- Duration
- 13 Days
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Group Size
- Max 28
Alexandria
Just a three-hour drive from Cairo rests the Mediterranean oasis of Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city was once a major intellectual center of the Greek and Roman empires, and home to the rulers of the Ptolemaic dynasty—including Cleopatra. Explore its mythic vestiges, and enjoy leisure time to experience the modern charms along the Corniche, Alexandria's waterfront promenade.
Itinerary
Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Day +2: Arrive in Cairo, Egypt
Friday, March 7, 2025
Upon arrival to Cairo International Airport transfer to your five-star accommodations and enjoy the first evening at leisure.
Overnight: Marriott Mena House
Day +3: Cairo | Alexandria
Saturday, March 8, 2025
After breakfast take a pleasant three-hour drive to Alexandria, an important center of learning in the ancient world. Built under the reign of Alexander the Great, Alexandria is the playground for Egypt’s elite, enriched with a spirit that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. During a guided tour visit the Roman Amphitheatre, the famous Catacombs and the Citadel of Qaitbay.
The remainder of the day is free to explore the city.
Overnight: Steigenberger Cecil Hotel (B,L)
Day +4: Alexandria
Sunday, March 9, 2025
This morning visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, featuring exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to the present, a vast archaeological display and a royal mummies gallery.
Afterward explore the architecturally stunning Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a recently constructed, modern interpretation of its ancient predecessor. This structure is poised to become as famous an architectural monument as Sydney’s Opera House. Here, in addition to the innovative and imaginative building, discover extraordinary documents and artifacts.
The afternoon and evening are at leisure to relax at the property or venture into town.
Overnight: Steigenberger Cecil Hotel (B,L)
Day +5: Alexandria | Cairo | Main Program Begins
Monday, March 10, 2025
After breakfast return to Cairo to join fellow travelers on the main program. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch
Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
Activity Level: 3
Moderate
Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.
Accommodations
Marriott Mena House – Cairo
March 7
While touring bustling Cairo, spend leisure time and evenings amidst the luxurious and modern comforts of Marriott Mena House, located just 45 minutes outside of the city. The property offers glorious panoramic views of the pyramids, 40 acres of lavish gardens, four restaurants and lounges, a heated outdoor pool, a health club and a full-service spa (additional fees for services).
Originally built as a hunting lodge in 1869, Mena House served as a private residence until 1886, when it was opened to the public as a hotel. It has hosted a variety of visitors, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra and Charlie Chaplin.
Room Amenities: Individual climate control, sofa and chair, cable/satellite LCD TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, alarm clock, mini-fridge, safe, complimentary bottled water, coffee maker, bathrobes and slippers, and en suite marble bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.
Steigenberger Cecil Hotel – Alexandria
March 8 - March 9
Known for its superb location directly on the Mediterranean harbor, Cecil Hotel is a short walk to many of the city’s famous sights including Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Alexandria National Museum. The historic property showcases classic, elegant architecture and welcomes guests with two stylish restaurants and a cozy bar.
Room Amenities: Individual climate control, sea views, balcony, writing desk and chair, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, safe, complimentary bottled water upon arrival, coffee and tea maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.
Pre-Tour Rate**
Double: $1,995
Single: $2,995
Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.
What's Included
- 3 nights luxury hotel accommodations
- 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
- Touring by an English-speaking guide
- Admission to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Guided Alexandria city tour including the Roman Amphitheatre
- All gratuities and porterage
- All airport and hotel transfers