From Cairo to Alexandria

We started our adventure at 6.00 in the morning when we departed from the central train station of Cairo and had Alexandria as the desination stop. For our adventure with the train and practical advice in order to avoid finding yourself into unexpected surprises check out our post! At 9.20 in the morning we arrived in Alexandria where we would meet our friend Mohammed to guide us in his beautiful home city.

Alexandria in one day

Just outside the train station, Mohammed was waiting for us. Mohammed is one of the most pleasant and friendly people we have ever met during our travels and was born in Alexandria. Mohammed has also visited many times Greece and he even studied linguistics and philosophy in Thessaloniki and speaks the Greek language too! Hes definetely our new beloved and most respected friend!

The Roman theatre located just outside the train station!

A quiet archeological site that looks almost familiar due to its greek architecture and worth a visit. Do not forget to see the Amphitheatrical Theatre, the sculptures that were excavated from the depths of the Mediterranean sea, perhaps remainings of the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria – Faros of Alexandria, and the mosaic floors of the urban “city” that stood there once.

Admission ticket 80 Egyptian Pounds

kavafis home alexandria

Kavafis’s House

The controversial Greek poet has left a great cultural heritage for all of us, revealing his unique personallity. His work has been translated into several languages and in his home you will find rare publications, writings and paintings.

Admission ticket 30 Egyptian Pounds
Photo 25 Egyptian pounds

Agios Savvas Church

It is a Greek Orthodox church in the center of Alexandria. Before entering the temple area you will see the statue of Archbishop Makarios.

The Holy Cathedral Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos

It is a three-aisled basilica built in the middle of the 19th century in Alexandria, Egypt. Ecclesiastical church belongs to the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. The church belongs to the Greek community of Alexandria.

Alexandria corniche

The wonderful corniche of Alexandria with the characteristic fishing boats reminiscent of our beloved Thessaloniki (in a much larger version of course). A beautiful bay in the Mediterranean Sea where you have to walk and imagine while looking towards the place where it is said that the lighthouse of Alexandria stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world! If you walk along the seaside you will meet the café where Kavafis used to hang out and many Greek inscriptions!

The fort of Qaitbay

Towards the end of the beach of Alexandria is the fort of Qaitbay which is said to have been built from the ruins of Faros. A characteristic monument visible from afar, it is worth visiting especially to enjoy the views it offers.

Almursi Abu alabbas mosque

The architecture of the Islamic mosques is well known to all of us, but this mosque has Moroccan-Spanish style, or Andalusian as well! Right next to the mosque there is the palace which consists of similar style vibes! The ladies should not forget to take with them something to cover their head to enter the amazing mosque!

Stop for lunch

We are at the end of the wonderful tour of Mohammed and its time for some food, isnt it? Don’t hesitate to ask for a lunch break! The flavors will delight you! Dolmas, stuffed pigeon, kebab, steaks, hummus, pigeon soup and much more. Ask for a refreshing lemonade with mint after the lunch to reflresh yourself   and continue to the last  stop of the day tour which is not other than the famous library of Alexandria.

The Library of Alexandria – Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Another one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world is in Alexandria. The huge in size and variety of library books is located at the point where the old one was standing! Many myths and stories around its name and greatness! Unique experience, in a modern space, full of students, museums, exhibitions and countless books! Respect the space that is interesting in terms of architectural point and  imagine how was once the ancient library! In the courtyard of the library you will find the statue built in honor of Alexander the Great and right at the inside entrance of the library the statue of Demetrius Falireus the inspirer of the creation of the old library.

Admission ticket 70 egp

biblioteca alexandrina egypt

The end of the one-day adventure in Alexandria

The tour in Alexandria with Egypt Day Tours has come to an end with us full of experiences, images and flavors! Its time to say goodbye to our friend Mohammed and head to the train station for our return to Cairo! Our suggestion is to spend one more day if it is possible in Alexandria, we personally likedit much more than urban Cairo, especially the point of the corniche was full of people of all ages! In general it reminded us very much of Greece and not unfairly because the cultures of the two countries intertwined since ancient times, and as a result they look very much alike!

The good news of the day – Promo code – Discount

As a special offer to anyone who comes through our blog, Egypt Day Tours will offer a 10% discount on any tour/activity you choose from the site as long as you mention promo code NONSTOPTRAVELLERS and free camel rides in case you’re in the pyramid area. 

We thank Egypt Day Tours for the beautiful experience in the historical city of Alexandria, which we will definetely visit again someday!

For more info about the tours you can visit Egypt Day Tours!

The post ALEXANDRIA THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA BRIDE BY EGYPT DAY TOURS appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Did you know that Egypt is called a gift of the Nile thanks to Herodotus?

egypt pyramids gkiza cairo

Itinerary for travelling to Egypt

Find below the 8 day itinerary we created and finally followed including all costs in Egyptian pounds per person (Egyptian pounds EGP), Euro and dollars! We followed the Nile route from the south to the north, but those of you who have more time or have been before at the Nile once before you can visit El Almaine, the White Desert, the oasis of Shiva, the Sina Peninsula, the Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, the Red Sea, etc.

1 DAY 
Flight to Cairo-flight from Cairo to Aswan
Food at Kato Dool Nubian Resort
Overnight at Kato Dool Nubian Resort (read more here or watch our video here)!
Tour in Abu Simbel (200 EGP-photo pass 300 EGP), you can go only with an organized tour which either have to be pre-booked, or arranged at your accommodation. Keep in mind that the car starts at 4.30 in the morning so arrange your stay and transfer in advance (12 USD).

2 DAY

Excursion to Abu Simbel (starting 4.30 am, 3 hours way, return to Aswan at about 13.00 pm)
On the return take a motor Boat (150EGP) to the islet of Philae Temple (140EGP).
Nubian Village (enjoy a walk at the beautiful coloured villages, if you stay at Kato Dool congrats coz you are right in the village itself, if you stay eg. on Elephantine Island you have to get a motorboat to the Nubian villages).
Food at Kato Dool Nubian Resort
A Felluca ride to Elephantine Island (70EGP) and sunset. You can go to Unfinished Obelisk (80 EGP), Nubia Museum (100 EGP), Aswan Museum (70 EGP) as well.
Overnight at Kato Dool Nubian Resort (read more here or view video here)!

3 DAY

We say goodbye to Aswan and either we take a car to Luxor (that’s what we did 15 USD) or join a three-day cruise at the Nile to Luxor (more relaxed and restful program for 40USD)

Pay a visit to the temple of Horus in Edfu, explore the temple of Kom Ombo.
By car to Kom Ombo and to the Temple of Crocodile (100 EGP) and the Edfu temple (140 EGP).
You can also stop at the Mausoleum of the Agha Khan on the way to Luxor.
Drop off at Luxor (15 USD total transfer)! A train is more economical choice if you have more time!
Overnight at Luxor (11 euro/2 nights)

4 DAY

Wander through the royal burial sites the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the west bank of Luxor. Tour in Kings Valley (200EGP + 300EGP photo pass) where you can see 3 tombs of  Pharaohs (Ramses IV-IX-Meremtah (to Toutaghamon and Seti the cost is  €50 for each one) – (photo ticket = 15 € We think it is not worth it just enjoy the visit).
Memnon Colossi, Queens Valley & Hatsepsut Temple (100 EGP).
Food at Al Sahaby Lane (Rooftop with a view to the Luxor Temple and a cool evening breeze).
Sound and Light Show Karnak Temple (15 USD booking online capability, there are shows at almost every temple but from what we have read and tried if you are about to try one at least try this one at Karnak as it is not static, but do not expect much, its overpriced anyway..).
Overnight at Luxor (11 euro/2 nights)

5 DAY

At sunrise you can ride an Air balloon over the Nile (60 USD)
Luxor Temple (140EGP) – Located in the city center so you can just go on foot.
Karnak Temple (150 EGP) you can go there either on foot parallel to the river banks (30 ‘), either by horse cart (40EGP) or by taxi (50EGP)
Visit the market of Luxor, small but strong in terms of bargaining!
Visit the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum.
Food at Sofra.
Night Train to Cairo 10.55 pm – 9.00 am (80 USD) Day train (10 USD). For more information about trains in Egypt read here! You will definetely  need some help and you will find the links for the itineraries too!

6 DAY

Citadel of Saladin Cairo, Mohamed Ali Mosque (140 EGP), attention because on Fridays the Islamic mosques are closed due to praying, on other days women must have their heads covered (taxi 20 EGP = 1 euro).
Mosque Madrassa of Sultan Hassan (80 EGP)
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Mit Rahina Museum (60 EGP), there lies a huge statue of Ramses 2.
Cairo Tower (Opening Hours: From 8 am to Midnight) (300 EGP).
Market KhanAl Khalili (with taxi or Uber 25-30 EGP) and El Gamaleya
Food in Abu Tarek for Kosharu Special (30 EGP)
Felluca Ride at the Nile, coffee  by the river (50 EGP).
Café Eish and Malh
Sweets Mandarine Koueider (Kiounefes and Basbousa (Samali))
Sweets in
Overnight Cairo to Tahrir Square or El Talaat Harb (30 USD/3 days).

egypt cairo

7 DAY

Tour with Egypt Day Tours in Giza Plateau – Pyramids – Sphinx – Egyptian museum the only one of the seven wonders of anscient world  that still exist (160 EGP-360 EGP Khufu’s’s Pyramid-100 EGP Khafre’s Pyramid) (read our detailed blog post with all the information you might before for your visit to the pyramids of Giza.
Camel Ride (Optional, we did not tried this one but if you choose to do so you can ride a camel for some money and find yourself on the spot that gives you a view to all the pyramids together).

As a special offer to anyone that comes through our blog, Egypt Day Tours will offer a 10% discount on any tour / activity  plus a free camel ride in case you are in the pyramids area. 

Tour the Egyptian Museum  to view the worlds largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. (located next to Tahrir square) (160 EGP + 50 EGP photo pass + 300EGP inclusive tickets with Royal Mummies Hall) at 17.00 closes for half an hour and reopens with other prices (read our detailed post with all the information).
Dinner Cruise €13 (Optional) on the Nile or Felluca sunset (you can find a cruise at the marina Dok Dok close to the Four seasons hotel)
If you have one more day we suggest you to visit the other Saqqara pyramids, which are less famous but also less crowded. They are just around 30-40 km away from Cairo so it means an extra day for you, Bent pyramid- Dashur and Step Pyramid.
Overnight Cairo in Tahrir Square or El Talaat Harb.

8 DAY

One day excursion to Alexandria by train (53 EGP). For our tour we chose Egypt Day Tours while on our adventure with the train read more here!
Alexandria Library (70EGP)
Kavafis Museum (30 EGP + Photo Pass 25 EGP)
Kom El Dekka Roman Amphitheater (80 EGP)
Pompeys Pillar and Temple of Serapeum (80 EGP)
Saint Sava Church
Evangelismos Church
Catacombs of Kom Ash Suqqafa (80 EGP)
Fort Qaitbay (Lighthouse Faros of Alexandria once stood there)
Corniche
Return by train to Cairo (53 EGP).
For information about the tour and surprise gift for you who will choose it you will find here!

Visa

You can claim your visa at the airport! Do have 25 usd with you for the visa fees and proceed to passport control.

Taxis in Cairo and Alexandria

Taxis in general are very cheap with prices not exceeding 1 euro per race, in Cairo they are white while in Alexandria they are black and yellow. There are taxis with taximeter and taxis without one. Always ask before you enter if there is a taximeter and make sure the meter is switched on (at 6 EGP). If there isnt any taximeter just negotiat the price before you enter! Finally there is Uber as long as you have Internet connection!

From Cairo to Airport

The best solution is a negotiated taxi, around 120 EGP.

• SOUND AND LIGHTS SHOWS
• DAY TRAINS
• NIGHT TRAINS

Extra tip: Have cash everywhere except hotels and any fine restaurants!

 

Extra advice: You will be asked to gine baktsisi (tips) eg at the toilets of monuments and temples, be sure to keep some pounds on you.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

We have not experienced any danger and even until late  night there are people everywhere, people of all ages, genders and religions! Security checks are occuring at all points of interest.

Read more abut Egypt in our blog posts about Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza Plateau, Alexandria the city of Alexander the Great and our train adventure.

How much does a trip to Egypt cost?

For the above itinerary we spent in euro:

€400 movements (air, trains, taxis)
€170 for entry to points of interest
€65 Food
€49 Accommodation
€22 Miscellaneous
€4 Souvenirs
Total: €710 person

Combining the magic and mystery of life and death and the secrets of Pharaohs Egypt’s histrory is one of the most extraordinary and significant for the human kind! We wish that you soon find yourself travelling in this enchanting and mystical country and those of you who are about to do so, use the discount offer that we have for you in collab with Egypt day Tours!

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