ALEXANDRIA

Known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean” was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. and served for the next seven centuries as the capital of his Egyptian Kingdom. Alexandria stood at the forefront of Greco-Roman civilization, home of the largest library and the greatest center of learning in the ancient world. Its lighthouse was counted among the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is located 130 miles northwest of Cairo, on the Mediterranean, serving as Egypt’s main resort destination of choice for the summer.

FULL DAY EXCURSION TO ALEXANDRIA FROM CAIRO:

Located a mere three-hour drive from Cairo, special excursions can be arranged. A special seafood lunch is provided on the Bay of Abukir, scene of the naval battle between Nelson and Napoleon.

GRECO-ROMAN MUSEUM:

A depository for a wide variety of Pharoanic, Ptolematic, Roman and Christian antiquities.

POMPEY’S PILLAR:

A column of red Aswan granite standing some 90 feet high, with a circumference of 27 feet. It was erected in honor of the Emperor Diocletion, as indicated by a Greek inscription on the west side of the base.

CATACOMBS:

An extensive three-level funerary, probably dating from the 2nd century A.D.

MONTAZAH GARDENS:

At the eastern end of Alexandria, stretching along the Mediterranean sea and surrounded by the Royal Summer Palaces of the former King Farouk.

THE ROMAN THEATER:

Discovered in 1964, the ancient Roman Theater was probably a roofed theater used for musical performances as well as wrestling contests, as indicated by the inscriptions carved on seats. The theater had a capacity of 700-800 seats.

BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA:

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (English: Library of Alexandria is a major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in the Egyptian city of Alexandria. 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.

ALAMEIN:

Located approximately 65 miles from Alexandria is the famous battlefield known as the commonwealth cemented site, Alamein, depicting the famous battle between Rommel and Montgomery. Visitors can see both the German and Italian cemeteries.