt and its auditorium was diminished to 33.5 m in diameter. It then counted 16 rows of marble seats. The Catacombs are located the district of Karmouz to the east of Alexandria. The area was called Kom El-Shouqafa or a pile of shards.
The cemetery dates back to the 1st century A.D and was used until the 4th century A.D. It was discovered in 1900 when by pure chance, a donkey drawn cart fell into a pit which led to the discovery. The Catacombs in Alexandria are so called because the design was very similar to the Christian Catacombs in Rome. Most likely it was a private tomb, later converted to a public cemetery.
A visit to the library is a must. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Greek for "Library of Alexandria") is a major architectural feat for the city and the population is very proud of it. It is also a major attraction. It is combined with a cultural center and located in the heart of the city. It is both a commemoration of the Library of Alexandria that was lost in antiquity, and an attempt to rekindle something of the brilliance that this earlier center of study and erudition represented. You will find lots of tourists but more important, you will also see students and locals and you will be impressed by the huge amount of servers it houses.
During your day, you will find time for a seaside lunch that is included in your cost.
After the tour you will be transferred back to your cruise.
- Lunch is included in the tour cost. Please alert us to any dietary restrictions.
- All entrance fees for sites mentioned are included in this tour.
- Beverages with meals and gratuities are not included.
- A small portion of this tour is walking. Please dress comfortably.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
- 09:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
