Alexandria

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean",  has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern.  Its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country, although it is actually only 225km from Cairo.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse, that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the centre of learning in the ancient world. But over the years, ancient Alexandria declined and when Napoleon landed, he found a sparsely populated fishing village.

Alexandria is a city to explore at random; synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and a bohemian culture, it is as important to enjoy the atmosphere as it is to see the sights.