Alexandria

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is actually only 225 km from Cairo. We use both car and train to travel to Alexandria.

Alexander was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, and became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt and a rival to Rome before falling into decline in the 4th century AD. In the 19th century, the Pasha Mohammed Ali revived Alexandria’s fortunes by developing the city into a major port linking it to the River Nile. From this new prosperity Alexandria became the focus of Egypt’s commercial and maritime expansion and attracted thousands of Europeans who settled here made it a prosperous city.

Today, traces of all these pasts remain. Walking along the waterfront you can discover the exceptional Fort Quite on the tip of the Eastern Harbour, which was built by recycling stones of the Pharaoh’s Lighthouse. Continuing south is the striking sight of Pompey’s Pillar, made of Red Aswan granite proudly standing 27m high as a tribute to Roman emperor Diocletian.

There are also many sights in the city centre worth visiting, such as the Roman Amphitheatre at Kom al Dikka, which housed a small theatre, assembly hall, residential area and bathing complex. Nearby you can visit the vast burial site of the Catacombs of Kom Shuqqafa, a series of tombs dug deep into the rock. Situated in the heart of modern Alexandria is the Graeco-Roman Museum, with items found in Alexandria and artefacts from ancient Egyptian, Classical and Christian cultures.

Alexandria is a year-round beach resort. Why not take a dip in the sea, or try some seafood caught by local fishermen, take a tram through the waterfront city or drink coffee in European-style patisseries.