Egypt - Top Sights to Visit in Alexandria

Alexandria, the former grand capital of Egypt, is easily accessible from Cairo by either train or car, so is popular to include as an excursion on your holidays in Egypt. However, if you have a little more time in your schedule, this fascinating city deserves more than a cursory glance. Alexandria is steeped in history and, as you unravel her story, the names dotted throughout her tale may have a familiar ring.

Not only Egypt's second largest city, Alexandria is also the country's largest and busiest seaport. Over 80% of Egypt's import and export trade passes through here and, with the tourist infrastructure improving greatly over the past few years, the city is now home to some of the best hotels in Egypt. Increasing numbers of people are choosing to spend at least part of their holidays to Egypt in Alexandria to experience not only her fabulous beaches, but also her history.

Founded by Alexander the Great, in its day Alexandria was one of the most famous cities in the world. Many people, who come on holidays to Egypt today are unaware of her chequered history. The city was the setting for one of the world's stormiest love affairs - that between Cleopatra and Mark Antony - and many relics and treasures of the infamous Queen of the Nile are housed in the city's museums.

Pompey's Pillar
At around 25m tall, and with a circumference of 9m, Pompey's Pillar is one of the largest monuments you will see on your holidays in Egypt. Built in honour of the Emperor Diocletain, it is magnificently carved from Red Aswan granite. For many years it was mistakenly believed that the ashes of the great Roman general, Pompey, were interred in a pot at the top of the column - hence the name.

Montaza Royal Gardens
Holidays to Egypt can sometimes be quite hectic, so a visit to the Montaza Royal Gardens is a welcome relief from the busy port city of Alexandria. The Gardens are part of the 350 acre grounds of El- Montazah Palace and encompass a large portion of shoreline, giving access to the wonderfully warm waters of the Mediterranean. With glimpses of the fabulous palace from every angle it is an extraordinarily lovely escape.

Citadel of Qaitbay
Historically, the Citatel was considered one of the most important strongholds of the Mediterranean coast. It is built on the site of the famous Pharos Lighthouse - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Some of the original blocks of stone from the lighthouse were used in the construction of the Citadel, and its formidable appearance and cold, stone-faced facade will remain in your memory long after your holidays to Egypt are over.

Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa
Apart from the Pyramids, if there's one thing you must do while on your holidays to Egypt, it is to venture underground to these intriguing catacombs. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, the intricate and detailed stone carvings within relate a visual history of the tombs. A circular staircase leads over a hundred feet down into the catacombs, which were built over three levels. You can spend a few captivating hours underground in the company of the spirits of these ancient chambers.

Claire Bryant is an Egypt holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in holidays in Egypt, as well as holidays to Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean, Italy, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius Sri Lanka and the Seychelles, and Dubai. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

Who Built the Pyramids in Egypt?

Pyramids are considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Building of pyramids started from the third dynasty, and took centuries to be completed. Even today, people are at awe how these huge and gigantic structures were built in ancient times without the use of modern technology that we have today. There are also some conspiracy theories about who built the pyramids in Egypt. There are some people who believe that aliens from outer space are responsible for building the pyramids. However, this is not true. The pyramids were build by the ancient Egyptians using slave labor. The step pyramid is considered to be the first and basic pyramid which was built during the third dynasty. This type of pyramid had several steps. In the north, there is a passage that made it way into the chamber where the mummy was placed. There are underground galleries on all the sides of the step pyramid, except on the south. The step pyramid of King Netjerykhet Djoser is the one and only step pyramid that was actually completed. The true pyramid is the next one after the step pyramid. The Egyptians started building these from the fourth dynasty. The true pyramid is structurally similar to the step pyramid. The construction of the pyramid would continue right till the dimensions were considered to be right. This meant that blocks would be placed until that time, and thereafter the finishing touches were given by blocks, which were mostly made of limestone. The pyramids have been known to have built based on pi, but it is said that the Egyptians' mathematical ability was not that advanced to calculate it. They may have arrived at it accidentally. About Author: Kum Martin is an online leading expert in the travel industry. He also offers top quality tips like: Travel South America, Pyramids in Egypt

What Are Famous and Worth Visiting Landmarks and Monuments at Cairo, Egypt?

Cairo is one of the oldest cities in the world, and its landmarks and monuments are representatives of ancient civilization. The city is known as tourist's gym. The whole city is full of tourist's attractions. Visitors take flights to Cairo to visit historical monuments and land marks such as; Bab el-Fateh, Cairo Tower, Citadel (Al-Qalaa), and Great Sphinx. These historical sights are world famous and have their unique importance. Bab el-Futuh (Gate of Conquest): Bab el-Futuh marks the northern edge of Fatimid Cairo. Standing at the Northern end of Muizz Street Bab-el-Futuh was completed in the year 1087. It is decorated with a finely carved floral arch capturing Cairo flights. This gate is supported by two huge rounded castle-like turrets, bristling with ramparts and defensive arrow-slits, its rounded towers are very fascinating. Bab-el-Futuh was constructed to protect the city from the menace of the Turks. Visitors taking flights to Cairo from UK frequently visit this historical sight. They used to make their flights reservation with some trust worthy travel company flights to Cairo Borj al-Qahira (Cairo Tower): This free standing concrete Tower gives one a prospective view of this great city in the Zamalek district on Gezira Island in the River Nile, close to the city centre. One of the major reason tourists taken cheap flights to Cairo like to visit this tower is that it is the tallest all-concrete structure in the world, about 45 meters taller than the Great Pyramid at Giza. It was made up of 8 million small mosaic lozenges by 500 workers. You can take a bird's eye view of the city from this tower. The tower is crowned by a circular observation deck and a rotating restaurant, which is the best place to dine out. Citadel (Al-Qalaa): Citadel is another Cairo Landmark, and is one of the prime tourist's destinations of Cairo attracting cheap flights to Cairo Egypt. This is believed to be one of the world's greatest monuments. This fort complex was constructed by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the year 1830. It is popular for its fresh breeze and a bird's eye views of the city. This is a large fort consisting of one military museum and one police museum, and two mosques where Mosques are beautifully featured with Ottoman architecture domes, minarets, cloister, outer structure, and the Citadel walls. Museums are also very attractive. These and many other attractions of the city are greatly capturing cheap flights to Cairo Egypt from UK, and other destinations. Visitors from UK make their flights reservation with any trust worthy Travel Operator such I am Abbas Yawar a history student. Last winter vacations I took flights to Cairo from UK with Travel Company flights to Cairo and had a wonderful tour of Cairo landmarks

Frugal Travel Tips For Cairo, Egypt

When travelers think of Cairo, they think of the Pyramids Of Giza, the only remaining wonder of the ancient world but much of the joy of being in Cairo, comes from the unique culture. Observing this culture, including eating well, can be frugal for the savvy traveler.

Pyramids Of Giza

If you have time to explore the Pyramids of Giza complete with the Sphinx at the entrance, then the entrance fee is worth it. To touch the same stones laid by the ancients is an experience. However, for time crunched or extremely budget conscious travelers, the view from the outside is fine, especially to watch the laser light show at night.

Note: Any pictures of locals or camels usually come with a price tag so be prepared.

Khan el-Khalili

Traders have been bargaining in the Khan for centuries. One of the largest markets in the world, this is the place to people watch, to pick up souvenirs and to perfect haggling skills.

Haggling is expected, even welcomed. How to tell if the shopkeeper has reached the rock bottom price? If you walk away and the shopkeeper lets you go.

Note: The Middle Eastern's definition of personal space is much different (as in much less space) than the average North American's. Expect some close encounters.

Falafel In A Pita

One of the most popular Sandwiches in the Middle East is the falafel in a pita (so popular even McDonalds has a version). Deep fried chick peas formed into a ball, put in a flat bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy tahini sauce, the mix is not only delicious but inexpensive. We bought falafel in a pita for the equivalent of 25 cents U.S.

How to find the most inexpensive falafel stand?

Follow the local teenage boys. Teenage boys (the world over) have a nose for finding inexpensive meals of half decent quality. Then just point at what one of them order.

Juice Bars

To wash down the falafel, consider visiting one of the numerous juice bars. The juice is freshly squeezed but the glasses are reused, often without rinsing, so walk with your own plastic cup if you're squeamish.

Cairo is one of the oldest cities in the world, a place of pyramids and mummies, but it does not have to be one of the most expensive. The frugal traveler can eat, drink, shop, and sight see without blowing the budget.

For more frugal travel tips on Cairo or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com by Kimber Chin

A Day Trip to Cairo From Sharm El Sheikh

Every year, visitors descent upon the popular resort of Sharm el Sheikh from the UK. They come to relax by the beach or pool. Some want to scuba dive and other spend hours snorkelling on nearby reefs. There are plenty of excursions on offer for visitors to Sharm el Sheikh and one of the more popular ones is a day trip to Egypt's capital, Cairo.

Cairo is home to the world famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx but the day trips to Cairo offer much more than just these ancient monuments. From Sharm el Sheikh, day-trippers can either travel to Cairo by road or air. Either way, its an early start with road trips leaving at around 2am and flights at around 5am. That means a long day ahead but it is really worth the effort.

Itineraries may vary on trip to trip but day normally starts with a visit to the Cairo Museum or to give it's correct title "The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo". Most of the morning is spent here and it is full and some amazing treasures. Some of the more magnificent items are those that were found in the tomb of the boy Pharaoh Tutankhamen which include the famous gold and blue death mask. There are also numerous items of furniture and ornaments and one thing to is noticeable is how well the colours are preserved in some of the items considering they are thousands of years old. However there is far too much to explore in the museum so visitors have to pick and chose the areas they want to see.

From the museum, the tour group is taken down to the River Nile for lunch on board a river boat. There is a reasonable selection of food and for entertainment there are also dancers. Alternatively, you can watch the skyline of Cairo pass by as you sail up and back to your departure point.

Next stop are the Pyramids of Giza. Looking at many photos, you would be forgiven for thinking they are in the middle of the desert but that is not the case. The Pyramids and Sphinx are just on the outskirts of Cairo. It is impossible not to be impressed when you get up close to the Great Pyramid due to the sheer size of the it. You can plenty of time here to wander round the Pyramids and there are no shortage of locals trying to sell you a wide range of souvenirs or rides on their camels. There are plenty of opportunities for photos before the tour bus takes you a bit further down to the Sphinx. Once again, you will be offered the chance to buy all sorts of souvenirs and there are more photo opportunities. However, the Sphinx has not worn nearly as well as the Pyramids so you can't get as close to it. Its late afternoon as the tour leaves Cairo's most famous tourist sights but there is still time for a couple more stops.

The first of these stops is at a fragrance shop where your are invited to try some of the many perfumes the shop stocks. From here the tour bus starts to head back to the airport with one final stop en route. Papyrus is the paper like material produced by the ancient Egyptians from the pith of the Papyrus reed. It was used to write on but today, it is a common tourist souvenir, usually with pictures of ancient Egyptian gods and similar images. At the Papyrus shop, there is a wide range of Papyrus available and visitors can also watch a demonstration of how modern day Papyrus is made.

The tour bus leaves and the day trip to Cairo is over. The group now makes their way back to the airport for the flight back to Sharm el Sheikh or the road journey. The day trips to Cairo from Sharm are quite tiring but are good value. For holiday makers staying in Sharm el Sheikh, it is an excellent way to see some of the sights of Cairo without actually staying there.




Rob Atherton
http://redseaexplorer.com/cairo/

Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures

CAIRO TRAVEL

If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magnificence of the Great Pyramids, standing in awe before the Great Sphinx, or reveling in the treasures found in King Tut's tomb, the magic of Egypt awaits you. You can tour Egypt for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Whether you want to cruise the Nile in the style of Cleopatra or visit the Valley of the Kings, a Cairo program tour may be just the thing to fulfill your dreams. If your tastes lean toward adventure travel, a Cairo tour may mark the beginning of a journey that will include, for example, a diving excursion in the Ras Mohammed underwater nature reserve or a trek to a desert Bedouin Camp.

A Cairo museum tour will enchant you with the breathtaking antiquities of ancient Egypt, while retaining the services of a Cairo travel guide will allow you to experience the beauties and mysteries of a city from a local perspective.

If you have an interest in Egypt's ancient Holy Lands, you can travel Cairo and see the Red Sea and visit Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished.

While you're in Cairo, photo travel adventures await. You'll want to bring plenty of film - or extra storage cards for your digital camera - when you visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Saint Serguis Church, the Great Citadel begun by Saladdin, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."

In Cairo, Egypt, travel can mean entering a time machine and visiting the sites of a wondrous and mysterious civilization, or enjoying very modern activities and amenities such as golf, cruises, and even bowling. You'd be doing yourself a disservice, though, if you didn't learn at least a bit about ancient Egypt before booking a Cairo, Egypt tour.

Some other things to know before you go:

* According to the U.S. State Department, a passport and visa are required to visit Egypt. Although renewable, 30-day tourist visas are available for US$15 upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, if you're arriving overland, you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Egypt.

* Egypt has close to 79 million residents, and Egypt's size is approximately three times the size of New Mexico.

* The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although French and English are widely spoken and understood.

* Egypt is bisected by the fertile Nile Valley, which spurs Egypt's economy.

* The currency is the Egyptian pound, and the exchange rate in 2005 was 5.78 Egyptian pounds per U.S. dollar.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, with the right tour, Egypt will enchant and engage you, drawing you in to its ancient mysteries.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Tour Egypt for Exotic Adventures or Majon's Travel directory.