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.
