Egypt’s second largest city, Alexandria, is known as ‘The Pearl of the Mediterranean’ as it has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and home to Cleopatra and Marc Antony, this city is steeped in history and exudes a European air which is a legacy of its Greek and Roman past.

See:

• Alexandria Library – The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a 21st century version of the great classical library. It has a modern glass and steel structure with giant exterior grey granite walls carved with hieroglyphs and symbols from every known alphabet worldwide. The library includes three museums and five specialised research institutes.
• Fort Qaitbay - The fort, built in 1479, stands on the site of the Pharos, the legendary lighthouse of Alexandria and one of the wonders of the ancient world. 
• Pompey’s Pillar - Alexandria's largest ancient monument, Pompey's Pillar, is a column which was raised in 300 AD in honour of Emperor Diocletian; the emperor who saved the city of Alexandria from a frightful famine.
• Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa (Hill of Potsherds) – Discovered in 1900, the catacombs offer an admirable example of the Egyptian and Greco-Roman styles. The entrance to these catacombs can be found southwest of Pompey's Pillar.
• Montaza Palace – Built in 1892, this was one of the palaces of the former Egyptian royal family (the descendants of Muhammad Ali). It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a beach.

Experience:

• Maamoura – Located east of Montaza’s royal gardens, Maamoura is considered one of the main tourist attractions of Alexandria due to its beautiful beach and parks.
• Corniche – This wide seafront promenade stretches along the Eastern Harbour from Fort Qaitbay to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. It is most impressive around sunset and at night.
• Museums – Visit one of the many museums including the Graeco-Roman Museum featuring pieces from the 3rd century BC and the Royal Jewellery Museum which houses jewellery pieces and acquisitions of the Mohammad Ali family (ruler of Egypt for 150 years). 
• Roman Amphitheatre – This amphitheatre has been around since the 2nd century AD.  It features marble seats, mosaic flooring and columns that formed part of the original architecture.