DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Explore the marvellous city of Alexandria, beginning with the Fort of Qait Bay, the 15th century Mamluk fort that overlooks the entrance to Alexandria’s eastern harbour. Built on the foundations of the Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it incorporates both a castle and a mosque within its walls. Just north of Qait Bay lies the site of the famous underwater excavation where hundreds of pillars, statues, and sphinxes have been found.

Proceed to the only Roman amphitheatre in Egypt, which was discovered quite recently during the foundation digging for a new apartment building. The well-preserved theatre once stood with thirteen semi-circular tiers of white marble imported from Europe. It contains galleries, sections of mosaic flooring and marble seats for up to 800 spectators. At one point, it may have even been roofed over to serve as an odeon for musical performances, and some inscriptions suggest that it was sometimes also used for wrestling contests.

End your day by visiting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. It is not only a library, but an integrated cultural complex with museums, exhibition areas, educational centres and an international conference centre. The principal objective of reviving the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is to establish a comprehensive research library with a unique collection and intention. The new library is designed as a modern state-of-the-art translation of the old, adequate for crossing the frontiers and meeting the challenges of the 21st century. It will certainly contribute to excellence in the research and advancement of human knowledge. Enjoy a short drive back to the Port of Alexandria where you will rejoin your vessel.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Tour the city of Alexandria, discovering the main sites that summarise Alexandria’s history. Begin with the Fort of Qait Bay, the Mamluk fort that was built on the foundations of the Pharos lighthouse. Then proceed to the only Roman amphitheatre in Egypt, which served as an odeon for musical performances and wrestling contests back in the Roman era. End your day with a visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, an integrated cultural complex with libraries, museums, exhibition areas and conference facilities.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
12:00 Drive from the Port of Alexandria to the Fort of Qait Bay
12:15 Visit the Fort of Qait Bay
13:00 Drive to the Roman Amphitheatre
13:30 Visit the Roman Amphitheatre
14:15 Drive to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
14:45 Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
16:00 Drive back to the Port of Alexandria
16:30 Arrive to the Port of Alexandria and re-join your vessel

Approximate duration: 4½ hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- A maximum of 40 persons in a new 49-seater A/C bus for maximum seat choice and comfort
- Red carpet on the pier for guests’ arrival
- Roses given to all ladies upon disembarkation of the ship
- Immediate pre-clearance through all customs and immigration formalities in all ports
- Uniformed escorts available to assist Egyptologist and guests at all times
- The service of the most experienced and knowledgeable Egyptologist
- Advance team to ensure smooth operations throughout
- Back–up bus travelling behind the other buses at all times
- A box of local sweets available on each coach for guests to sample
- One postcard provided to each guest with pre-paid postage
- Mineral water on buses at all times
- Wet hand tissues provided to each guest after a day of sightseeing
- Pre-purchased entrance tickets at the sights wherever possible
- Top security arrangements for groups
- The above tour time table will not be applicable should the call date fall within the Holy month of Ramadan, as all sites close earlier than normal, necessitating some changes in the tour sequence and timing

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