Exploring the region: things to see and do around

East of Alex…
Just 65 km from Alexandria you can follow in the footsteps of the explorer who uncovered a priceless stone key in the ancient city of Rosetta: after making his amazing discovery in 1799, French scholar Jean-François Champollion was able to decipher the mysteries of the hieroglyphs. Following the decline of Alexandria after the Ottoman invasion, Rosetta became the main port on Egypt’s northern coast
– the Ottoman architecture of the restored houses that characterise this part of the Nile delta is one of the area’s most charming features. You can also admire the magnificent palm grove that gives the port its nickname: city of a million palm-trees.
 West
Alexandria and itsglorious past Alexander the Great founded Alexandria in 331 BC. One of the last of the seven wonders of the Ancient world, the city’s famous lighthouse – the Pharos – was utterly destroyed by a violent earthquake in mediaeval times. Upon its foundations was built the elegant fort of Qait Bey, now
a regular attraction for sightseers as they pass the tiny island of Pharos. Visiting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, opened in 2003, is almost the same as experiencing the mythical atmosphere of the earlier Alexandrine library, largest in Antiquity. The modern library houses millions of works in elegant surroundings that hark back to
the city’s glorious Graeco-Roman era. Museums, palaces and mosques A series of earthquakes and a corresponding rise in sea levels mean that very little of ancient Alexandria has survived. Visiting the Graeco- Roman Museum is the best way to imagine Graeco-Roman civilisation as it flourished in the city’s heyday. During the summer months, you may prefer to take in a concert or a play in the luxuriant gardens that surround ancient Montazah Palace. A perfect example of Arabic art, the tall minaret and four domes of the Abu el-Abbas mosque give the building a positively imperial air. 
West of Alex…
The ancient coastal village of El Alamein is now a fast-developing tourist resort. Site of a famous Allied victory during the Second World War, there are plenty of historical details to be uncovered in the local military museum. Marsa Matruh also has many attractions to offer, with its expansive beaches of fine white sand, dark-blue waters and unusual rock formations. The more adventurous can take a trip to Siwa Oasis in the extreme west of Egypt, where two fascinating earthen fortresses await the bold explorer.

How to get there:

Seaport: Many cruise ships arrive to the Alexandria Harbour from European countries. Airport: Local and international flights arrive to Al Nozha Airport, located 7 km to the southeast. By Road: From Cairo (around 220 kms), visitors can arrive to Alexandria via the Super Jet buses, private taxi or rent a car. For enquiries and reservations for the Super Jet buses, Also, if you are coming via the Port Said Harbour, there is the international coastal road (Port Said/Alexandria) By train: From Cairo station, you can go down at either Misr Station or Sidi Gaber Station 

First Graduates of the Cornell University Hotel Manager Program in Egypt

In partnership with the Egyptian Tourism Federation and under the auspices of H.E. Minister of Tourism,
Zoheir Garranah, the first Cornell University Hotel Manager Program In-Country Series came to a successful
end following a certification ceremony held at the Steigenberger Golf Resort in El Gouna Egypt. H.E. Zoheir Garranah, Ahmed El Nahas, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation; and Tom Kline, Executive Director of Executive Education at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, awarded certificates to the pioneering batch of 22 management executives who successfully completed the essential portion of the specially tailored two-part certificate program for hotel managers in Egypt and the region.
The In-Country Series unfolds over the course of two weeks with specialized learning from expert Cornell University faculty in Financial Management, Planning for Profits: Hotel Operations Decision Making, Strategic Marketing for Hotels and Restaurants and Leading and Motivating in the Real World. All courses were taught by distinguished professors from Cornell University. Cornell University School of Hotel Administration Hotel Manager Program certificates were awarded to those who have completed the two-part series, and certificates of completion from the Ministry of Tourism and Egyptian Tourism Federation were distributed to everyone. At the graduation ceremony, Minister Garranah voiced his delight in witnessing the completion of the first Hotel Manager Program In-Country Series and meeting with each participant to hear fist hand about their experiences. Release issued by the Egyptian Tourism Federation

Parks and Gardens

Alexandria boasts three famous gardens that visitors should see: Montazah Park Gardens overlooks the Mediterranean and covers an area of 370 feddans of exotic trees, palms, and flowers. The gardens belonged to the Palace of King Farouk and are open to the public with a small fee. There is also a museum, several natural bays and beaches, as well as a complete tourist centre, a 5-star hotel, restaurants and a children’s park. This is located on the far western part of Alexandria next to Sheraton Montazah El Nozha Gardens includes several gardens such as Antoniades’ Gardens: Today it contains beautifully landscaped trees and flowers, fountains, tropical greenhouses, archeological remains, including a Gnostic tomb and a cistern , as well as several marble Greek statues and the Greek
Sir John Antoniadis’ palace which was built on the model of the Versaille Palace in Paris. It is located south of the Greek district, next to the Mahmudiya Canal. Also nearby is The Zoological
Garden, which comprises an artificial lake, a huge tower to view the garden from above and a museum for natural history. The Shallalat Gardens is known for its manicured shrubs and trees and its high and low levels and waterways. There are also traces of the Hellenistic walls in the gardens and the only Alexandrian cistern. Located: east of Horreya Street. 

Accommodation:

Le Metropole


In 1902 Hotel Metropole opened their doors for first time. The hotel is located close to the railway station and in the heart of Alexandria’s business and embassies district, directly overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This masterpiece by Italian & Greek architects makes it one of the best Heritage hotels in Egypt.


Windsor Palace Hotel


The Windsor, built in 1906, exudes the glory and graciousnessof a golden era as one of Alexandria’s “Heritage” hotels.Right on the waterfront, the hotel resides in the social and cultural hub of the city, with its street cafes, shopping boutiques and seaside promenades.


Sheraton Montazah
Breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and
Montazah Gardens, other than standard rooms, presidential
suits, there are eight hospitality suites equipped with a
kitchenette.


Several restaurants and outdoor pool.


Paradise Inn Ma’amoura Beach Featuring a beachfront location and comfortable accommodation.


Within walking distance to the Montazah Royal
gardens. Beach sports and outdoor and indoor swimming
pools. Address: Maamoura Beach, Alexandria West.


Sofitel Cecil Hotel
Conveniently located in the heart of the business district overlooking the bay and yacht club. Built in 1929, yet constantly in step with the times, it provides a perfect blend of modern amenities and old world charm.


Renaissance Hotel
New guest rooms with sea view, full business facilities, restaurants,
gym and wireless Internet.


Helnan Palestine Hotel
Overlooks the Montazah beach and gardens. Its bay issurrounded by the gardens, which were once the site of the late King Farouk’s summer place.

Accommodation

Four Season’s Hotel The Hotel has the largest standard rooms in the city, with views of the Mediterranean (Sea View) or city. Three restaurants, Lebanese Byblos, Italian Stefano’s and Kala open for breakfast and lunch. The hotel’s Spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments, sauna, steam room and whirlpool. The Beach: Opposite the hotel is a long stretched, sandy beach with lush green landscaping. It is easily accessed by an under- passage from the hotel. The Beach facilities include a kids club and open-air fitness area.

Shopping:

• Suq District, where you will find Alexandria’s only surviving wekala. This area was where the Jewish community lived, and today you may find all manner of products, from jewellery to medicinal plants (Suq El Magharba) to Bedouin clothing (Suq El Liba). • San Stefano Mall: Two floors of casual name brands, gift
shops, leatherwear and fast food restaurants. • Alexandria City Centre: Brand names including Debenhams, New Look and Miss Selfridge, the Spanish brand Zara and others. This mall is the newest in Alexandria and is located opposite the Alexandria International Park. • The exquisite Attarine antique district with its Frenchinspired and wrought iron furniture and the renowned Zan’et El-Sittat district, (which literally means ‘an area crowded with women’), provide just two of the city’s many opportunities to bargain for fabric, furniture and jewels and lots of real and reproduced antiques in an authentic setting.Location: El Mansheya.

Golf Activities:

The Sporting Club, located in the heart of the city, receives
non-members who would like to play golf. The entrance
fees are LE 20 on weekdays and LE 30 on Thursdays and
Fridays. The fee for playing golf all day is LE 150 + LE 50 for
the Caddy.

restaurent and bar

Abu Ashraf
Another casual restaurant where you will enjoy great seafood meals and also get to select your own fish. Being in the heart of Anfoushi, it also provides a flavorful scene of the daily routine of Alexandrians.
The Fish Market Casual dining overlooking the water. Lots of salads and fresh bread, choose your own fish. Specialty dish includes meru fish stuffed with herbs and spices and baked in the oven. 
Santa Lucia
Alexandria is also known for its great Greek and French food and one of the most famous and well recommended dining 
dining
places to try is Santa Lucia. The menu contains a few selected appetizers, main dishes and desserts, and a very hard menu to select from, as all the meals are deliciously prepared and presented. Beautiful décor and atmosphere with back drop music or live piano entertainment.
Stefano’s – Italian restaurant Stefano’s is the Four Seasons Hotel second fine dining restaurant,
serving a selection of authentic Southern Italiancuisine including antipasti and seafood specialties. The
open kitchen, chic décor and warm Italian hospitality create
an intimate ambience. 


Mohamed Ahmed Restaurant:
One of the famous places for a good bean or falafel sandwich is this restaurant. It also serves local meals that Alexandria is famous for, such as the special Alexandrian liver dish and the Shakshouka (scrambled eggs with tomatoes) 
Bars:
Al Fouad Bar, background music.


 San Giovanni King’s bar. Overlooks Stanley beach with breathtaking view of the sea. Classic and elegant
atmosphere. Cap d’Or (also known as Sheikh Ali) Specialises in calamari, shrim or fish. 


Spitfire Bar:


This is the most ‘authentic’ bar in Alexandria; no colourful cocktails, no piano music, no food! Like its sister bar, Sheikh Ali, the Spitfire is an Alexandrian institution and a venue guaranteed to offer many surprises as well as laughs. Its small red brick entrance could be completely overlooked, if it weren’t for the new bright blue and yellow neon sign. Company logos, air force and navy badges, foreign bank notes and flags give an indication on the number of nationalities that have drunk. Except for the beautiful tiled floor and a Tudor style painting hanging over door, the décor betrays the age of the Spitfire as the bar is over one hundred years old.


Bleu bar
Bleu is an intimate outdoor bar, open for lunch and dinner from April to October. The terrace setting is a delight in high summer, with expansive views over the Mediterranean, fresh sea breezes and a cascading water feature creating the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail. Bleu also serves snacks, tapas-style food until late.

Egyptair’s Hot Summer

For a business trip to or from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago or Washington, you can do this daily using Egypt Air’s new code share flight with United Airlines. The code share flights operate via New York and London. According to Sherif Galal, Egypt Air Chairman, the carrier is also expanding in Africa, opening new destinations.Early this month, Egypt Air started operating two direct flights weekly to Abuja in Nigeria and four flights weekly to Dar Es Salam in Tanzania. The increase in flights to Africa is a necessity to serve the increasing demand from Europe, Far East and Middle East. Egypt Air operates flights to another 14 routes in Africa. Effective 26 June until 24 October 2009, Egypt Air will operate a new flight o the Cairo/London Heathrow route. It is also expanding operations to Amman to be two flights daily instead of one. Source: Al Ahram Weekly 

Ghibli Raceway International Karting track prepare for hosting the second and the final third rounds of Middle East Karting Cup 2009

The second and third rounds of the Middle East Karting Cup 2009 on Ghibli Raceway International Karting track will be held in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt in July 2009. It is known that the (MEKC ‘09) is the only international karting championship in the Middle East, which comes approved by the International Federation of Motor Sport (FIA) and the International Federation of Karting (CIK), in addition to support from the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE) and the Egyptian Federation for Motor Sport (EFMS), as well as by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority.The first round of the championship, which was in Sharm El-Sheikh during the month of December last yearhad witnessed participation of 14 (Seniors) drivers, and 6 (Juniors) drivers, however, that the participation of the Palestinian Team for the first time had been one of the most pleasant surprises of the championship.The third rounds, for the first time globally, are organized as night races in Ghibli Raceway, as well as
organizing a charity race for a great group of Arab and Egyptian celebrities.

Where and what to eat:

If you go to Alexandria, you have to try a seafood meal. Alexandria’s restaurants are the best to offer you
all types fish, calamari, squid and shrimps right from the Mediterranean Sea onto your plate. Fried or grilled with a special batter, baked in their own secret recipes and accompanied by a large variety of salads and appetizers with freshly baked bread. Most of these restaurants have basic décor, wooden tables
and chairs, a plastic checkered tablecloth and very plain dinnerware….but this is all part of the atmosphere for these types of restaurants. Qadurah Montazaha This is a family restaurant suitable for large or small groups.
When you enter, you choose the fish or shellfish (shrimp, calamari) and specify how you want it cooked. They are also specialized in a delicious buttery tasting seafood soup.

The Underwater Museum Project:

Some of the world’s most exciting sunken treasures could soon be viewed to the public, after the Egyptian government confirmed plans to build a giant underwater museum. Since excavations in the eastern harbor of Alexandria began in 1994, divers have unearthed thousands of historical objects, including sphinxes, parts of the Pharos Lighthouse and remnants of Queen Cleopatra’s palace complex. Now plans are underway to open up this site via an immersed fiberglass tunnel, which would enable close viewing of the underwater monuments. The designs for the museum were drawn up by the French architect Jacques Rougerie, a veteran of water-based construction projects, and has been back by the UNESCO. The two and half year construction plan is supposed to start in early 2010. The project is estimated to cost US$140 million.

Alexandria Library (Bibliotheca Alexandrina):

The ancient city of Alexandria was at the beginning of the third century B.C., the birthplace of the great plan to build a library: the Bibliotheca Alexandria. A fire, which ravaged Alexandria, destroyed the library, this vast storehouse of learning. The Egyptian Government, in co-operation with UNESCO, decided to resurrect the old dream to endow this part of the world with an important focal point for culture, education and science. The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a highly contemporary glass and steel structure opened in
2002, and includes three museums, five specialised research institutes and an art collection that includes Hellenic statues and centuries-old manuscripts. As part of the library, a new and very important antiquities museum has been created in order to highlight the history of Alexandria across the ages, specifically the cultural era, providing exhibits related to knowledge and the arts. It now contains rare artifacts from the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. These artifacts are displayed in chronological
order, representing the evolution of writing, the birth of scholarship and librarianship, and the ancient arts with
informative displays presenting mosaic, portraits, glassware, pottery, coins, textile and much more. It is located in section B1 of the library’s ground floor of the main building. The Bibliotheca hosts many live concerts, both modern and classic, as well as international shows, almost on a daily basis.

Museums

Greco-Roman Museum: The Neo-classical museum, founded in 1892, contains a vast rare collection of fascinating Greek and Roman relics and coins, and classical statues, ranging from the Third Century B.C. to the Seventh Century AD, including the “Tanagra” collection. Also, the musuem’s garden is full of spectacular statues and artifacts. Address: Horreya Street  The Crown Jewels Museum: The 4,185 square meter palace located in the area of Zizinia, exhibits the family jewels of Muhammad Aly that includes 235 rare pieces of diamonds. The architecturally beautiful palace was built in 1919 and belonged to a member of the royal family. The east wing contains a bronze statue of a boy carrying a painting of a natural landscape, while the west wing’s entrance bears stained The building displays a blend of architectural styles from
the Vienna State Opera and the Odeon Theatre in Paris. Today, it is enlisted into Heritage List of the country, after it was refurbished with state-of-the-art infrastructure, suitable to its fame. The Opera House is home to the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Alexandria Chamber Orchestra. It also hosts many local and international shows in ballet, opera and modern dance. glass engraved with historical stories and scenes from love stories such as Romeo and Juliet. There are also mural drawings of the celebrations of the palace’s owner. Cavafy Museum: Constantine Cavafy was one of the prominent Greek Poets of the 20th century who lived in Alexandria. After his death, his house was rented by a Greek, who turned it into a cheap motel. Moreover, all his furniture was sold by his heirs, except his library which was saved by Prof. George Savidis. Cavafy lovers negotiated with the owner of the house and bought it. They began to reconstruct the house and it was inaugurated as a museum and officially opened for the public on 16 November 1992, recapturing the atmosphere of the house after recovering some of his antique furniture. The museum contains a wide range of bibliographical material, translations of Cavafy’s poetry in 77 languages by 40 different scholars, and about 3,000 articles and works written about his poetry, The Alexandria National Museum: Located in a restored Italian style palace on Al-Horreya Street (former Rue Fouad), near the center of the city. It contains about 1,800 artifacts that narrate the story of Alexandria and Egypt. Most of these pieces came from other Egyptian museums. Visitors will see Pharaonic pieces, Graeco-Roman, including
archeological underwater excavations, Coptic, Islamic and Modern eras. Alexandria Aquarium: It was built in 1930 and exhibits many species from the Mediterranean and Red Seas, as well as some freshwater species from the Nile and the Amazon.

Religious Sites

The most famous and beautiful mosque in Alexandria is El Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque. It is located in the Anfoushi district near the Fort of Qaitbay, not too far from the Corniche. It was built in the 1940s. The Saint Marc College and Church is an excellent form of architecture. The Roman Catholic School was founded in 1928 by the Lassalian Brothers and inaugurated by King Fuad I. The College is located in Al Shatby district. The Jewish Synagogue Eliahu Hanabi that is still active, lies in Al Nabi Daniel Street, in the heart of downtown Alexandria. Not to be missed, is the Abu Mina Monastery which is around 50 km from Alexandria. To visit the Monastery, it is advisable to rent a car with driver or go with a travel agent. If you walk around Alexandria’s downtown, you will see all forms of denominations, Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Latin Catholic and Coptic Orthodox Churches. Each has its unique form of architecture that you will thoroughly enjoy viewing. Note: All religious sites are free of charge Parks and Gardens Alexandria boasts three famous gardens that visitors should see: Montazah Park Gardens overlooks the Mediterranean and covers an area of 370 feddans of exotic trees, palms, and flowers. The gardens belonged to the Palace of King Farouk and are open to the public with a small fee. There is also a museum, several natural bays and beaches, as well as a complete tourist centre, a 5-star hotel, restaurants and a children’s park. This is located on the far western part of Alexandria next to Sheraton Montazah El Nozha Gardens includes several gardens such as Antoniades’ Gardens: Today it contains beautifully landscaped trees and flowers, fountains, tropical greenhouses, archeological remains, including a Gnostic tomb and a cis cistern, as well as several marble Greek statues and the Greek Sir John Antoniadis’ palace which was built on the model of the Versaille Palace in Paris. It is located south of the Greek district, next to
the Mahmudiya Canal. Also nearby is The Zoological Garden, which comprises an artificial lake, a huge tower to view the garden from above and a museum for natural history. The Shallalat Gardens is known for its manicured shrubs and trees and its high and low levels and waterways. There are also traces of the Hellenistic walls in the gardens and the only Alexandrian cistern. Located: east of Horreya Street. 

What to See Ancient Sites

Although very little of the ancient city has survived and most sank under water due to the earthquake, yet there still stands some that tourists can visit: Pompey’s Pillar: Is the best known ancient monument still standing, located on Alexandria’s ancient acropolis. Alexandria’s Catacombs: Known as Kom Al Shoqqafa, are a short distance from the pillar and consists of a multi-level labyrinth, reached through a large spiral staircase with dozens of chambers adorned with sculpted pillars, statues and other syncretic Romano-Egyptian religious symbols, burial niches and a sacorphagi, as well as a large Roman-style banquet room, where meals were conducted by relatives of the deceased. The Fort of Qaitbay: A 15th century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean Coast, built upon and from the ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the seven wonders of the world). The fort also houses the Naval Museum. The Roman Amphitheatre and Baths: This is located in the area known as Kom Al Dikka, where there is a well-preserved theater from the ancient city and the remains of its Roman-era baths.

Downtown Alexandria by Raml Station, has another flavour,

with its streets and buildings, the hustle and bustle of the pedestrians and shops, the horse drawn carriages and the famous tramway, are all sites you will enjoy while sipping a cup of tea or coffee on one of the sidewalk cafes you will find all over Alexandria. Stroll inside the Cecil Hotel (now Sofitel) that dates back to the 1930s, and where Somerset Maugham and Winston Churchill stayed, and around the corner are the Metropole and Windsor Hotels, where you feel that you’ve gone back in time to another era. The Greek Quarters east of Al Horreya Street contain wonderful old villas including the massive Miclavez building, opposite the Town Hall and nearby the Adda Complex built in 1929. Further east is the Greek Orthodox patriarchate and the Church of St. Saba. Azarita district is another pleasurable walk viewing the Goethe Cultural Centre’s and Alexandria Atelier Arts Centre’s beautiful buildings. And best of all, know you are walking over centuries of ruins from the sunken Roman cities and the Royal Quarters that lay underneath today’s Alexandria.

Walk Alexandria:

The greatest enjoyment is to walk Alexandria. You see architecture from different eras, smell the sea, feel the salty breeze of the corniche, and browse through the Gomruk district, dating back from the 16th century, Anfushi and Ras El Tein, dating from the era of Mohamed Ali, also known as the Turkish districts, are in the Eastern part of Alexandria where the fort is located. See the fishermen and the little fishing boats dotting the banks, hear the tinkering of metal, see a ship being built and/or restored in the docking area of Anfushi, go to the fish market and see the wonderful display of fish, while fishmongers haggle prices. The fish market is a place you’ll want to visit for one intensive look at Alexandrian culture. Further south of Horreya Street, you will enjoy Al Attarin district, where there are a vast number of antique shops that you can spend hours rummaging
through old clocks and 18th century vases and ceiling lights, as well as reproduced furniture and small knick knacks.

Alexandria, the City

Alexandria is the second capital of Egypt. Its strategic location, moderate climate and fine sandy beaches which cover a large area from Agamy in the west to Abu Qeir in the east, makes it worthy of its earned title, “Pearl of the Mediterranean”. Alexandria has also been chosen as the capital of Arab tourism for 2010. This decision was taken during the Arab Conference for Tourism which took place in May 2009 and was based upon its historic and touristic facilities. Alexandria’s history is rich with conquests and different dynasties that have occupied it, as well as the different nationalities that have resided there. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, it was a center for Hellenism with an extraordinary mix of Greeks from many cities, also it was home to the largest Jewish community in the world, the Sassanid Persians, the Byzantine Empire, the Arabs, Napoleon’s expedition in 1798, Italian nationals who also came to live in this charming city, the British, and the Ottomans.
As you walk through Alexandria’s streets, you will feel this ancient charming