Alexandria Extension

Our three-day Alexandria Extension is the perfect addition to your Travelmarvel Egypt tour. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria was once a leading centre of trade, culture and learning in the ancient world. Home to the famed Great Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this historic Mediterranean city offers a fascinating insight into Egypt’s rich history, culture, and coastal heritage.

• Discover the Qaitbay Citadel, an impressive fortress built by the Mamluk sultan al-Ashraf Abu al-Nasr Qaitbay in 1477 to protect Alexandria from naval attacks. Located on Pharos Island, the citadel was built over the ruins of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria, incorporating salvaged stones from the original lighthouse. Housing a small naval museum today, this historic stronghold offers a fascinating insight into the military architecture and rich legacy of the Mamluk era.

• The renowned Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a remarkable architectural landmark commemorating the ancient Great Library of Alexandria, one the largest and most important libraries of the ancient world. It is said to have housed some 800,000 papyrus manuscripts covering a vast range of subjects such as philosophy, poetry, history, law, science and maths. Biblioteca Alexandrina not only serves as an enormous library, with a capacity to hold up to eight million books, it's a significant cultural centre. Sponsored by UNESCO, it contains several museums plus an extensive digital assets collection. The bold, modern building serves as a vibrant centre of learning, culture, and discovery.

• Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Egypt's largest known Roman burial site. Dating back to the 2nd century CE, the catacombs were astonishingly discovered in 1900, when a donkey accidentally fell into a deep shaft, leading to the unearthing of the extraordinary burial site. Descending approximately 35 metres below ground across multiple levels, the chambers feature stunning tombs, sarcophigi and sculptures, revealing a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles, offering a fascinating glimpse into Alexandria's diverse cultural landscape.

• Explore the El Alamein War Cemetery, a memorial honouring the soldiers of the Commonwealth forces, who lost their lives during the Western Desert campaigns of World War II. Located approximately 130 kilometres west of Alexandria, and stands as a moving tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who died in campaigns in Egypt, Greece, Crete, Africa and the Middle East.

• Rising nearly 30 metres above Alexandria, Pompey’s Pillar is one of the largest columns ever constructed outside Rome. Carved from a single block of red Aswan granite, this impressive monument has stood for over 1,700 years and remains one of Alexandria’s most iconic ancient landmarks. Despite its name, the pillar was not dedicated to Pompey, but was erected in the late 3rd century AD to commemorate the achievements of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.