Alexandria, Egypt - Middle East Cruises

Reveal the adventurer inside you on this tour of discovery into the Catacombs and the fascinating past of this interesting city.

Your tour starts off with a visit to the eerie and intriguing Catacombs of Shawkafa, an extensive three level subterranean funerary complex dating from 2nd century AD that would not look out of place on an Indiana Jones movie set. This atmospheric adventure around the complex containing tombs cut out of the rock is a mystical experience not to be missed.

Catch your breath as you marvel at Pompeii’s Pillar, this 80 ft high pillar of granite, amidst ruins of Serapium temple was erected in honour of Emperor Diocletian.

Driving through Mansheya square view the equestrian bronze statue of Mohamed Ali, the founder of modern Egypt. A few steps away is the elegant marble edifice dedicated to the unknown soldier with its guards of honour standing at attention on either side. Across from the Mosque Square, the Qait Bey Fort is built on the original site of the Pharos which was Alexandria’s lighthouse and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

A photo stop will be made at the Mosque of Abu El Abbas, one of Alexandria’s Islamic landmarks characterised by its tall minarets and four domes.

Note: No photography is permitted in the Catacombs and there is a spiral staircase around an open well and wide stairs. The Catacombs may not be suitable for persons suffering from asthma or claustrophobia. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there is uneven gravel ground with stairs at Pompeii’s Pillar.

Experience the highlights of this exciting destination including the Sound and Light Show at the Sphinx, a Nile cruise and the Pyramids of Giza.

DAY 1
Colourful streets and beautiful architecture decorate your coach windows as you journey through Mansheya Square, where you will see the equestrian bronze statue of Mohamed Ali, founder of modern Egypt.

The first stop will be to visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina with its library and archaeological museums; built on the same site where Ptolemy established the famous Library of Alexandria in 288 BC.

Depart from Alexandria for a journey through desert scenery and reclaimed, cultivated land, reaching the outskirts of Africa’s largest city, the legendary Al Qahira, internationally known as the teeming metropolis of Cairo. Sit back, relax and learn from your professional guide the history and culture of a timeless land, on a journey lasting approximately three hours. Upon arrival in Cairo you will enjoy luncheon at a leading hotel followed by check-in formalities.

At the banks of the River Nile a luxurious cruise boat awaits you to sail on the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise as you glide past Cairo’s waterfront landmarks. Tea with oriental cookies and cakes will be served during the cruise. For your entertainment, a folkloric presentation and belly dancing will take place.


In the late afternoon, depart from the hotel to the Giza Plateau to attend the English version of the ‘Son et Lumiere’. As you are face to face with the Sphinx, let your imagination reflect on the gloriously golden days of the Pharaohs as you gaze at this mighty monument. Under a star studded sky, the Sound and Light performance brings the magnificent history and achievements of the ancient Egyptians to life as the illuminated Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx dominate the surrounding darkness.

Dinner will be served at your hotel.

DAY 2
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and visit the first capital of Egypt, Memphis, with the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the Second. Continue to the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara to witness the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, before exploring the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza and their guardian the mighty Sphinx.

Return to your hotel, freshen up, have luncheon and check out. Drive to the Giza plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World is found, the imposing Pyramids of Giza. A stop at the western plateau affords great photo opportunities of the three pyramids with the sprawling city of Cairo behind them. Free time will be allowed at the middle pyramid to explore and enjoy this magnificent site on your own. Continue down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the Mighty Sphinx bears witness to the passage of time and man in eons of silence. Let your imagination reflect on the gloriously golden days of the Pharaohs as you gaze at this mighty monument.

Round off the day by stopping off at the Papyrus Institute where the procedure of manufacturing the oldest paper in the world will be demonstrated for you. There will be the opportunity to pick up some souvenirs before the return drive to Port Said, where you will rejoin your ship.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close 30 days prior to the tour date. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (double = ALY800, single = ALY801). Prices shown on your overland excursions record are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for any unused portion of the tour.

There is a lot of time spent standing in the Library. Children under six are not permitted inside the Library, nor are bags and cameras.

This tour has been planned with special security arrangements and requirements.
Admittance into certain religious sites requires attire that covers shoulders and knees. As you will be away from the ship overnight, we ask that you limit your luggage to one light holdall or bag per person. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage on and off the coach and in and out of your hotel. Please do not forget to include any medication and other personal requirements. The sequence of the itinerary may be altered.

The fare includes: transport by coach, sightseeing and entrance fees as described, meals as stated and hotel accommodation.

The fare does not include: items of a personal nature such as refreshments, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, fees for doctor’s visits prescriptions/medication or travel insurance.

El Alamein is famous as the site where Rommel and Montgomery fought the decisive allied victory in the Second World War.

It was at El Alamein, in November 1942, that the Allied forces under the command of British General, Montgomery, put a halt to the advance of Nazi Afrika. The Battle of El Alamein was one of the most violent, as well as most important, confrontations during WWII.

Your guide will take you through El Alamein War Museum to see the impressive collection of uniforms, memorabilia and pictorial material relating to the Battle of El Alamein and the North African campaigns. In the grounds stands a collection of tanks, artillery and hardware from the famous battlefield, including a ‘Ford’ tank, discovered only recently.

A visit to the Commonwealth War Cemetery, a place of peace and contemplation, is an opportunity to remember those who fought and died for the Allied cause. Over 7,000 tombstones cover a slope overlooking the desert battlefield of El Alamein. Soldiers from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France and India are all laid to rest here.

Perched on a small peninsula overlooking the sea, the less frequently visited citadel-like Italian and German Cemeteries in their stark and military appearance complete your visit to Alamein.

Note: The journey time to El Alamein is approximately 1½ hours each way. Guests with walking difficulties are advised that there are several steps at the entrance to the War Museum. Camera fees apply at the War Museum. There is an uphill, gravel walkway of about 160 feet and a flight of 15 marble stairs at the Italian cemetery.

See the highlights of Alexandria and much more, on this fantastic full day tour including luncheon.

Start your day with a visit to the eerie and intriguing Catacombs of Shawkafa. This atmospheric adventure around the complex containing tombs cut out of the rock is a mystical experience not to be missed.

Qait Bey Fort is Alexandria’s lighthouse and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and Mosque of Abu El Abbas are both essential photo stops on your tour. A scenic drive will take you to Montaza Gardens, where you will view the Palace of the former King of Egypt, Farouk. Take the opportunity to enjoy a stroll round these magnificent Gardens.

Next stop will be the National Museum, where you will have the unique opportunity to view artifacts recovered from the Sunken Palace of Cleopatra. Afterwards head to a leading restaurant for luncheon with a glass of wine or beer to recharge you for the afternoon’s highlights.

Visit the Roman Amphitheater in Kom El Dekka; with 12 marble terraces it is considered to the only one of its kind in Europe. The final feature of the tour is a visit to Bibliotheca Alexandrina with its library depicting the architectural genius of the 21st century.

Note: Photography is not permitted in the Catacombs or National Museum. Comfortable shoes and a sun hat are recommended. In the Catacombs there is a spiral staircase around an open well and wide stairs and may not be suitable for persons suffering from asthma or claustrophobia. Bags and cameras are not permitted inside the Library. Children under the age of six are not permitted inside the Library.

Experience the highlights of this exciting destination including the Sound and Light Show at the Sphinx, a Nile cruise and the Pyramids of Giza.

DAY 1
Colourful streets and beautiful architecture decorate your coach windows as you journey through Mansheya Square, where you will see the equestrian bronze statue of Mohamed Ali, founder of modern Egypt.

The first stop will be to visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina with its library and archaeological museums; built on the same site where Ptolemy established the famous Library of Alexandria in 288 BC.

Depart from Alexandria for a journey through desert scenery and reclaimed, cultivated land, reaching the outskirts of Africa’s largest city, the legendary Al Qahira, internationally known as the teeming metropolis of Cairo. Sit back, relax and learn from your professional guide the history and culture of a timeless land, on a journey lasting approximately three hours. Upon arrival in Cairo you will enjoy luncheon at a leading hotel followed by check-in formalities.

At the banks of the River Nile a luxurious cruise boat awaits you to sail on the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise as you glide past Cairo’s waterfront landmarks. Tea with oriental cookies and cakes will be served during the cruise. For your entertainment, a folkloric presentation and belly dancing will take place.


In the late afternoon, depart from the hotel to the Giza Plateau to attend the English version of the ‘Son et Lumiere’. As you are face to face with the Sphinx, let your imagination reflect on the gloriously golden days of the Pharaohs as you gaze at this mighty monument. Under a star studded sky, the Sound and Light performance brings the magnificent history and achievements of the ancient Egyptians to life as the illuminated Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx dominate the surrounding darkness.

Dinner will be served at your hotel.

DAY 2
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and visit the first capital of Egypt, Memphis, with the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the Second. Continue to the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara to witness the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, before exploring the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza and their guardian the mighty Sphinx.

Return to your hotel, freshen up, have luncheon and check out. Drive to the Giza plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World is found, the imposing Pyramids of Giza. A stop at the western plateau affords great photo opportunities of the three pyramids with the sprawling city of Cairo behind them. Free time will be allowed at the middle pyramid to explore and enjoy this magnificent site on your own. Continue down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the Mighty Sphinx bears witness to the passage of time and man in eons of silence. Let your imagination reflect on the gloriously golden days of the Pharaohs as you gaze at this mighty monument.

Round off the day by stopping off at the Papyrus Institute where the procedure of manufacturing the oldest paper in the world will be demonstrated for you. There will be the opportunity to pick up some souvenirs before the return drive to Port Said, where you will rejoin your ship.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close 30 days prior to the tour date. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (double = ALY800, single = ALY801). Prices shown on your overland excursions record are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for any unused portion of the tour.

There is a lot of time spent standing in the Library. Children under six are not permitted inside the Library, nor are bags and cameras.

This tour has been planned with special security arrangements and requirements.
Admittance into certain religious sites requires attire that covers shoulders and knees. As you will be away from the ship overnight, we ask that you limit your luggage to one light holdall or bag per person. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage on and off the coach and in and out of your hotel. Please do not forget to include any medication and other personal requirements. The sequence of the itinerary may be altered.

The fare includes: transport by coach, sightseeing and entrance fees as described, meals as stated and hotel accommodation.

The fare does not include: items of a personal nature such as refreshments, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, fees for doctor’s visits prescriptions/medication or travel insurance.

A popular option featuring the pyramids, Sphinx and leisurely cruise on the Nile for afternoon tea.

The ancient Greeks considered the Great Pyramid to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at the sheer magnitude of the Great Pyramid - estimated to contain 2.5 million tons of stone.

After viewing the 3 pyramids from the Western Plateau, visit the solar boat museum which houses the boat that the great pharaohs would have used for his journey to the afterlife, the museum was build over the boat to house this unique artifact. Enjoy free time to explore the pyramids on your own before travelling down the valley to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the inscrutable Sphinx with the body of a lion and face of a man.

Luncheon will be served accompanied with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink at a leading Cairo hotel before a short stop at a Papyrus Institute, where the art of paper making from reeds, will be demonstrated for you.

Downtown at the banks of the River Nile a luxurious cruise boat awaits to sail you on the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy a cruise as you glide past Cairo’s waterfront landmarks. Refreshments of tea with oriental cookies and cakes will be served during the cruise and for your entertainment, a folkloric presentation and belly dancing will take place.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. A flight of 20 stairs leads to the dock for the riverboat. This tour does not include a visit to the Cairo Museum. The stop at the Papyrus Institute is time permitting.

This tour gives you the opportunity to visit the ‘jewels in the crown’ of this fascinating city.

Visit the National Museum, where you will have the unique opportunity to view artifacts recovered from the Sunken Palace of Cleopatra that was discovered 20 feet below water in front of the present day library of Alexandria.

Stop at the Roman Amphitheatre in Kom El Dekka, with 12 marble terraces forming a semi-circle it is considered to be the only one of its kind in Egypt. Explore the Roman Villa on the grounds that were built by a Roman noble in the 2nd century AD.

A scenic drive on the beachfront boulevard will take you to Montaza Gardens, where you will view the Palace of the former King of Egypt, Farouk. Take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing stroll round these magnificent Gardens before your return drive to the ship that allows you to see two important landmarks, Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Qait bey Fort. The fort was built on the original site of the Pharos, Alexandria’s Lighthouse which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Note: No photography is permitted in the Museum; there are marble stairs in the Museum and uneven gravel and stairs at the Amphitheatre. Comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat are recommended. This tour does not include an inside visit to the Library of Alexandria.

Travel to the vast necropolis at Sakkara to view Egypt’s oldest pyramid. After luncheon, visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.

Leaving Alexandria travel through expanses of desert sands to the metropolis of Cairo on your way to Egypt’s first capital, Memphis, with its ancient cemetery of Sakkara. Here, the world’s first monumental stone building, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built almost 5,000 years ago still stands. After visiting the complex, continue to one of the Mastabas (funerary chambers) built nearby.

Returning to Cairo, you can relax and enjoy a sumptuous luncheon at a leading 5 star hotel. In the afternoon, marvel at the Giza Plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza still stand. A unique view of the 3 Pyramids from the Western Plateau affords great opportunities for photographs. Having enjoyed the view from this vantage point, your coach will bring you close to the Pyramid of Chephren, where you will have time to explore the site on your own. Continue down the valley to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx, watching the passage of time.

Time permitting; a final stop at the Papyrus Institute will introduce you to the process of paper making from reeds, an art discovered by the Ancient Egyptians. You will have a short time to purchase local handicrafts and papyrus from a selected bazaar.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. This tour does not include a visit to the Cairo Museum. Flash photography is not permitted inside the Mastabas.

Experience the highlights of Alexandria including the famous library at Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Colourful streets and beautiful architecture decorate your tour coach windows as you journey through Mansheya Square, where you will see the equestrian bronze statue of Mohamed Ali, founder of modern Egypt.

A short drive further on finds you at the Mosque of Abu El Abbas, one of Alexandria’s Islamic landmarks characterised by its tall minarets and domes. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph this imposing landmark with its surrounding showpieces.

Across from the Mosque Square, the Qait Bey Fort, built on the original site of the Pharos, was Alexandria’s lighthouse and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Have your cameras at the ready again to capture this spectacle to help document this memorable day.

During the panoramic drive on the beachfront boulevard to Montaza Gardens, you can enjoy superb views of Alexandria from the water’s edge. Strolling through the grounds you will view the Palace and the Grand Salamlek Hotel, previously a royal villa.

Last call of the tour is a visit to Bibliotheca Alexandrina with its library and archaeological museums; it is built on the same site where Ptolemy established the famous Library of Alexandria in 288 BC.

Note: There is a total of two hours walking involved over flat surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. There is a lot of time spent standing in the Library. Children under six are not permitted inside the Library, nor are bags and cameras.

Visit the highlights of Cairo at a more leisurely pace.

Your day will begin with a scenic drive alongside the Suez Canal and the desert road to Cairo. The road is dotted with 'dwelling places’; however none are suitably equipped with comfort facilities, so the journey will be non-stop.

Step back thousands of years as you view some of the most mysterious structures on earth, the Pyramids of Giza. You will be driven to an elevated site that provides a magnificent panoramic view of the three largest pyramids. The mightiest and most massive, the Great Pyramid of Cheops, is the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Walk up close to either Chephren or Mycerinus Pyramid to truly appreciate their size and amazing construction.

The ravages of nature and man have left the massive Sphinx battered, but unbowed. The lion’s body and head of a man rise from the vast desert sands near the pyramids as an incredible monument to the days of the pharaohs.

Sit back and reflect on the morning as you enjoy refreshments of a glass of wine or beer and a buffet luncheon in one of Cairo’s leading hotels.

Time permitting, a short stop will be made at a Papyrus Institute, where the art of paper making from reeds, discovered by the Ancient Egyptians, will be demonstrated for you.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brcohure. This tour does not include a visit to the Cairo Museum.