Alexandria
Long Before Cairo There Was Alexandria
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Hotel
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Meals
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Transfer
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Staff Guide
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$220 pp
Adults ≥ 17 Yrs Group of 2
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$210pp
Groups 3-5 adults
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$200pp
Groups ≥ 6 adults
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$90 pp
Child 6 – 16.9 Yrs
Overview
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and was the capital of Egypt for more than 300 years. For those guests that have been on our Old Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, this tour is inextricably linked with both.
When Alexandria fell to the Arbs in 641 AD it was felt that it would be better to have the Egyptian capital located inland at Fustat. The reasoning was that it would be easier to defend the capital against the Roman Navy than being located, as Alexandria was, on the coast.
Fustat was the first capital of Egypt under Muslim rule. The current National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is now located in the same area as the old capitol. Fustat was later engulfed in the growth of Cairo. Yet despite its turbulent history, Alexandria grew under the stewardship of Mohammad Ali. Muhamad Ali’s became known as the father of modern Egypt and his tomb is located in the grounds of the Citadel and immediately alongside the Alabaster Mosque. This location became the centre of government in Egypt for over 700 years.
After its foundation, Alexandria became the seat of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and quickly grew to be one of the greatest cities of the Hellenistic world. Only Rome which gained control of Egypt in 30 BC, eclipsed Alexandria in size and wealth.
The city fell to the Arabs in AD 641, and a new capital of Egypt, Fustat, was founded on the Nile. After Alexandria’s status as the country’s capital ended, it fell into a long decline, which by the late Ottoman period, had seen it reduced to little more than a small fishing village. The French army under Napoleon captured the city in 1798 and the British soon captured it from the French, retaining Alexandria within their sphere of influence for 150 years. The city grew in the early 19th century under the industrialization program of Mohammad Ali, the viceroy of Egypt.
The places visited on this tour, includes the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the Roman Amphitheatre, the harbour of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay, and the place where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – once stood. In the evening you return to your hotel in Cairo for dinner and overnight stay.
Gallery
Ancient Egyptian Research Association
One Horizon Africa is a member of AERA. AERA brings together archaeologists and specialists from around the world to address questions regarding the origin, nature, and development of the Egyptian state. By becoming a member of AERA you support the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and the survey, mapping, excavation, and the analysis of archaeological sites. We encourage everyone to become a member and support the work of AERA.
Itinerary
What To Expect From This Experience!
- Alexandria was one of the great cities of the ancient world and was an integral part of ancient Egypt.
- It is on this experience that you will come to appreciate the forces and people that played a role in the cities history.
- It is a day that links Alexandria with the rest of the country and the Roman Empire.
Embarking for Alexandria
The tour starts with a 3-hour drive on air-conditioned vehicles. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, famous for its Greco-Roman remains and Mediterranean character. The most significant sites visited are:
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Great Library of Alexandria was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. Alexandria came to be regarded as the capital of knowledge and learning. Julius Caesar burned his ships during the Siege of Alexandria in 48 BC. Ancient writers said the fire spread and destroyed the library’s collections.
Today the library has developed as a centre of excellence in the production and dissemination of knowledge, and a place for interaction between peoples and civilisations. The library also aspires to be, the world’s window on Egypt, Egypt’s window to the world. A pioneer in the digital age, and above all, a centre for learning, tolerance, dialogue and understanding.
Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman theatre was a very important discovery in 1960. It was proven that the theatre was built since the 4th A.D century and was used up until the 7th century passing by the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras. The theatre used to host huge ceremonies and events with a capacity of 600 spectators.
Sultan Qāʾit Bey Citadel
Within a century of its founding, Alexandria’s splendours were renowned in the ancient world. The pride of ancient Alexandria harbour was the great lighthouse. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the lighthouse is reputed to have been more than 350 feet (110 metres) high and was still standing in the 12th century. In 1477, however, Sultan Qāʾit Bey used stones from the dilapidated structure to build a fort (named for him), which stands near or on the original site.
Alexandria Catacombs
A labyrinth of tunnels and vaults, the catacombs are more than 360 miles long. This vast subterranean cemetery was created by ancient Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. In recent times, a catacomb containing thousands of human skeletons was unearthed. Now a team of specialists is on a mission to unlock the secrets of the skeletons.
About Lunch
We enjoy taking our guess out for lunch because it’s another way to experience Egyptian culture. We just want to make the following points. We only take our guests to the best restaurants. We place good hygiene and cleanliness as the number 1 priority. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you choose to pass on lunch, we won’t take it personally. But please be assured, your health and safety is our overriding priority.
Inclusions
This half day tour can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities. The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Old Cairo (Coptic and Islamic History), the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others. Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.
- Pick up from your hotel and return
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Your own personal, English speaking tour guide.
- (Optional) Membership of the Ancient Egyptian Research Association (AERA) which supports the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and field work excavations in Egypt
Exclusions
- Personal expenditure of any kind
- Tips
- Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)
videos
We would like to acknowledge Before You Go: Travel Guide for this video which is publicly available on You Tube.
ARCHAEOLOGY 2.0
Dr Mark Lehner ranks amongst the most outstanding Egyptologists of the modern era. Within a select group of Egyptologists such as Petrie, Carter, Hawass and others, Mark has earned his international reputation based on over 40 years of conducting research and excavations in Egypt. His discoveries, such as the workers village close to the Giza Pyramids, and his academic treatise and publications have contributed greatly to the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. Mark is also the founder of the Ancient Egyptians Research Associates (AERA) whose work includes training the next generation of Egyptian Egyptologists.
Within One Horizon, training our tour guides so that they provide our clients with the most factual, up to date and insightful information draws heavily from Mark’s 40 years of research, analysis and dedication. And so, our guides remain at the forefront of current learnings and knowledge that enhances our guests Egyptian experience with us.
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