Secrets of Ancient Alexandria
- 1-3 people (car): $160
- Transfer from the hotel around 7:30 am.
- Visit to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
- Visit to the Roman Amphitheatre.
- Exploration of Pompey's Pillar.
- Exterior view of the Alexandria Library.
- Visit to Qaitbay Fortress.
- Optional lunch at a restaurant.
- Transfer to the hotel around 6:00 pm.
*The order of activities may change at the guide's discretion.
- Water.
- Headgear.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Warm clothing in winter months.
- Money for personal expenses.
Included:
- Individual transfer in a car or minibus with air conditioning.
- Guide - Egyptologist.
Not included:
- Additional expenses not included in the program.
- Entrance tickets to the mentioned attractions.
- Lunch and drinks at a restaurant.
Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt and its former capital. The city was founded in 332 BCE on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. During the tour, our guide will show you the most interesting sights.
Qaitbay Fortress was built in 1477 on the site of the destroyed Alexandria Lighthouse, which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Qaitbay was one of the most important defensive structures on the coast for many years. Despite the damages suffered during bombardments in 1879-1882, its original appearance was restored.
The Alexandria Library was presumably founded between 285 and 246 BCE during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. It was not only one of the largest libraries of its time but also served as an academy where great scholars wrote their works. The exact reason for the library’s disappearance remains a mystery to this day.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (translated from Arabic as “broken pottery”) is an underground necropolis. Burials were conducted there in the 1st to 4th centuries CE, following the traditions of various cultures: Egyptian, Roman, and Greek. Here, you can see stone sarcophagi for mummies and niches for urns containing ashes. The walls are adorned with statues of people.
The Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria is the only amphitheater from the Roman era in Egypt. The theater was built in the 1st century BCE, but its purpose changed over time. In the 6th century, it was decided to convert the open theater into an enclosed hall for celebrations. For this purpose, three upper tiers were removed to increase the size of the audience area, and six columns were added in two rows to cover the theater with a dome. However, after the construction, the dome collapsed due to miscalculations, and since then, the theater has not been used. Currently, only remnants of white marble steps and mosaic floors remain.
The Pompey’s Pillar was built in honor of Diocletian in 292 CE. Crusaders gave the pillar its name, believing that Pompey’s head was buried at its top. However, Pompey was killed in 48 BCE, and the column was built much later.