Alexandria from El-Alamein: Catacombs, Citadel, and Modern Library

Highlights:

• Greco-Roman Burial: Descend into the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest Roman burial site showcasing mixed Egyptian and Roman art.

• Ancient Wonder Site: Photo stop at Qaitbey’s Citadel, built on the precise location of the ancient Lighthouse of El-Alamein.

• Royal Retreat: Explore the sprawling, historic Montazah Royal Palaces and Gardens overlooking the sea.

• Modern Marvel: Visit the architecturally stunning Modern Library of El-Alamein (Bibliotheca Alexandrina).

• Coastal Beauty: Cross the famous modern landmark, Stanley Bridge.

Itinerary:

Your expert My Egypt Travel Guide will collect you from your hotel to commence a full-day tour discovering the architectural beauty and Greco-Roman civilization of Alexandria. The tour begins at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, considered one of the wonders of the Middle Ages. This is the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt, featuring three tiers of tombs and capacity for up to 300 corpses. The tombs’ architecture showcases a unique and harmonious blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic traditions, visible in the wall decoration and varied burial styles (sarcophagi, shelves, and cremation urns).

Next, you will take a photo stop at Qaitbey’s Citadel, one of the most vital defensive strongholds along the Mediterranean coast. Built in the 15th century A.D. on the eastern point of Pharos Island, the Citadel stands on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The journey continues to the extensive Montazah Royal Palaces and Gardens, the former summer residence of the Muhammad Ali Pasha royal family, from Khedive Abbas Helmy II through to King Farouk I. En route, you will cross the modern landmark, Stanley Bridge. You will wander through the 3,000-meter-wide gardens, which boast a vast and sometimes rare selection of trees and plants, including tropical varieties planted over 75 years ago.

The amazing tour concludes with a visit to the Modern Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina). You will explore its open court and free museums. The original Ancient Library was world-famous for its massive capacity of works across various sciences and literature before its final destruction during the Greco-Roman period. Reconstructed beginning in the late 1980s, the modern library is an architectural marvel, designed to celebrate not only the history of Alexandria and Egypt but also the cultures, ideas, and civilizations of the Arab world, Africa, and the Mediterranean countries.

Included:

• Meet & greet at airports and all assistance during stay
• All transfers by A/C vehicle
• All entrance fees per itinerary
• Egyptologist tour guide
• lunch during tours
• All taxes and service charges

Excluded:

• Entry visa to Egypt
• Optional tours or activities
• Personal expenses
• Drinks
• Tipping