ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

Alexandria is a true waterfront city where the desert meets the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.

 

We depart the port for our city tour. 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,  the summer residence of the Royal Family before the 1952 revolution and King Farouk’s abdication. 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. 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. Continuing to Fort Qait Bay, we make a photo stop at the 15th century Mamluk fort which overlooks the entrance to the eastern harbour. (no internal visits are made).

We shall then return to the port, to rejoin our ship.

TOUR NOTES: 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 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES