ALEXANDRIA, Arab Republic of Egypt

 Alexandria was named after Alexander the Great, who ordered the foundation of the city in 332 B.C on the site of a small village called “Rakoda”, in order to connect Egypt with his homeland Greece by sea. His architect Deimocrates was charged with the planning of this new city, which by 200 B.C. had become the largest city in the world. .

Today Alexandria is the largest port in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a major beach resort on the Mediterranean. The town lies north-west of the Nile delta, 225 km from Cairo by the Delta Road or 221 km by the Desert Road- Alexandria claims to be the “Pearl of the Mediterranean” and the second Capital of Egypt. It has a nice climate, mild all year round. There are more than 25 miles of sandy beaches, from Sidi Kreir in the west to Abu Kir in the east.

 Language: Arab Currency: Egyptian Pound

 DOCKING                                                                

Western Harbour

 TO GET TO TOWN                                                                                                                                             

The distance to downtown is approx. 3 miles. A taxi is the easiest way to get there, but it is quite possible to walk though the dock gates into the city bustle.

 

WHAT TO VISIT

Time and schedule permitting

 

The Greek-Roman Museum (with the famous Tangara statues); the Royal Jewelers Museum that show the collection of Mohamed Ali family’s jewelers (the museum itself is considered a architectural masterpiece); the Hydro-Biological Institute with a collection of rare fish and other marine species.

Alexandria’s Garden, famous for the beautiful trees and palms.

If you wish to go for a swim, there are plenty of beaches. El Mountaza Beach and El Maamoura Beach are considered among the best. There are air-conditioned minibuses, but taxi is more advisable. It takes about 1/2 hour from downtown.

 SHOPPING

As with all oriental towns, Alexandria offers you its typical shops. Do not forget to bargain.

 EATING OUT

If you want to try oriental cuisine, this is the place for it.