Egypt's second largest city, Alexandria, named after Alexander the Great, is an epitome of fascinating age-old history and a beautiful mix of cultures. More popularly known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean,” the enchanting Alexandria will captivate you with its perfect blend of antiquity and modernism. Boasting inspiring sites like the Pharaohs Lighthouse, one of the fascinating Seven Wonders of the World, the stunning Montaza Palace gardens, historic fortresses like the Fort Qaitbey and endless other sites that depict perfection and astounding beauty, Alexandria is a city that is sure to take you on a magical ride of your life. The city not only offers a spectacular insight into its glorious past but also gives one the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of its Mediterranean coastline. Although much of ancient Alexandria was lost during the tsunami of AD365, Alexandria still preserves its Mediterranean atmosphere and antique European styled houses and the Greco Roman Monuments that are worth visiting. Several museums like the Graeco Roman and the Alexandria National highlight the wealth this destination has in terms of history. Specialized museums like the Royal Jewellery Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts reflect articles of treasure as well as talent. To commemorate the city’s role since the times of the Roman empire for being a centre of knowledge and having one of the largest scholar libraries in the region, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has been established as a major library and cultural institution facing the coasts. Both the main mosques of Alexandria, namely the El Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque and the Attarine Mosque mark important occurrences in the progress of the Islamic empire over the region. Along the coasts, the Mamoura Beach, the Montazah beach, and the Corniche are properly maintained spots facilitated by restaurants, cafes and even water sports clubs. When it comes to exploring archaeological sites from the Roman era, one can go for the Kom el Shouqafa Catacombs, Pompeii’s Pillar or the Roman theatre. Monuments and memoirs erected at the national level include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as the cemetery and tombs named after the celebrated politician Mustafa Kemal.
Some of the major air operators offering low airfares Alexandria flights from UK include Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.
None of the airlines are operating direct flights on this route.
Flights heading to Alexandria from London take approximately 6 hours, excluding the stopovers in the itinerary, covering a distance of 2,075 miles.
Alexandria International Airport, also known as Borg El Arab International Airport, is located at a distance of approximately 40 km southwest from the city centre.
Borg El Arab International Airport offers a 24 hour taxi service readily available for the comfort and convenience of all passengers arriving at the airport. Alexandria Airport also offers shuttle bus services to commute passengers safely to the city centre. Car rental services are also available at the airport offering car and limousine rents.
One of the most convenient ways of getting around Alexandria is hailing a taxi. Alexandria's yellow and black taxis are easily locatable around the city. The city also offers local bus services offering cheap and reliable mode of getting around town. Microbuses operate all around and usually stop anywhere on the way whenever they are called out by a commuter. A parallel double decker bus network exists, but only in the central business district or urban areas, with a few major stops. Alexandria also offers a very old tram system that runs a fixed route, with Mahattat Ramla being the main tram station in the centre of the city. Confirm the route taken by the tram before boarding one.
The milder summer months of September to October and the winter months of December to February are the best months to visit Alexandria. These are comparatively milder months so touring the city will not be bothersome. The summer months experience humid temperatures and high temperatures which can make outdoor excursions uncomfortable. Alexandria is also the busiest during the summer months and therefore prior hotel bookings is advisable.
Alexandria city, being considered as a global tourism centre, boasts a range of accommodation options to suit the budget of every traveller. From high-end luxury international chain of some of the leading hotels to customized suites depicting the local cultures, there is just about everything when it comes to choosing the accommodation of your taste in Alexandria. Most of these hotels are equipped with all the modern amenities and facilities ensuring a comfortable stay for its valued guests with some also offering outdoor pool facilities while others located in close proximity to the Mediterranean coastline. A few among these also facilitate the luxury of private beachside amenities along with boating and yacht clubs. The budget category includes plaza hotels and hostels offering basic services that include bed and breakfast. With the hotel industry well-established over decades of substantial business in the city, many of them are fashioned in grandeur and design from the past era. The biggest convenience is that most of them are within easy reach of the central urban zone.
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