Cities

The second largest city and the main port of Egypt, Alexandria was built by the Greek architect Dinocrates (332-331 BC) on the site of an old village, Rhakotis, at the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalizing Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political, and economic metropolis, the remains of which are still evident to this day.

It was the renowned capital of the Ptolemies, with numerous monuments. It was the site of the Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the Great Library . It was along these shores that history took a tragic turn at the time of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Octavian.

Alexandria lies north-west of the Nile delta and stretches along a narrow land strip between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariut (Mareotis). It is linked to Cairo by two major highways and a railroad line. It is one of the most notable summer resorts in the Middle East, for, in addition to its temperate winters, its beaches, with white sands and magnificent scenery, stretch for 140 km along the Mediterranean Sea, from Abu Qir, in the east to Al-Alamein and Sidi Abdul Rahman, in the west.

Cairo - the Triumphant City - is the glorious capital of Egypt, the cradle of civilization and the beacon of religion. It is the largest city in the Middle East and Africa and lies at the centre of all routes leading to, and from the three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe.

Greater Cairo extends on the banks of the River Nile to the south of its delta. Here the Nile divides into its two distributaries: Rosetta and Damietta. It is the city where past and present meet. On its east side stands the evidence of 2000 years of Islamic, Christian Coptic, and Jewish culture still flourishing to this day. On its west side lies the Ancient Egyptian city of Memphis (Giza), the renowned capital of the Old Kingdom and the site of the Pyramids, the only wonder surviving of the Seven Wonders of the World. Indeed, a journey through Cairo is a journey through time... A journey through the history of an immortal civilization.

Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Its ancient Egyptian name was Syene. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.

In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the souk, full of the scent and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets. View the spectacular sunsets while having tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel (Named due to the location of the Nile's first cataract located here). Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and it's still a perfect place to get away from it all.

This is the place to be seen if you're a Pharaoh. Luxor was once the centre of Egyptian power, and has been described as the world's greatest open air museum. Here you will find the impressive Luxor Temple, started by Amenophis III in c1350BC but added to after his lifetime. The grand entranceway to the temple is guarded by majestic statues of Ramses II, and was originally flanked by a pair of obelisks. Only one remains. The other was presented to France by Mohammed Ali (no not that one!) in 1831 and is now in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. From Luxor Temple, the Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes will take you in the direction of the Karnak Temple. At that point you will understand why Luxor was considered a 'minor' temple.

The Karnak Temple is the largest ancient temple complex in Egypt. The Great Temple at the heart of the Karnak complex is so enormous, it has been estimated that St Peter’s, Milan and Notre Dame Cathedrals could be lost within its walls. The Hypostyle Hall is a massive 54,000 square feet and is reported to be the largest room in any religious building in the world.

In addition to the temples, Luxor is home to Tutankhamun’s burial chamber in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Luxor at Thebes, but if visiting the site, beware of Tutankhamun’s curse!

Port Said is the fourth largest city in Egypt and and is the second most important port after Alexandria. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea, to the north of the Suez Canal. Port Said has many places to visit. Its pretty beaches attract both Egyptians and tourists who come to enjoy the sea and the views, especially the ships passing by.

Interesting ways to enjoy Port Said are either to take a cruise on the canal or to take a tour around the city on a "Hantour" (a horse-drawn carriage).

Shopping is another option in this tax free city.
There are many places to stay during your visit to the city. Hotels are found around the canal area and their prices vary; moreover, some villas can also be rented. There are also many restaurants in Port Said.