With plenty to see and do, Alexandria holidays will delight those who are keen to learn more about Egypt's fascinating history. Immerse yourself in this city's glorious past and back to the days of Cleopatra. This is a city of myth and legend and of poets and heroes; it's vibrant and modern with a relaxed Mediterranean ambience.
When Alexander the Great arrived in his newly-conquered territory of Egypt at the tender age of 25, he alighted upon the small fishing village of Rhakotis as the place to found his new capital. Once he had given orders for it to be built, however, he left and never lived to see his grand city, Alexandria, completed. It is believed that he was buried here in 325 BC, but his resting place has never been found.
It was under Alexandria's next rulers, the Ptolemies, that the city really flourished, becoming, after Athens and Rome, the most important city in the ancient world. It was the Ptolemies too who built the lighthouse on the Island of Pharos which was to become one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the famous Great Library.
In 51 BC, it was in Alexandria that a beautiful 17 year old girl was crowned Queen Cleopatra VII and set out to save her people by wooing Rome, firstly in the person of Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony. It was with her infamous death here that Egypt passed into the Roman Empire.
Sadly, little remains of this period today, except that which has stayed buried under the earth - namely the stunning Catacombs of Kom as-Shuqafah. They are fascinating for their mishmash of ancient Egyptian and Roman styles, merging symbolism and gods, blending cultures and religions.
It wasn't until the 19th century under the rule of Muhammad Ali, that Alexandria underwent something of a renaissance. It became the centre of the burgeoning cotton trade which drew in a stream of foreign inhabitants from Greece, Italy, France and Britain. The city became distinctly European in feel and by the early 20th century, was attracting writers, artists and bohemian types. Foremost amongst these was the local poet Constantine Cavafy, followed closely by E.M. Forster and Lawrence Durrell.
During the 2nd World War, Alexandria became a hive of activity as the two sides fought for control of North Africa. The site of the famous battle of El Alamein lies some 65 miles west of Alexandria. These days Alexandria is reclaiming its reputation as a literary, intellectual and cultural capital with the opening of the stunning modern library and cultural centre, the Bibliotecha Alexandrina.
During the summer months, the inhabitants of Cairo flock here filling every inch of beach, and packing out hotels - if you want to visit steer well clear of this period. Our holidays to Alexandria operate all year round, however, it is a particularly popular destination during the winter months.