Day 01
Alexandria Highlights Tour from Cairo
- Your tour representative will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo and transfer you to Alexandria.
- First, visit Pompey's Pillar. This red granite column was probably built to honour Emperor Diocletian. The story behind its name refers to the possible burial place of the Roman general Diocletian when he fled to Egypt and was assassinated after losing a major battle in Greece against Caesar. Today, it stands 25 metres high and is the tallest ancient monument in Alexandria.
- Then drive to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the largest Roman cemetery, consisting of three levels cut into the rock.
- Have lunch at a local restaurant in Alexandria, then proceed to see the Qaitbay Citadel, which was built on the site of the old lighthouse after it was destroyed by an earthquake. The Citadel of Alexandria was named after Sultan Ashraf Qaitbay, who wanted to protect the city from the direct threats of the Ottoman Empire. Qaitbay Citadel is one of the top attractions in Alexandria for its historical value and important position.
- Then head to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. It is a revival of the legendary ancient library built in classical Greek times. The rebuilding of the library has returned Alexandria to its former status as a centre for learning and exchange, providing the city with a landmark building.
- Finally, drive back to your hotel in Cairo.
