Alexandria Tours | Egypt Tours | Alexander + Roberts

After breakfast, your personal car, driver and guide will be waiting to take you on a comprehensive privately guided tour of this historic city, beginning with the ancient catacombs. Discovered in 1900, this is the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt. You’ll also see Pompey’s Pillar, an impressive monolithic column that was erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian. From here, your sightseeing continues with the ancient Roman amphitheater and the spectacular Qaitbay Citadel, built in the 15th century on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Royal Library of Alexandria was one of the greatest libraries of the ancient world and flourished from its construction in the 3rd century BC until its destructions centuries later. Today, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina stands as a marvel of the modern world. Shaped like a giant discus embedded in the ground, its granite facades are carved with letters, pictograms, characters and hieroglyphs from more than 120 different scripts. Inside, its main reading room can hold 8 million books and accommodate 2,500 people under its distinctive sloping roof. Before returning to your hotel, you’ll visit this striking contemporary library as well as Montazah Park with its beautiful landscaped grounds and sweeping views of the sea.
Meals B

About Your Journey

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Passports + Visas 
American citizens will need to present a valid passport
upon entry into Egypt. Passports must be valid for six (6) months after
the completion of your stay. It is your sole responsibility to secure
and/or pay for any and all visas (reciprocity fees, affidavits,
immunizations, etc. that are required to be permitted entry into each
destination). Egypt requires visas for US citizens which may be
obtained prior to your departure from the United States or purchased
upon arrival at Cairo Airport for $25 per person (the fee is expected
to increase to $60 per person at an unknown date). It is a very simple
procedure. After exiting the aircraft, you simply go directly to the
bank located in the passport control waiting area and purchase your
visa. You will need to pay in US$ cash.  
 
Visas and entry requirements can change without notice, so it is
important that you check the U.S. State Department website well in
advance of your travel date to ensure you procure the proper
documentation for your travel. For up to date visa requirements US
citizens should visit www.travel.state.gov. Visitors from countries
other than the United States should check on their specific entry
requirements with the nearest Egyptian consular office. 
 
Now is a good time to assemble and check your travel documents, then
keep them together in a safe, accessible area of your home. If you keep
your passport in a bank safe deposit, retrieve it now to avoid a
last-minute rush, and double-check the expiration date! 
 
Your Health 
Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult
your practitioner for current recommendations before your upcoming
journey. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health
entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all
recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to
your trip. Inoculation requirements can be found on the Center for
Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/. Also check the
World Health Organization (WHO) website http://www.who.int/ith/en/
before you travel internationally. 
 
Medical supplies including CPAP machines for sleep apnea can be brought
as an additional carry-on with most airlines.  If you are
traveling with a CPAP machine, please let Alexander+Roberts know in
advance and consider bringing a backup battery in case of inconsistent
electricity supply. Distilled water is available in most destinations.
Make sure you have all appropriate adaptors, although newer machines
have universal power supplies that can adapt to various voltages. Bring
extra supplies (especially cushions) and replacement parts as repairing
the machine while travelling may not be possible. 
 
Physical Activity 
 Ancient sites worldwide were constructed well before building
codes or the existence of safety and accessibility standards. And in
order to maintain the architectural and historical integrity that
attracts visitors in the first place, many of the sites have been
intentionally left in their natural state. As such, you will encounter
uneven terrain, irregular steps, and a lack of handrails, barriers,
ramps and cautionary warning signs where you might expect them back
home. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to take great care
and caution when exploring these sites. Pay attention to all
instructions and do not wander away from your guide, especially off
designated paths into unmarked terrain. When exploring on your own,
heed all regulations, be extra mindful of your surroundings and note
any conditions that could increase the risks (poor visibility, wet
slippery surfaces, etc). 
 
For travelers with mobility issues or physical challenges, be prepared
for less accessibility than we enjoy in the United States. Hotels may
be limited in the provisions made for such travelers and some do not
have elevators. Airports are not always fully equipped with modern
jetways, and ramps for wheelchairs are often absent. 
 
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance for guests who
need mobility assistance.  Nor can we ensure that local
vehicles will be wheelchair-equipped. For these reasons, a qualified
companion must accompany guests who need such assistance. 
  
Physical limitations requiring special attention and/or equipment must
be reported when making reservations. We will make reasonable attempts
to accommodate special needs but cannot provide individual
assistance.  Should issues become apparent on tour that impact
other guests, we may require individual assistance be obtained or
require the guest to return home early at the guest’s
expense.  
 
Protecting Your Vacation 
As you prepare and get excited for your upcoming journey, it’s not fun
to think about what would happen if you had to cancel or interrupt your
trip. The best way to eliminate that worry is with a good travel
protection plan. Travel protection plans can help protect you in the
event of loss of non-refundable trip deposits and payments that result
from cancellation or trip interruption (due to a covered reason such as
injury or illness before or during the trip). It also helps with
reimbursement for medical emergency costs (including very costly
medical evacuation costs), missed connections and baggage loss. There
are many good plans out there, and we’re happy to offer a very
comprehensive Travel Protection Plan - including “Cancel for Any
Reason” benefits. You can find complete information online:
alexanderroberts.com/insurance.aspx 
 
Your International Flights 
If you have not already made your international flight arrangements,
you should consider taking advantage of our excellent relationships
with outstanding international carriers including Lufthansa, British
Airways, United Airlines and Emirates. We can book your air in Economy,
Premium Economy or Business Class with advice on seat availability -
and even advance seat assignments on many carriers and routes. Booking
your international air with A+R will allow us to directly assist you
with any flight disruptions, delays or cancellations while on-tour. 
 
Personalized Service…
Anytime you Need it! 
If you have questions about your upcoming journey or wish to make any
changes such as adding extra nights, special sightseeing or transfers,
please call your travel agent. You can also contact our Travel
Concierge, Melanie Delworth, at 800-678-7942, Ext. 154, Or send her an
email with your question or request: mdelworth@alexanderroberts.com. 
 
For travel assistance during your journey, we’ve included our OnCall
International service… It’s complimentary 24/7! Just call
888-771-8409…. Anytime, we’re here to assist you 
 
A Word about Hotels 
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around
3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. Should you arrive early to
find that your room is not yet ready, the hotel will likely be more
than happy to store your luggage securely for a few hours. That leaves
you unencumbered to explore a bit at your own pace - or to relax with a
cup of tea or coffee either in the lobby or at a nearby cafe. 
 
Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your
luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you free to explore and relax
until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending upon how busy they are,
hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two
without charge; check with the front desk to determine if this is
possible for your day of departure. 
 
If early check-in or late check-out is required, advance arrangements
can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night. Please
notify us or your travel agent if you wish to confirm either. 
 
Climate 
Egypt has distinct winter and summer seasons, with short springs and
falls. The average high temperature in Cairo for example exceeds 90°F
during the months between May and September. Since there is little rain
and the air is very dry, the summer heat can be quite bearable,
especially with the sharp drop in temperature after sundown. Air
conditioning is widespread. Given Egypt’s hot and dry climate, we
strongly recommend that you drink plenty of bottled water during the
trip. In the winter, daytime temperatures can still approach 80°F, with
nighttime lows dipping into the 40s. Although winter brings some rain,
most days are bright and sunny. 
 
Money Matters 
The Egyptian Pound (coins are called “piastres”) is the national
currency and is easily exchanged for US dollars. There is a 24-hour
currency exchange at Cairo International Airport terminals, and money
can also be changed at your hotel and banks. Save your receipts so that
you can exchange any remaining pounds into US dollars prior to your
return flight. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at your hotel or banks
but your passport will be needed. Exchange rates of course can vary
widely but one US dollar roughly equals about 17 pounds (EGP). 
 
US dollars circulate widely in Egypt so you may wish to bring a small
supply of low-denomination bills ($1, $5s, and $10s) for incidental
tipping and purchases along the way. 
 
We recommend that before you travel you inform both your bank and your
credit card company which countries you will be visiting. It is also a
good idea to inquire about fees for transactions abroad. If you plan to
use your ATM or credit card, we suggest that you confirm with your bank
prior to your departure that your ATM or credit card and PIN number
will work in Egypt. Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, in some
larger shops, in restaurants, at carpet stores and other locations
frequented by international visitors. If you do not see your credit
card’s logo on the establishment’s door, then be sure to ask if credit
cards are accepted! At many smaller shops and at the souks, you will
need cash to make your purchase. 
 
Tipping 
For your on-tour convenience, we have included all gratuities except
for your Egyptologist Guide. This includes drivers, baggage porters and
restaurant staff for all included meals; certainly, if any of these
services are exceptional and go above-and-beyond, then feel free to tip
additionally. 
 
For your Egyptologist Guide, many of our guests find it helpful to have
some guidelines; in that spirit, we recommend tipping them $10 to $15
per person, per day. 
 
Although not included in your Tour Fare, please remember that this
gratuity is always at your discretion. It’s appreciated as recognition
for excellent service, but whether you tip, and how much, is entirely
up to you. 
 
When you’re out enjoying meals and activities that are not part of your
A+R itinerary, here are tipping guidelines in accordance with local
practices: 
 
•    Upscale restaurants: A service charge
of 10% is appropriate. 
•    Spa Services: Add 10% to 15 %. 
•    Taxis: Tips are not expected by taxi
drivers. 
 
For any gratuities, we suggest you tip in the local currency. But if
you only have US Dollars, they will be graciously accepted. 
 
Please be aware that tipping for everything in Egypt is a way of life,
and you may see your Egyptologist Guide tipping on your behalf. If you
wish to provide additional tips along your journey (even though we’ve
prepaid them) we recommend that you keep one-pound and 50-piastres
notes handy. 
 
Electricity 
Electric current is 220V at 50 Hz AC and most outlets support two
round-pin plugs. An adapter plug and a converter may be necessary to
charge your electronic devices, and are usually available from the
front desk. For more information on plugs and sockets, review the
information at:  www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm. 
 
Internet and Phone calls 
If you plan to bring your cell phone when you travel, please check with
your carrier to ensure that your plan covers international calls and/or
mobile data from the countries you will visit on your trip and whether
there may be money saving plans available from your carrier that can be
arranged in advance. Alternatively, local prepaid SIM cards for your
phone are usually available at the airport where you arrive and can be
used to tap into local service providers. Wi-fi is available at many
hotels either complimentary or for a fee. Waiting until you have Wi-Fi
access allows you to use email and other applications without using
mobile data. Check with the front desk upon check in regarding access
details. 
 
If you need to place an international call from your hotel room, please
check first with the Front Desk about their rates. Hotels often
contract with outside vendors to provide direct-dial service for
overseas calls – and the rates can be unexpectedly high! 
 
The dialing code for Egypt is +20; you’ll need to prefix the local
number with this dialing code when calling from outside of Egypt. 
 
Is the Water Safe to
Drink? 
Do not drink tap water in Egypt but soft drinks, tea, beer, wine and
bottled water are fine. Bottled water is readily available and you can
choose from bottled water with or without carbonation. Your Nile ship
uses the latest technology in water purification for food preparation
and use onboard. 
 
Meal Time! 
Egyptian food is tasty and varied. An Egyptian meal usually starts with
a broad array of individual plates and appetizers (called “mezze”)
which is followed by a main course. Eggplant, tomatoes, chicken, kebabs
and fish (from the Red Sea) are often part of the meal. Breads are
varied and very delicious, often served warm from the oven. We advise
all Americans to drink only bottled water, soft drinks, tea or beer.
Wine is expensive. Hotels have a variety of restaurants serving a broad
range of local and international cuisine. Street food is not
recommended. 
 
 
Ramadan 
Ramadan is the holy month during which the Islamic world commemorates
the revelation of the Holy Quran and all Muslims are required to fast
from dawn to dusk. In 2021 Ramadan begins at dusk on April 12th and
continues for 30 days (it begins at dusk on April 2nd in 2022). Eating,
drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours is strictly
prohibited throughout this month. Alcohol is not served during daylight
hours, but is available in licensed bars and restaurants after sunset
for non-Muslims. All hotels we work with make concessions for visitors
and keep a restaurant open during the day that is only available to
resident guests. During Ramadan, live entertainment, loud music and
dancing are prohibited and conservative dress is expected to be worn in
public. Many shops and stores open for a few hours in the morning and
then resume business after sunset, staying open until well after
midnight. Sunset marks the breaking of the fast when families and
friends get together to enjoy their Iftar (“breakfast” in Arabic).
Large Iftar tents, where people come together to break the fast with
water and dates, are a common sight. Most restaurants both within and
outside hotels offer Iftar specials. 
 
About Photography 
Some sites and museums restrict photography, in particular the use of
flash, and may require additional photo permits which are sold on site.
Always check with your tour guide or site officials when in doubt. It
is common courtesy to ask permission before you photograph local
residents. 
 
Egypt’s Famous Souks +
Handcrafts 
Egypt is a shopper’s paradise, with great prices on a wide variety of
gifts and souvenirs. Carpets and rugs, brass and copper, inlaid boxes
and chess boards, leather, clothing, papyrus, gold and silver, perfumes
and spices are just some of the things that will tempt you in shops and
souks (bazaars). You might consider bringing an extra bag to pack your
purchases for your return. In the souks, it is expected that you will
bargain. Prices are inflated to allow for this traditional bargaining,
which is a way of life here. 
 
Enjoy your shopping, but keep a few precautions in mind. We strongly
recommend that you avoid objects that appear to be ancient artifacts.
Many so-called artifacts are anything but old. In addition, the export
of genuine ancient relics is strictly controlled so that cultural
treasures do not leave the country. Animal skins, things made with
tropical bird feathers, and similar items should also be avoided. Some
could be made from endangered species, and their export (and import
into the US) is illegal. Buying only from reputable shops will help you
to avoid problems. 
 
Local Transportation 
For American travelers, taxis are the most effective and convenient
form of transportation in Cairo and other major towns. It is safe to
hail a taxi on the street or from a hotel taxi stand or other taxi
stands. However, since English is not widely spoken by taxi drivers in
Egypt, we recommend that a taxi be secured at your hotel. Ask the
concierge to write your destination on a card in Arabic to show to the
driver and carry your hotel card with you for your return trip. Should
you want a car for a longer period, the hotel can make such
arrangements for you.  
 
Sightseeing 
Due to overwhelming traffic and congestion in cities such as Cairo,
Luxor, Alexandria and Aswan, many of the sightseeing excursions,
transfers and flights on this program are scheduled for early in the
morning.  This allows us to avoid congestion, provide more
time visiting the great sights of Egypt and allows for a much more
comfortable experience for our clients, as visits and touring begin
before the temperatures reach the peak of the day.   
 
Conversing with the Locals 
Modern standard Arabic is the official language of Egypt, but you will
find that almost everyone you encounter will have a working knowledge
of English. 
 
Local Time 
The local time in Egypt is 7 hours ahead of New York. 
 
A Note about Traveling
with Minors 
Many countries currently require documentary evidence of a relationship
between minors traveling with an adult. Although Egypt is not one of
them, we strongly recommend that parents traveling alone with a minor
carry a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the trip,
regardless of whether the parent is married or divorced. Never-married
parents, parents whose spouse has died, and parents who have been
granted sole legal custody of children are encouraged to carry
notarized proof of their status, including death certificate where
appropriate. Grandparents traveling with grandchildren and adults
traveling with children who are not their own should carry letters of
authorization from both parents of the children. It is wise to also
carry the child’s birth certificate with the original seal. Please
visit the state department’s website travel.state.gov if you plan to
travel with a minor. 
 
Packing Advice to Get You
Started 
People dress a bit more conservatively in the Middle East than you
would in America. Generally, the attire is casual with the emphasis on
comfort and convenience. Easy-to-care-for clothing with mix-and-match
separates are ideal to prevent the need to bring a lot of clothes. To
accommodate the variable weather, you should pack an all-weather
jacket, hat and scarf. Hotel and local restaurant dining rooms are
casual; along the coast and on the cruise ship, lightweight, casual
clothing is most practical. You will want to bring a swimsuit, sun hat
and comfortable walking shoes. 
  
Your sightseeing tours include a moderate amount of walking so please
pay particular attention to footwear – bring a pair of comfortable
walking shoes with firm arch support. Note that cobblestone streets are
common in the old towns. Some of the sites included on your program are
accessible only on foot; therefore, be prepared for walking. Suitable
footwear consists of low-heeled shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes and
similar. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen, and be sure you
drink plenty of water during your journey to prevent dehydration. 
 
Consider an easy-to-carry traveling bag 
It’s good to have a small bag to carry your daytime needs with you
while traveling; a backpack is used by many travelers for this purpose.
A water bottle is always handy to have in your traveling pack. 
 
The Essentials 
Hotels are well-equipped with tissues and toilet paper; however small
packets of facial tissues and a small bottle of hand-sanitizer can be
handy for use in public bathrooms. Your hotels and cruise ship will
provide fine amenities, including soap and shampoo, but pack your own
if you use particular brands. Please bring your own lotions, contact
lens solutions, cosmetics and feminine hygiene products. Bring extra
prescriptions (packed partially in your hand luggage) as well as cold
medicine, aspirin and cures for intestinal troubles. You should also
bring a good sunblock lotion with you since high temperatures can
intensify the impact of the sun. We recommend 30+ SPF. 
 
Seeing + Capturing your Experiences 
Make a complete check of your camera equipment before you leave and
make sure you have replacement or rechargeable batteries and additional
memory cards. 
 
Camera drones are not allowed for use on our tours as they can detract
from the experiences of your fellow travelers. If, however you plan to
bring a drone for use in your free time, please pay close attention to
the local aviation laws.  Most historic sites and national
parks explicitly prohibit the use of personal drones, so it is your own
responsibility to acquire any necessary permission and adhere to local
laws should you plan on traveling with a drone.  
 
On-Tour Hunger Pangs 
High-protein snacks are good for both the air trip as well as for your
activities while traveling: nuts, raisins, granola bars and peanut
butter are popular with many of our travelers. 
 
A Few Final Tips 
Some handy items we recommend include: an extra pair of glasses, an
alarm clock, zip-lock plastic bags, a bottle opener and an
English/Arabic dictionary. 
 
Flights within Egypt 
Airline tickets for flights within Egypt are handled by our local
office in Cairo. They are electronic tickets. A representative from our
local office or your local guide in Cairo will advise you of your
internal Egypt flight times and give you the electronic ticket copy
during your stay in Cairo. 
 
Seats for all internal flights within Egypt are assigned by Egypt Air
Cairo and are limited. Seat constraints on flights between Cairo and
Luxor may result in very early morning flights. Similarly, Abu Simbel
flights are in great demand and may result in late afternoon or early
evening return to Cairo. Because the flight situation is so dynamic,
final flight itineraries are available only after arrival in Cairo. 
 
Domestic flights within Egypt allow limited carry-on luggage. If your
tour includes flights between cities in Egypt, please be prepared to
carry no more than one small bag on board with you. You are allowed a
total of 44 pounds in baggage (including carry-on) for internal
flights. Excess weight may be subject to charges by the airline. 
 
If you decide to not take all of your luggage with you, you may store
extra baggage at the hotel until your return to Cairo. You must have an
Alexander + Roberts luggage tag with your name and address attached to
any luggage that will be staying behind. If you would like to do this,
please notify your Tour Manager or local guide and he will assist with
this arrangement for you.  
 
Reminders about Your
Baggage 
Baggage restrictions vary by airline, and we ask you to review the
airlines on your itinerary and review baggage restrictions on their
website to determine the maximum number of bags and weights that are
allowed.  In Economy, passengers are limited to one
bag.  Keep in mind that the flights that are included on your
tour are in Economy and are limited to one checked bag with weight
limits.  So when packing for your trip, consider the bag and
weight restrictions on all of your flights, not just your international
arrangements. 
 
Most airlines charge travelers for additional bags and excess weight so
we advise you to pack as lightly as possible. Most of our hotels offer
laundry services. 
 
TSA Packing Tips 
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a
comprehensive list of items that are Permitted and Prohibited in
carry-on and checked baggage. You can find the complete list online at
https://www.tsa.gov/travel. 
 
For vacation travelers, the important thing to remember is that only
one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be in
your carry-on bag when you pass through security. Each item is limited
to 3.4 ounces (100ml) - and all containers must fit inside a clear,
1-quart sized, zip-top bag. If you have containers that are larger than
3.4 ounces, they must go inside your checked baggage. 
 
If you’re traveling with medication, discuss your travel itinerary with
your physician to determine that you obtain any necessary permissions
if applicable on controlled/semi-controlled medication. Prescription
medication must always be in its original packaging, and accompanied by
a copy of the prescription. 
 
Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in
reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, and they do not
have to be in a zip-lock bag. You should declare these items at the
checkpoint, and keep in mind that TSA Officers may need to inspect them. 
 
Other Recommendations: 
•    Jewelry, cash, tablet devices and
laptops should be in your carry-on baggage. Tape your business card to
the bottom of your laptop for easy identification if it gets separated
for inspection. 
•    Avoid accessories and jewelry that
contain metal as they may set off the metal detector at the check
point. This saves having to take them off and put them back on as you
pass through security. 
•    Wear slip-on shoes that can be easily
removed and placed on the conveyor built to be x-rayed at the security
check-point. 
•    If you wish to place a lock on your
checked luggage, it must be of a make and model approved by the TSA. 
•    Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not
bring wrap gifts to the security check point. 
 
A Few Words about Safety
+ Security 
Arab countries are remarkably safe and the people are very friendly and
hospitable. Opportunistic petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse
snatching, are present in all major cities in the world.  The
usual precautions should be taken. Avoid late-night walks along the
Nile on your own and be cautious of valuables in crowds. Always ask
someone before taking their picture (a tip is expected) and smile and
be patient with all Egyptians – you’ll be rewarded with a big smile in
return and all the assistance you could imagine. 
 
Traveling abroad is no different than visiting a new city in the United
States: use common sense precautions to safeguard your person and your
possessions at all times. Remember to wash your hands frequently and
use hand-sanitizer. 
•    Do not go out and about with your
passport unless specifically instructed to do so by your local guides. 
•    Keep your extra cash and passport in
the in-room safe of your hotel. In the few instances where they are not
available, then store these items in the safety deposit box at the
front desk. 
•    Always make a copy of your passport,
credit cards and e-tickets and keep them separate from the originals so
that they can be more readily replaced if lost or stolen. Leave extra
copies with someone at home who you can reach while traveling. Or
consider scanning these documents and emailing them to an address that
you can access while abroad. 
•    If you don’t already own one, consider
investing in a money belt that can be concealed under your clothing.
This is a good place to keep the cash and credit cards that you need
for personal expenses while sightseeing, shopping and touring. 
•    Do not display large amounts of cash in
public. Carry your purse with the strap across your chest, not dangling
from your shoulder or arm. 
 
These measures will save you countless time and trouble should your
credit cards, airline tickets or passport be lost or stolen.  
 
Out + About in Egypt 
The following pages provide a broad overview of the country that refers
to many destinations, including places that may not be on your program.
But they could be! If anything here entices you to explore more of
Egypt, our travel experts can work with you and your travel agent to
plan an extension to your program if your itinerary and schedule allow
a longer stay. 
 
About Cairo 
The capital of Egypt is at the heart of one of the Islamic world’s
largest metropolitan areas, a huge metropolis of nearly 19 million
residents that is beguiling, maddening, fascinating and overwhelming.
It’s also beautiful, crowded, enchanting and polluted. It offers
endless contrasts, which add to its exotic and fascinating allure. The
city’s contemporary hub is the Tahrir Square, not far from the banks of
the Nile River and the Egyptian Museum. 
 
The Egyptian Museum was built in 1902 and now holds the world’s
greatest collection of Egyptian artifacts. It offers great insight into
ancient Egypt and provides the best context for appreciating your
subsequent visits to Egypt’s principal sites and monuments. The ground
floor is arranged chronologically, beginning with treasures of the Old
Kingdom from five millennia ago. Upstairs the Treasures of Tutankhamen
are displayed in two expansive galleries. The famed Royal Mummies Room
requires a separate admission charge, which is well worthwhile. The
museum is located at Tahrir Square and is open daily from 9:00AM to
7:00PM. During Ramadan it closes at 5:00PM. 
 
Gezira (The Island) is a primarily modern district surrounded by the
Nile and connected to the mainland by three bridges, two of which are
close to Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum. The island, home to the
upscale suburb of Zamalik, offers several attractions for the
international visitor. The Egyptian Museum of Modern Art (also known as
the Gezira Art Center) is part of the National Cultural Center and
exhibits paintings and sculptures by 20th-century Egyptian artists. At
the southern end of Al Gazirah, the Mukhtar Museum is devoted to the
works of internationally-renowned Egyptian sculptor Mahmoud Mukhtar.
Both museums are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM and
3:00PM to 5:00PM and on Friday from 10:00AM to 12:00PM. The 613-foot
Cairo Tower, completed in 1961, offers marvelous views of Cairo and the
Nile River. The tower is open daily from 9:00AM to 12:00AM. 
 
Old Cairo – Misr al Qadimah – is a fairly small area which offers a
glimpse of Cairo during its medieval glory. Here one can see the
remains of ancient Roman and Christian times. The Coptic Museum lies
within the ruined walls of an ancient Roman fortress and offers insight
into ancient Christianity in Egypt from the 5th through 7th centuries.
The museum is open daily from 9:00AM to 9:00PM. More than a dozen
ancient churches are also found here, including the Church of the
Virgin – one portion of which is said to date back to the 4th century –
and the churches of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus, St. Barbara, St. Cyril
and St. John. Within the ancient Roman walls, the Ben Ezra Synagogue –
one of 29 in the city – was originally, more than a thousand years ago,
a church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. In the late 19th
century a magnificent collection of some 350,000 medieval documents
from Cairo’s ancient Sephardic community was discovered in the
synagogue’s geniza (sacred storeroom). Now known as the Cairo Geniza
and archived in several museums around the world, it is perhaps the
largest and most significant collection of medieval manuscripts in the
world. The synagogue is open daily from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. 
 
The Citadel is the fascinating medieval quarter of the bustling
capital. It was built in the 12th century with the intent of enclosing
the ancient city entirely within defensive walls. From 1218 until the
completion of the Abdeen Palace more than six centuries later, the
Citadel was the seat of power and government for all of Egypt’s rulers.
The Citadel offers commanding views of Cairo and a number of
interesting sites within its enclosure, including the grand Muhammad
Ali Mosque built in the 19th century and now visible from nearly any
point in the city below. The Mosque and other buildings within the
Citadel are open daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, with mosques closed
during Friday prayers. 
 
Memphis lies about 15 miles from Cairo on the western bank of the Nile
at the edge of the imposing western desert. It was founded in about
3100 BC by the first king of the 1st Dynasty and is regarded as one of
the most important of the cities which pre-date Cairo. The beautifully
carved Alabaster Sphinx, the enormous limestone Colossus of Ramses II
and other ancient temples and ruins are open to the public as part of
the Mit Rahina open air museum daily from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. 
 
Sakkara, a short distance west of Memphis, is dominated by the imposing
Step Pyramid of Zoser built during the 3rd Dynasty (ca. 2668-2649 BC).
This is the oldest of Egypt’s great pyramids and the first great
monument in the world to be built of stone. Nearby are the Tombs of
Mareruka and Kagemni which date to approximately 2300 BC. Although not
grand from the outside, the interiors are adorned with some of the
finest tomb relief carvings of the Old Kingdom, depicting life of
ancient nobility including hunting, horticulture, husbandry, music and
dancing. The Sakkara necropolis is open daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM and
includes admission to the area, its various pyramids and tombs, and a
museum; separate admission required for several tombs. 
 
The Pyramids of Giza dominate the arid desert plain northwest of
Memphis and Sakkara. These familiar iconic structures are truly
breathtaking in sheer size and elegant proportion when seen in person.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu was built from more than 2 million stone
blocks averaging 2.5 tons each. The Great Pyramid towers nearly 500
feet above the sands. The Giza plateau is open daily from 8:00AM to
5:00PM and includes admission to the area and its various pyramids and
tombs; separate (and limited in number) admission required for the
interior of the Great Pyramid, where photography is forbidden . 
 
Nearby, the Solar Boat Museum exhibits a marvelously reconstructed
river barge that was excavated more than six decades ago. It was found
completely dismantled, with archaeologists divided over its intended
use – and why it was dismantled. The museum is open daily from 8:30AM
to 4:00PM, closing at 3:00PM during Ramadan. 
 
Along The Nile River 
The Nile has long been the heart of Egypt – a fertile, life-supporting
ribbon in an arid land. A cruise along this mystical, legendary
waterway is a fabulous way to explore Egypt’s splendid ancient
monuments and cities of antiquity. 
 
Thebes was the glorious capital of the New Kingdom (1570 to 1070 BC).
As Thebes gained power over other cities, Amun – a local god – assumed
the qualities and importance of Ra – the powerful sun god – and became
known as Amun-Ra, the preeminent god over all the many other deities of
ancient Egypt. During the ascendancy of Amun-Ra, the pharaohs
constructed numerous temples and tombs, each more magnificent than the
one before. The result is a breathtaking concentration of ancient
imperial monuments, two of which have been designated UNESCO World
Heritage Sites: the Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple. 
 
The Temple of Karnak is one of the most spectacular sites of the
ancient world. Dedicated to Amun-Ra, this enormous temple complex
includes 10 imposing pylons, large courtyards, the inner sanctuary, the
impressive Avenue of Sphinxes and the Sacred Lake. The Hypostyle Hall
alone, completed by Ramesses II in the 12th century BC, covers more
than 50,000 square feet. It is supported by more than 130 columns and
is reputed to be the largest temple hall anywhere in the world. There
were earlier temples to Amun-Ra on this site, but the origins of the
structures seen today are attributed to the pharaohs of the 18th and
19th Dynasties, who elevated Amun-Ra to the preeminent position as the
god of the empire. Even after the capital moved north to the Nile Delta
and Thebes diminished in power, the Temple of Karnak continued to be
enlarged and embellished by succeeding generations of rulers. 
 
The Luxor Temple is a long and narrow complex in the center of the city
of Luxor, connected to the Temple of Karnak by the nearly 2-mile long
Avenue of the Sphinxes. Unlike the Karnak complex which developed and
grew over succeeding generations, the Luxor Temple was constructed
primarily during the reigns of Amenhotep III and Ramesses II in the
14th century BC. Additional construction, some of it quite significant,
was undertaken by Tutankhamen, Ramesses II and others, including as
recently as the 3rd century BC by Alexander the Great. The walls of
Luxor are embellished with skillful carvings of the gods of Karnak
accompanied by a festival procession of priests, musicians, dancers and
sacred cows. Excavation of the site in the late 19th century left
intact a medieval mosque at the northern end of the complex. Today, the
Abu el-Haggag mosque stands above the excavated ruins of Luxor Temple. 
 
The Valley of the Kings is situated on the west bank of the Nile across
from Luxor. Here, the pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty (1550-1295 BC)
abandoned the pyramid tradition in favor of tombs carved deep into the
mountainside. Of the 63 known tombs in the valley – 26 carved for kings
– 15 are currently open to the public. Separate admission required for
the tombs of Ramesses VI, Tutankhamun and Ay. The nearby Valley of the
Queens has around 90 tombs belonging to queens and other royal
officials of the 18th Dynasty. The tomb of Queen Nefertari is
considered among the most beautiful tombs in Egypt but is closed to the
public at present following extensive restoration of its fragile
contents. Three other well-preserved tombs in the valley remain open to
the public. 
 
The famed Colossi of Memnon stand like guards along the road to the
Valleys of the Kings and Queens. These impressive statues of Amenhotep
III, towering 75 feet, are virtually all that remain of his funerary
temple which stood nearby. Not to be outdone by their rulers, there is
also a Valley of the Nobles where more than four hundred scribes and
dignitaries of the royal courts are buried. Unlike the much larger
tombs of the pharaohs, these sites are embellished with fascinating
depictions of ordinary daily life – farming, fishing and the feasts
& celebrations of the nobles and their families. 
 
The rulers buried in these valleys sometimes constructed a mortuary
temple at the edge of the valley some distance away from the actual
tomb, but only a handful of these remain, including the spectacular
Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, almost directly opposite the
Temple of Karnak in Luxor. Queen Hatshepsut reigned for more than a
dozen years in the 14th century BC. Unlike the other funerary temples
here, her temple is built in a natural amphitheater set against the
mountains and partially hollowed out of the rocks. The temple’s design
appears strikingly modern with three simple and elegant colonnade
terraces connected by gracefully proportioned sloping ramps. 
 
The Temple of Horus in Kom Ombo is actually dedicated to both Horus,
the powerful falcon-headed sun god, and to Sobek the Ptolemaic
crocodile god. This unusual dual-deity temple has two sanctuaries, one
for Horus and the second for Sobek. To the north, Edfu’s Temple of
Horus dates to the 2nd century BC and is one of the best preserved in
all of Egypt, with its great pylon, exterior walls, courts, halls and
sanctuary all virtually intact. The carvings that adorn the Edfu temple
are marvelous depictions ancient mythology. 
 
Completed in 1972, the High Dam at Aswan is a marvel of modern Egyptian
engineering – more than 2 miles wide and 300 feet high. The waters of
Lake Nasser stretch for nearly 500 miles into neighboring Sudan and the
benefits of the dam have been profound: hydroelectricity for new
industry and enough water to bring agricultural development to millions
of acres of formerly uncultivated land. 
 
On an island just south of Aswan, the Temple of Philae is dedicated to
the goddess Isis. This magnificent complex, rescued from the rising
waters of the High Dam, features impressive colonnades, towering pylons
and beautifully carved columns. Nearby in a large quarry, the
Unfinished Obelisk can be seen, still attached to the bedrock and
offering insight into the ancient ingenuity and skill that allowed the
creation of these monumental structures – now seen in Paris, Istanbul,
Rome and other cities. 
 
About the Temples of Abu Simbel 
Nubia is an arid region in southern Egypt, along the Sudanese border.
In ancient times, Nubia was a vital link between Egypt and the rest of
Africa. Today, much of the land lies under the waters of the Aswan High
Dam Reservoir. In the decade from 1960 to 1970, monumental rescue
efforts saved many of Nubia’s ancient monuments from the rising waters,
including more than 20 temples. Most spectacular, perhaps, are the two
temples of Abu Simbel that were built during the 19th Dynasty (ca.
1304-1237 BC). The international rescue operation to move the famous
Temple of Ramesses II is an extraordinary story in itself. This
engineering feat to raise the Temple more than 200 feet higher was so
successful, in fact, that twice a year on February 22nd and October
22nd, the rays of the rising sun pierce the entry and reaches deep into
the heart of the temple just 24 hours later than the original plan. The
façade of the Temple of Ramesses II features four enormous carvings of
the young Ramesses II. The interior central hall is flanked by eight
more statues of the pharaoh and decorated with amazing relief carvings
depicting a great battle with more than a thousand carved figures. The
Temple of Queen Nefertari, dedicated to the most beloved wife of
Ramesses II, features large carved figures of Ramesses II, his wife and
their children. The temples are open daily from 5:00AM to 5:00PM in the
winter and until 6:00PM in the summer. 
  
Some Helpful Web Links 
 
U.S. Department of State 
www.travel.state.gov 
Travel documents and tips; State Department Travel announcements;
Consular Information for countries you will visit 
  
Center for Disease Control and Prevention 
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel 
General health information for travelers and health information on
specific destinations 
 
Transportation Security Administration 
www.tsa.gov (select Traveler Information) 
Tips for travelers going through security at the airport 
 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
www.cbp.gov (select Travel) 
Helpful information for returning U.S. citizens travelling abroad 
 
Calling the U.S. from Abroad 
www.att.com/traveler 
AT&T’s USADirect service offers convenient telephone access to
the U.S. from around the world 
 
Currency Converter 
www.oanda.com/currency/converter 
 
Alexander+Roberts 
www.alexanderroberts.com 
For information about your tour: itinerary, customer reviews, visas,
Travel Protection Plan, payment and cancellation details 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Alexandria

3 days

Day
1

Cairo to Alexandria

Day
2

Private sightseeing in Alexandria

Day
3

Back to Cairo

About Your Journey

Alexandria

3 days

Day1

Cairo to Alexandria

Day2

Private sightseeing in Alexandria

Day3

Back to Cairo

About Your Journey

Day
1

Day
2

Day
3