Alexandria / Egypt

On the northern coast of Egypt, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, lies Alexandria. The second largest city in the country and an important economic center has over 5 million inhabitants. Today, it is a sought-after tourist destination, known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" for good reason. Alexandria is rich in Greco-Roman monuments, welcoming cafes and restaurants, and beautiful sandy beaches.

What to taste in Alexandria?

The coastal city is an ideal destination for tasting the freshest seafood and fish, complemented by excellent Arab cuisine specialties such as:

• Falafel – fried chickpea balls with herbs and spices,
• Gyros – marinated in a spice mix,
• Shawarma – filled Arabic bread with various types of meat and vegetables,
• Mezze – small portions of various appetizers,
• Hummus – chickpea spread/dip with sesame paste.

Why will you love Alexandria?

Alexandria is a city where history literally breathes at every step. In the Hellenistic era, the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria stood here on the island of Pharos – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – as well as the Great Library, the largest center of learning in antiquity. Although little has survived from this famous era, the charm of what remains is all the stronger. The thirty-meter-high Pompey's Pillar still recalls the city's former greatness, and the Roman amphitheater with its preserved auditorium offers a unique glimpse into the life of past centuries. Alexandria is a place where the legendary past meets the atmosphere of the contemporary Mediterranean.

After exploring the historical treasures of Alexandria, the story of ancient Egypt continues in Giza – a place where history becomes an unforgettable experience. It is dominated by the world-famous pyramids – Cheops, Chefren, and Mykerinos – which still amaze with their majesty. The view of the Great Sphinx, a symbol of ancient Egypt and the mystery of its civilization, is also unforgettable. Giza offers a unique combination of archaeological treasures, fascinating history, and authentic atmosphere, allowing you to step back thousands of years into the past. For history lovers, photography, and adventure, a visit to Giza is an absolute must.

Practical tips:

• Official language: Arabic, but in tourist areas like hotels, you can usually communicate in English and French. 
• Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP).
• Opening hours: Monday - Thursday from 10:00 to late at night. On Fridays and holidays, most places are closed or open later, but this may not apply to tourist areas. Markets and bazaars have specific opening hours.
• Public transport: Provided by historic trams, buses, minibuses, and taxi services. The tram runs across the city and offers a slow but scenic journey along the coast. Buses and minibuses cover most of the city and surroundings, are cheap, but often without a fixed schedule. The terminal at the port is about 1.5 - 2 km from the center, i.e., about 5 – 10 minutes by car or 20 – 25 minutes on foot). For cruise ship passengers, taxis or shuttle services are usually available.
• Weather: Alexandria has a hot and dry climate with minimal rainfall, with winter temperatures averaging around 20°C and summer temperatures exceeding 30°C. Alexandria generally has the most pleasant climate of all major Egyptian cities.

What to visit in Alexandria:

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina – recall the times of the Great Library of Alexandria, the largest in the ancient world, which has been reborn in the form of a super-modern building opened in 2002. This place should not be missed by literature lovers.

• Alexandria National Museum – located near the city center in the reconstructed Italian palace of Pasha Al-Saad Basil, one of the city's wealthiest merchants, opened at the end of 2003. Here you can see a wide collection of 1,800 artifacts, telling the story of Alexandria and Egypt.

• Qaitbay Citadel – don't miss the breathtaking views from the massive stone fortress from 1480 and visit the interesting maritime museum.

• Pompey's Pillar – admire the 30-meter stone pillar, a remnant of a majestic ancient temple from the 2nd century.

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – a multi-level labyrinth of corridors and chambers with sarcophagi, statues, and a spacious banquet room in Roman style.

• El-Alamein – a place known for a battle from World War II, which can be remembered in the local war museum.

• Temple of Taposiris Magna – built in the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to the god Osiris, located about 60 km west of Alexandria. From the monumental structure, mainly the outer walls and colonnades have survived to this day, but visitors can also see the remains of public baths and an ancient bridge in its vicinity.

• Cairo – take an unforgettable trip to Cairo and be captivated by the mystery of the pyramids in Giza, the icon of ancient Egypt.

The most interesting from the history of Alexandria:

Alexandria was founded by the Macedonian king Alexander the Great in 332 BC on the site of a small ancient town of Rhacotis and became an important center of Hellenistic civilization. For almost a thousand years, it remained the capital of Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine Egypt, until 641 when Egypt was conquered by Muslims. In its time, Alexandria was the most powerful city in the Mediterranean after Rome, and from the end of the 18th century, one of the most important trade centers in the world.

Useful information

• How to choose the right cruise?
• How to choose a cruise company?