The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean",? has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is actually only 140 miles (225 kilometers) from Cairo.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world. But ancient Alexandria declined, and when Napoleon landed, he found a sparsely populated fishing village.

Visit Pompey's pillar, an 82 foot (25 meter) tall red Aswan granite column, which was constructed in honor of the Emperor Diocletain. Continue to the nearby Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa. This area along the coast about 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of Alexandria's old district along the Corniche is where many of the modern Alexandrian hotels are located, and also the magnificent Montaza Palace.

In operation since 1961, the Sound and Light show at the Giza Pyramids is a highlight and a "must do" for most visitors to Egypt. The intriguing combination of a modern light and laser show combined with the ancient history of Egypt makes for an entertaining evening.

Hear the Sphinx telling the story of Egypt as seen through his eyes throughout the many milleniums, as the pyramids and skies are lit up with multi colored lights.

Please ensure you refer to the "Departure Times" and select a show operated in your preferred language. Click here for more information and Booking Details

Memphis
Memphis, founded around 3,100 BC, is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Early on, Memphis was more like a fortress from which Menes controlled the land and water routes between Upper Egypt and the Delta. Having probably originated in Upper Egypt, from Memphis he could control the conquered people of Lower Egypt.

Tradition tells us that Menes founded the city by creating dykes to protect the area from Nile floods. Afterwards, this great city of the Old Kingdom became the administrative and religious center of Egypt.

Sakkara
Sakkara is one section of the great necropolis of Memphis, the Old Kingdom capital. Three major discoveries have recently been made at Sakkara, including a prime minister's tomb, a queen's pyramid, and the tomb of the son of a dynasty founding king.

Sakkara is best known for the Step Pyramid, the oldest known of Egypt's 97 pyramids. It was built for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty by the architect and genius Imhotep, who designed it and its surrounding complex to be as grand as it was unique and revolutionary. Imhotep was the first to build stone tombs in honor of the king's majesty.

Great Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids of Giza, dating back to 2500 BC are some of the most famous manmade objects in the world. While there are actually over one hundred Pyramids in Egypt, including at least eight more at Giza, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the only "Wonder of the Ancient World" that still survives.

Great Sphinx of Giza
During your time at The Great Pyramids of Giza, there is no escaping the mysterious Sphinx, a symbol which has come to represent the essence of Egypt for thousands of years. With the body of a lion and the head of a king, there is as much mystery surrounding who built it as there is determining why it was built.