Alexandria

What To Expect From This Experience!

• Alexandria was one of the great cities of the ancient world and was an integral part of ancient Egypt.
• It is on this tour that you will come to appreciate the forces and people that played a role in the city’s history.
• It is a day that links Alexandria with the rest of the country and the Roman Empire.

Embarking for Alexandria

The tour starts with a 3-hour drive in air-conditioned vehicles. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, famous for its Greco-Roman remains and Mediterranean character. The most significant sites visited are:

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The Great Library of Alexandria was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. Alexandria came to be regarded as the capital of knowledge and learning. Julius Caesar burned his ships during the Siege of Alexandria in 48 BC. Ancient writers said the fire spread and destroyed the library’s collections.

Today, the library has developed as a centre of excellence in the production and dissemination of knowledge, and a place for interaction between peoples and civilisations. The library also aspires to be the world’s window on Egypt, and Egypt’s window to the world as a pioneer in the digital age, and above all, a centre for learning, tolerance, dialogue, and understanding.

Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman theatre was a major discovery in 1960. It was proven that the theatre was built in the 4th A.D century and was used up until the 7th century, throughout the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras. The theatre used to host huge ceremonies and events with a capacity of 600 spectators.

Sultan Qāʾit Bey Citadel

Within a century of its founding, Alexandria’s splendours were renowned in the ancient world. The pride of ancient Alexandria harbour was the great lighthouse. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the lighthouse is reputed to have been more than 350 feet (110 metres) high and was still standing in the 12th century. In 1477, however, Sultan Qāʾit Bey used stones from the dilapidated structure to build a fort (named for him), which stands near or on the original site.

Alexandria Catacombs

A labyrinth of tunnels and vaults, the catacombs are more than 360 miles long. This vast subterranean cemetery was created by ancient Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. In recent times, a catacomb containing thousands of human skeletons was unearthed. Currently, a team of specialists is on a mission to unlock the secrets of the skeletons.

About Lunch

We enjoy taking our guests out for lunch because it’s another way to experience Egyptian culture. We just want to make the following points: We only take our guests to the best restaurants. We place good hygiene and cleanliness as our number 1 priority. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you choose to pass on lunch, we won’t take it personally. But please be assured, your health and safety are our overriding priority.

This half day tour can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities. The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Old Cairo (Coptic and Islamic History), the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others. Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.

• Pick up from your hotel and return
• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• Your own personal, English speaking tour guide.

Exclusions

• Personal expenditure of any kind
• Tips
• Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)