Macedonian Emperor, Alexander the Great, came to Egypt after conquering Greece and selected, Alexandria, a small fishing village on the Mediterranean coast to establish his new capital, Alexandria.

Today, Alexandria is Egypt's second biggest city and major Sea Port, blending Roman, Coptic, and Greek sightseeing areas. Alex is well known for its beautiful beaches and sea views.

"The best way of seeing Alexandria is to wander aimlessly." Edward M. Forster.

Montazah Palace and Gardens:

Explore the gardens and beach that made Montazah a city of pleasures. Now a state guesthouse, the Montazah palace, is a celebration of Turkish and Florentine eras. The Shallalat (waterfall) Gardens with rock gardens and a pond, Nouzha Gardens, near Alexandria Zoo, and Antoniadis Gardens, all provide natural pleasures for a restful afternoon.

The Roman Theatre:

A well-preserved ancient theatre that took nearly 30 years to fully excavate. 800 marble seats, galleries and sections of mosaic flooring make any show here more memorable.

The Anfushi Tombs:

Dated at 250 BC, these limestone tombs were specially painted to simulate alabaster and marble. Decorations of Egyptian gods also depict daily life.

Fort Qaitbey:

This landmark is a Giant lighthouse off the northern tip of the Eastern Harbor. Originally the site of Pharos, this ancient lighthouse has been a light in the dark for sailors and a vantage point of the Mediterranean since 279 BC. A navel museum and mosque are contained within.

The Catacombs of Kom es-Shoqafa:

A labyrinth of tombs is stacked on three levels. 2nd century AD statues of Sobek and Anubis wearing Roman armors are inside.

The Greco-Roman Museum:

Covering a period from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD, this collection retraces the numerous influences that spurned local spiritual evolution known in Alexandria as the cult Serapis, a Greco-Roman and Pharaonic religious fusion.

The Royal Jewelry Museum:

Minor Museum in Glym, containing the personal collection of Muhammad Ali.

The Eastern Harbor:

Enjoy the sites and sounds of this ancient port as fishermen and boat builders make a living here as they once did. Serene palms and stately colonial mansions dot the landscape of the bay.

Beaches:

Beaches and tourist facilities line the Corniche of Alex. Stanley beach, Montazah Beach, Aggamy, and Ma'amoura are four fine beaches. Abu Qir, a small fishing town, provides a good spot for sunbathing, fishing, swimming and fresh seafood

Egypt's Red Sea coast runs form the Gulf of Suez to the Sudanese border. Its mineral rich red mountain ranges has inspired the mariners of antiquity to name the sea Mare Rostrum, or the Red Sea.

Hermits, seeking seclusion founded early Christian monasteries here, sharing the wilderness with camel trading Bedouin tribes. Today, the crags and limestone wadis of the Eastern Desert remain relatively unexplored, home to herds of ibex and gazelle. But the Red Sea itself, dotted with coral reefs, fringed by ancient ports, teeming with underwater life, has a rich maritime history which stretches back to Pharaonic times.

Today, the ancient ports are better known as some of the best diving and fishing resorts the world. Sunbathers relax on white sand beaches, or find shade in the mangrove lagoons that line the coast.

The underwater wonder of the Red Sea remains a living tapestry of vibrant corals and exotic fish, waiting for you to discover its secrets.

Egypt's Red Sea Governorate Consists of Several cities that share the same fantasy and magnificence.

Hurghada:

Founded in the early 20th century, Hurghada remained a small fishing village until a few years ago. Today, Hurghada is quickly becoming the #1 tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here, windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but above all snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottomed boats.

Hurghada has featured on international diving itineraries since the 1950s, and is today more popular than ever, thanks to the accelerated pace of recent development. Flights from Europe, as well as Cairo and Luxor, land here on a daily basis. Hurghada is widely considered the capital of the Red Sea, and boasts all the facilities of a modern city without losing its timeless desert ambience. Commercial diving is well established in Hurghada. Some operators use this as a point of departure for sites lying further afield such as Abu Nuhas and Bluff Point. But it is the local sites, which really guarantee Hurghada's especial popularity.

Suez:

Suez has been a commercial port since the 7th century. The spice trade and pilgrimages to Mecca made it prosperous throughout the Middle Ages. It became a navel base in the 15th century and, in 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal ensured its development as a modern city. Today, Suez is one of Egypt's largest ports.

Ain Sukhna:

Ain Sukhna - Arabic for "hot spring" - was named after the nearby sulphur springs. One hour from Cairo it makes for a lovely day trip; this popular weekend resort has fine beaches, coves and coral reefs. It is also an ideal site for fishing and water sports.

Al-Quseir:

Al-Quseir has a long-standing history as one of the major Red Sea Ports; from here Queen Hatshepsut launched her expedition to the Land of Punt. The 16th century fortress of Sultan Selim, still standing in the center of town, shows Al-Quseir's former strategic importance. Today, it is a quiet resort with sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. It is also a suitable site for camping and water sports.

An ancient caravan trail to Qift in the Nile valley, leads from Al-Quseir through the mountains, passing several Pharanoic and Roman sites. A new road, directly to Luxor, has been opened.

Berenice:

An ancient city named by Ptolemy II, it became a trading port in 275 BC. A ruined Temple of Semiramis is located near the modern town; inland, there are the remains of the emerald mines of Wadi Sakait, which were worked from Pharaonic to Roman times. The coast is lined with mangrove swamps and unspoiled bays and cove. Offshore, visit the tectonic island of Zabargad a geological phenomenon that is also famous as the source of the semiprecious gem olivine, mined here form 1500 BC until the mid-20th century. From Peridot Hill there are breathtaking views of the surrounding blue lagoons, rich in marine life and home to many dolphins.

Mersa Alam:

A village with a small harbor and stone quay, Mersa Alam is the ideal base for a fishing holiday. There are some fine offshore coral reefs, and diving facilities are available. A nature reserve stretches from here to Gebel Elba in the south.

Safaga:

Safaga is a working port with several tourist villages specializing in diving holidays, a handful of hotels and some excellent fish restaurants. It is free of pollution and its highly saline water and black sand dunes have distinguished curative properties. The unspoiled beaches and stiff breezes make it an ideal venue for windsurfing. Day trips to Tobia Island or Mons Claudianus in the Red Sea Mountains can be arranged with local guides.