Alexandria

Alexandria is a city haunted by greatness. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, it served for three centuries as the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Its lighthouse — the Pharos — was one of the Seven Wonders. Its library held an estimated 700,000 scrolls. Cleopatra held court here. Julius Caesar fell in love here. Mark Antony followed.

Most of that ancient city now lies beneath the waves or the modern streets. But what remains is still extraordinary: the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, a three-level Roman-era necropolis where Greek, Roman, and Egyptian funerary traditions fuse in ways found nowhere else; Pompey’s Pillar (actually erected to honour Emperor Diocletian) rising 27 metres above an ancient Serapeum; and the spectacular Bibliotheca Alexandrina — a modern recreation of the ancient library, opened in 2002, that holds 8 million books and hosts world-class exhibitions.

The city’s Mediterranean character is unmistakable: a long Corniche promenade, fresh fish restaurants, art deco architecture, and a more European pace of life than Cairo.

At 7-8 hours from Hurghada, Alexandria suits our overnight private tour packages rather than day trips.