Modern Dubai to Ancient Athens
Historical tales in Egypt
Virgin Voyages' guide to Alexandria, Egypt
Egypt’s second largest city is both a gateway to the historical landmarks of Cairo and an impressive metropolis in its own regard.
ALEXANDRIA
The bride of the Mediterranean
Originally founded by Alexander the Great, Egypt’s second largest city located on its north coast, boasts a population of over six million people — with an incredibly compelling backstory and conveniently close to Egypt’s largest city, Cairo.
Spend your time here getting lost in the Bibliotheca, the largest library in the Middle East, built to honor The Library of Alexandria. Once the largest library in the world before it was destroyed, you can still visit the original ruins. Visit the impressive 15th-century fort, The Citadel of Qaitbay, indulge in the various cafes that pepper the narrowed streets, or take a boat tour along the Alexandria Harbour Check out the various ancient tombs that hold so much of Egypt’s history inside of them, dreamily wander the 150-acred iconic Montazah Gardens, or indulge in the various bars and restaurants that have helped put (and keep) Alexandria on any true foodie’s map.
And with access to Cairo approximately a two and a half hour drive away, you can easily tour the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, see the walls and artifacts of the internationally renowned Egyptian Museum, and The Mosque of Muhamed Ali and shop along the narrowed streets of al-Muizz. Whether you spend your time here touring Alexandria or make the moves to extraordinary Cairo, you’ll certainly leave port with a renewed sense of adventure and your wanderlust satisfied.
And with access to Cairo approximately a two and a half hour drive away, you can easily tour the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, see the walls and artifacts of the internationally renowned Egyptian Museum, and The Mosque of Muhamed Ali and shop along the narrowed streets of al-Muizz. Whether you spend your time here touring Alexandria or make the moves to extraordinary Cairo, you’ll certainly leave port with a renewed sense of adventure and your wanderlust satisfied.
Ancient Alexandria
Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, a mesmerizing maze of Roman tombs carved into a rock, and marvel at the 82-foot Pompey's Pillar before reaching the incredibly preserved Roman Theater. You'll savor local specialties with the Med as your backdrop, get snapshots at the Citadel of Quait Bay, a photo stop at the splendid Abu El Abbas Mosque, and a moment to pay homage to the unknown soldier. Your journey culminates at the striking Alexandria Library, an icon reborn from its ancient roots.
The Pyramids & the Grand Egyptian Museum
Built in roughly the 2500s BC, the Great Pyramid of Khufu was the world's tallest building until 1221 AD, when St. Paul's Cathedral went up in London. Explore this famous mortuary complex, guarded by a statue of a reclining Sphinx, and then have lunch before touring another impressive landmark: the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Showcasing 3,500 years of ancient Egyptian history, the museum boasts a collection of over 100,000 artifacts, many of which have never been displayed before its opening.
Echoes of History: The El-Alamein Battlefield
Starting with a visit to the Commonwealth War Cemetery, you'll find over 7,000 Allied soldiers' tombstones overlooking the desert battlefield. Then, you'll immerse yourself in history at the Military Museum of El-Alamein, stepping into the shoes of those who fought in the Battle of El Alamein as you encounter the weapons, tanks, maps used in the conflict, and more. Finally, you'll see the Italian and German Cemetery, where multiple tombs encircle a memorial obelisk within a sandstone fortress.
Seaside access wasn’t always the hot ticket it is now
Alexandria was once the capital, it changed to Cairo to avoid naval raids.
Shore Excursions
Roman Alexandria
Embark on a journey through time as you catch sight of the majestic Pompey's Pillar en route to the captivating Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa. This sprawling Roman necropolis dating back to the 2nd century A.D. Get ready to be swept away by Alexandria's enthralling history!
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSWhether you spend your day in Alexandria exploring the ancient architecture, exploring the biggest library in the Middle East, soaking up the Egyptian sun, soaking up the Egyptian culture – or you’re heading to Cairo to immerse yourself in some of the world’s most interesting (and dramatic) history, or you’re planning to fit in the best of both worlds, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time here.
