ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

Alexandria is a true waterfront city where the desert meets the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Our drive today will take us along the corniche (seafront road) – which is nearly 20 kilometres (12 miles) long – passing by the main square, the city centre and many other landmarks.

We depart the port for our city tour. Alexandria is a true waterfront city where the desert meets the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Our drive today will take us along the corniche (seafront road) – which is nearly 20 kilometres (12 miles) long – passing by the main square, the city centre and many other landmarks.We arrive at Montazah Palace, which was built by Khedive Abbas II. This was the summer residence of the Royal Family before the 1952 revolution and King Farouk’s abdication. It overlooks magnificent gardens and groves. The adjacent Salamlek Hotel, also built by Abbas II, was designed in the style of a chalet to please his Austrian mistress. The magnificent luxuriant surroundings and the semi-private beaches make this an ideal place to relax. The palace and its museum are open only for official visits. The grounds, which once featured a menagerie of lions, tigers and bears, include Palestine Hotel, which is a little west of the Salamlek. We shall pause for photos in the Montazah gardens.Driving back towards the eastern harbour, along the front of the corniche, we will see that the area is mostly used by fishing boats and pleasure craft. We shall pass by the Mosque of Abu al-Abbas Mursi, a modern but impressive example of Islamic architecture. Algerians built the original mosque on this site, in 1767 over the tomb of a 13th century Muslim saint. The present structure was erected in 1943 when the largely decayed original building was demolished.Continuing to Fort Qait Bay, we make a photo stop at the 15th century Mamluk fort which overlooks the entrance to the eastern harbour. It was built on the foundations of the Pharos lighthouse and incorporates both a castle and a mosque within its walls (no internal visits are made). We shall then return to the port, to rejoin our ship.Please note that there is a small amount of walking involved at the Montazah palace Gardens (there is no visit to the palace itself or hotels), and at the photo stop at Fort Quait bay, where some steps will be encountered. Complimentary mineral water is supplied on the coach. For reference the cost of this tour includes the movement of coaches and guides from Cairo, in order to guarantee the highest quality.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 WORLD CRUISE