Alexandria (for Cairo & Giza), Egypt
Having added Egypt to his empire, Alexander the Great decreed that a new city be raised as his imperial capital and named it Alexandria. The young conqueror never lived to see his dream realized, dying nine years later at the age of 33. But the city he founded would play a major role in world history for the next 20 centuries. Alexandria was the capital of Egypt under the Ptolemys and the Roman Empire. An early center of Christianity, the city was famed as a focus of commerce and culture - a legacy that endured until the waning of the Byzantine Empire in the 14th century. Under Ottoman rule, Alexandria suffered a long period of decline until Muhammad Ali revived its fortunes in the 1800s. The opening of the Suez Canal also served to diminish Alexandria's role as a major port, but the city was a bastion of the British Empire in both world wars. Today Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city with a population of some 5 million souls.
Alexandria is hailed as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean." The city serves as your gateway to Cairo and the Great Pyramids.
Points of Interest
- The Pyramids / Sphinx
- The Egyptian Museum, Cairo
- Nile Cruise
- Sakkara - Step Pyramid
- Evening Sound & Light Show
- Citadel of Salah El Din
- Ancient Alexandria
- Modern Alexandria
More about Alexandria (for Cairo & Giza), Egypt Points of Interest
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The Pyramids / Sphinx -
Visit this complex of ancient monuments: three pyramids known as the Great Pyramids - the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and the massive, iconic sculpture of the mythical Great Sphinx.
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The Egyptian Museum, Cairo -
With 107 halls containing over 120,000 objects, including the treasures of Tutankhamen, the museum boasts the greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, a photography section and large library.
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Nile Cruise -
The Nile is the longest river in Africa and the lifeblood of Egypt since the days of Pharaohs. View temples and tombs along the waterway and glimpse life in rural Egypt as you cruise.
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Sakkara - Step Pyramid -
A formal burial ground built by Pharaoh Djoser, this traditional flat-roofed mastaba became the largest building of its time - expanding to six layers, measuring more than 204 feet high, during his 19-year reign.
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Evening Sound & Light Show -
Transport yourself back in time at the Giza Pyramids for this display of laser, light and sound, which tells the stories of ancient Egypt through a multi-colored extravaganza, illuminating the skies.
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Citadel of Salah El Din -
One of the world's greatest monuments to medieval warfare, the Citadel was constructed on the Moqattam hills in 1183 AD to defend Cairo from armies of Crusaders. It offers panoramic views of Cairo.
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Ancient Alexandria -
Founded by Alexander the Great, ancient Alexandria, once ruled by Cleopatra, is one of Egypt's most historical cities. Classic landmarks still remain, including the Roman amphitheater, catacombs and Qaitbay Fort.
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Modern Alexandria -
The second largest city in Egypt, known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," is an energetic metropolis, home to such strikingly contemporary structures as the National Museum and The Library of Alexandria.