Alexandria

• Founded by Alexander the Great and once home to the Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

• Home to the greatest library of the ancient world

• A relaxed seaside city blending Greek, Roman, Islamic and European history

• Lively corniche, old-world cafés and fresh seafood restaurants

• An easy day trip from Cairo, or a cooler addition to your Egypt journey

Ancient Alexandria

• Citadel of Qaitbay: a 15th-century fortress on the site of the Pharos lighthouse, with sea views

• Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum: a towering Roman column on the site of an ancient temple

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: underground tombs that blend Egyptian, Greek and Roman art

• Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El Dikka): the city’s only Roman theatre

• Greco-Roman Museum: statues and artefacts from Alexandria’s ancient past

Modern and Cultural Alexandria

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: a striking modern library and cultural centre

• Alexandria National Museum: the city’s history from Pharaonic to modern times

• Abu Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque: one of the city’s most beautiful mosques, near the sea

• Montaza Palace and Gardens: a royal palace with seaside gardens

• Alexandria Corniche: a long seafront promenade for a relaxed stroll

• Stanley Bridge and Stanley Beach: a landmark bridge and a popular local beach

Food and Local Life

• Fresh fish and grilled seafood by the sea

• Old-style cafés and patisseries with a Mediterranean and European feel

Nearby Day Trips

• El Alamein: the World War II museum and war cemeteries

• Rosetta (Rashid): a historic Nile Delta town

Highlights

• The Citadel of Qaitbay and the sea views

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and Pompey’s Pillar

• Fresh seafood on the Mediterranean coast

• Private guide and an easy day trip from Cairo or Giza