Early in the morning we start our tour from Cairo to Alexandria, the so-called peral of the Mediterranean with the pick-up from your accommodation in Cairo. Enjoy the ride through an area rich in palm trees and discover old mansions from the time of the English colony. After arriving in Alexandria our first stop takes us to the
Alexandria Catacombs – Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
The Alexandria Catacombs from one of the largest cemeteries from the Roman period and was built three levels deep into the rock-cut underground. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, dating from the Greco Roman times, were carved up to 35 meters deep into the rock and housed more than 300 mummies. Formerly they were used as a burial place for a single wealthy family. The mixture of Greco Roman and ancient Egyptian culture is reflected in the reliefs of the walls and makes the Alexandria Catacombs a special sight. We continue our tour to the
Pompey Pillar Alexandria,
a 28-meter high, red granite column, one of the Alexandria Egypt Landmarks, was given a misleading name. The inscription on the column proves that it was not intended for Pompeii as the crusaders believed at the time but built as a memorial column for Diocletian, a Roman emperor.
We take a break for our lunch in a local restaurant bevor we drive to the entrance of the eastern port of Alexandria to visit the
Qaitbay Citadel
built in 1480. The Qaitbay Citadel was owned by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf Ad-Din Qaitbay and built as one of many castles along Egypt's coast to strengthen the Egyptian coastline against the Ottomans at the time.
On the eastern part of Pharos Island, on the site of the formerly famous Alexandria lighthouse, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, he built the Qaitbay Citadel. The Pharos Lighthouse worked until the Arab conquest and was gradually destroyed by several disasters until an earthquake in the 14th century completely destroyed it.
Our Cairo tours continue to the world-famous
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Our Cairo Alexandria excursion also includes a visit to the world-famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina that houses the most extensive collection of Historical books worldwide.
Today the new architectural style of the Alexandria Library also catches parts of the former building that lost many irreplaceable treasures in a big fire. Donations from all over the world helped the Bibliotheca Alexandria to regain its fame all over the world.
Our Cairo Alexandria for Alexandria sightseeing excursion ends with the visit of the impressive Bibliotheca Alexandrina in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Alexandria – the pearl of the Mediterranean. After an adventurous day, we take you back to your accommodation in Cairo.