Alexandria Extension

Day 1
Cairo

Arrive in Cairo and transfer to the Fairmont Towers Heliopolis for overnight. (Most trip members take this as a pre-trip extension.)

Day 2
Alexandria / Roman Amphitheater / Alexandria Library and Museum

With your guide, journey on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road to Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and the Mediterranean’s most glorious city under the Ptolemies, the dynastic Greek family that reigned as pharaohs over Egypt. Upon arrival, explore the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater, which contains galleries, sections of mosaic flooring, and marble seats for up to 800 spectators. We also visit the Qait Bey Fort, a 15th century Mamluk fort built on the foundations of the Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Later we visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built on what is thought to be the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria, frequented by scholars from all over the Mediterranean from the 4th century BC to its eventual destruction by fire 700 years later. Overnight at the 5-star Helnan Palestine Hotel, set along the Mediterranean.

Day 3
Alexandria National Museum / Cairo

Visit the Alexandria National Museum, with its thousands of items spanning the ages from the Pharaonic Era through the Greco-Roman period in Egypt. Papyrus scrolls, perfume bottles, and painted mummy cases are tastefully displayed, as well as classic Greek statues showing the physical beauty that represents the ideals of that culture. Later, we visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa, the largest Roman burial site discovered in Egypt. The three tiers of tombs and chambers are cut into the bedrock to a depth of over 100 feet. We return to Cairo in the afternoon. Overnight at Cairo group hotel (this is Day 1 of the regular trip).

Extension Costs

Prices are for 2012
$895 (4-9 members)
$995 (2-3 members)
Single supplement: $200