Alexandria Holidays

Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt with a population of nearly 5 million, Alexandria is also rightly known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean" and has a distinctive Mediterranean ambience and atmosphere. It’s only 225 kilometers from Cairo, but it feels different to the rest of Egypt.  More southern European in flavor and style down to its broad Corniche dotted with Casinos and rows of beach huts, moreover, Alexandria in Egypt hotels that are state-of-the-art & line up the Corniche; giving this authentic city a more glamorous feel. Nowadays, the glorious past of the city of Alexandria is hard to spot, however, a newly-opened library has re-established its reputation as the stronghold of wisdom.  Because of its pleasant climate, wonderful beaches and excellent hotels in Alexandria, up to two million Egyptians choose to spend their summer in this city which stretches 20 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea in a narrow strip just a few kilometers wide.

Alexandria, Egypt was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt. It still holds a number of ancient Greek and Roman sites including Pompeii's Pillar built amidst the ruins of the Serapuim in 297 A.D. to honor the Emperor Diocletian.  The city of Alexandria in Egypt has a status as a beacon of culture and an essential port was cemented by the construction of the Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was the setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony and was famed throughout the region as a centre of learning.

Alexandria still has the most important harbor in Egypt and is the focus for Egypt's commercial life, making the city even more synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and a bohemian culture. Alexandria is a city to explore at random. It's as important to drink in the atmosphere as it is to see the sights.  Alexandria was declared the “Arab Tourism Capital 2010” by the League of Arab States and this accolade merely confirms its reputation as one of the most cosmopolitan and lively destinations in the world.
 

Alexandria Hotels

The Iberotel Borg El Arab is just 52 kilometres west of Alexandria and a short 20 minute drive from the new Borg El Arab International Airport. The latest addition to the Iberotel portfolio of luxury five-star hotels, it offers breathtaking views, the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean and a superb stretch of beach making it ideal for a relaxing beach front holiday.  For guests who want culture and history as well as sun, sea and sand, the Iberotel Borg El Arab makes a great base for visiting Alexandria itself or visiting the battle grounds of El Alamein only one hour’s drive to the west.

The Iberotel Borg El Arab provides a complete range of facilities, amenities and services that include lavish cuisine and a variety of sports and recreational activities as well as a choice of restaurants and bars with a choice of buffet or a la carte dining. The warm, clear waters of Mediterranean will appeal to those who prefer diving and snorkelling enthusiasts while sun worshippers on the sandy beach can relax or indulge in beach volleyball. If that sounds too much like hard work, guests can pamper themselves in the Spa and Health Club or enjoy live shows with dancing and cabaret in the amphitheatre. Families are well catered for too, with a Kids Club for children aged 4 to 12 and a dedicated multi-lingual animation team.

Scuba Diving into History In Alexandria

Alexandria is best known for its beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan vibe and metropolitan nightlife. It also offers one of the most interesting diving experiences in the world. Unlike the dive centres of Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera like Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab and Hurghada, Alexandria does not have beautiful coral reefs or colourful marine life. Diving in Alexandria is a dive into history.
Numerous wrecks as well as whole cities and palaces lie beneath the Alexandrian Mediterranean and although some of the more important statues and artefacts have been retrieved ashore, some 7,000 monuments from the Pharaonic and Roman dynasties are preserved underwater.  Alexandria offers the underwater archaeologist sphinxes, columns, wine presses, parts of the ancient Pharos light house, royal amphorae, wrecks of ships and cities dating back to 300 BC. Most of the underwater monuments are located in Abu Keer Gulf where whole cities still exist.  The most notable underwater archaeological sites include:

• Aminotheese City: a whole city dedicated to the goddess Isis with temples, houses, statues and enormous number of handmade craft objects.
• Heraliqueon City (The Sins City): a Pilgrims City where people came to worship the goddess Isis.
• leopatra's City: dating back to 300 BC, it was built by Alexander the Great and is a complete city with palaces, monuments and even shipwrecks.
• Cleopatra’s Palace: located inside the Western Port of Alexandria with Cleopatra's royal districts, a statue of Mark Anthony, the debris of Cleopatra's sun boat and the wreckage of World War II planes.
• Quaitabay Fort: three excellent dive sites that include the wreckage of two boats used to carry goods to Alexandria during Cleopatra's era and the remains of a Roman shipwreck.

Shopping and Leisure in Alexandria

Like many cities in Egypt, Alexandria has discovered the wonders of modern air-conditioned shopping malls and there are a number located all around the city. As well as being home to a good selection of shops, Alexandria's numerous shopping malls are also known for their cafes, entertainment, coffee houses (ahwas) and as the place to socialise and meet up with friends.  A more traditional souk can be found on the western side of the Midan Tahrir, which can be a typically Egyptian memorable shopping experience. Most prices are quite negotiable with a little friendly haggling. The Anfoushi Quarter, situated between the fort and the palace, was once particularly notorious (as is any sea port) for its brothels, but visitors strolling through the narrow streets today can find pleasant cafes and excellent fish restaurants.    Alexandria’s cafes are a trademark of this Mediterranean city. Places where you can kill time by watching the sea and the world pass by or indulge in the delights of tea and cream cakes in the patisseries on Saad Zaghloul Square.  Stroll along to the Ras al-Tin Palace, the fortress where Farouk signed his abdication papers bringing the Egyptian monarchy to an end or watch craftsmen in small boatyards building luxury wooden boats for rich Gulf emirs using hand tools that have not changed for centuries