Best of Alexandria
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Port
Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$159.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 10½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Depart the pier and transfer to the famous Catacombs of Kom El Shogafa -- the largest Roman burial site discovered in Egypt to date. The catacombs consist of three tiers of tombs and chambers cut into the bedrock to a depth of about 115 feet. Constructed in the 2nd century AD as a single-family crypt, these tombs represent the last existing major construction under the auspices of ancient Egyptian religion. Though the motifs are purely ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Greco-Roman style, resulting in an amazingly integrated art form quite unlike anything else in the world.
From there, proceed to the Pompey's Pillar. This 88-foot-tall and 7-foot-thick column of polished Aswan rose granite stands before the sparse remains of the splendid Temple of Serapis - once one of ancient Alexandria's most important buildings. Erroneously named by the Crusaders, the pillar had nothing to do with Pompey and, in fact, was raised in honor of Diocletian in the 4th century AD.
Next, drive to the Roman Amphitheatre -- the only one in Egypt. It was discovered quite recently during foundation digging for a new apartment building. The well-preserved theatre once boasted thirteen semi-circular tiers of white marble imported from Europe. It contains galleries, sections of mosaic flooring and marble seats for up to 800 spectators.
Perhaps the highlight of your tour will be a visit to the National Museum. The collection includes thousands of items spanning from the Pharaonic Era through Greco-Roman times to the modern era. Papyrus scrolls, ancient perfume bottles and painted mummy cases are tastefully displayed as well as classic Greek statues. The artifacts guide visitors right up to the times of Mubarak and illustrate Alexandria's role in the modern history of Egypt.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will proceed to the Library of Alexandria. This remarkable facility is not just a library -- it is a stunning integrated cultural complex incorporating libraries, museums, exhibition areas, educational centers, and an international conference facility. Its goal is to cross the frontiers of history and meet the challenges of the 21st century, and it is already an admired research institution.
En route back to the pier, stop for photos at Fort of Qait Bay, a 15th-century Mamluk fort overlooking the entrance to the Eastern harbor in Alexandria. Built on the foundations of the Pharos Lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the fort incorporates both a castle and a mosque within its walls.
Notes:
Minimum age is 6 years. In the event the library is closed, a visit to the Greco-Roman Museum will be substituted. Lunch may be delayed to the end of the tour to accommodate attraction closure times if required. In this case, snacks will be served during the day. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Tight-fitting, transparent, or translucent clothing is not permitted. Do not wear white clothing, as it is seldom adequately opaque. Please err on the side of conservatism with your attire. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.