ALEXANDRIA

Escape the bustling streets of Cairo and discover the timeless beauty of Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city and the legendary "Pearl of the Mediterranean." Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became one of the greatest centers of learning, culture, and civilization in the ancient world. Your journey begins with a visit to the world-famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural masterpiece built to commemorate the legendary Ancient Library of Alexandria, once considered the largest and most important library in history. The striking circular design symbolizes the rising sun, while its granite walls are engraved with letters from hundreds of world languages. Inside the library, explore its vast reading halls, fascinating museums, art galleries, rare manuscript collections, and cultural exhibitions. Learn about Alexandria's intellectual legacy and its role as a beacon of knowledge that attracted scholars from across the ancient world. Next, continue to Pompey's Pillar, the largest Roman triumphal column ever built outside Rome. Standing nearly 27 meters (88 feet) high, this magnificent red granite monument was erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd century AD. Despite its name, the pillar has no connection to the Roman general Pompey. Your guide will explain the true history of the monument and the fascinating archaeological remains surrounding it, including the ruins of the ancient Temple of Serapis and the underground catacombs nearby. The tour continues to the impressive Citadel of Qaitbay, one of the most iconic landmarks on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Built in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, the fortress stands on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off Private air-conditioned transportation Professional English-speaking tour guide Bottled water Excludes : Entrance tickets