Alexandria is a huge attraction in the northern coast of Egypt and makes for some of Egypt's best tours.

Known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", Alexandria is the second largest city of ancient Egypt boasting an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern.

The city's  ambiance and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is actually about 200km from Cairo.

The city of Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and designed by architect Denokrates II in the shape of a chessboard. The modern day Alexandria is synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture.

'Gateway to Egypt' for the Europe and Mediterranean countries, Alexandria is a busy trade port and a centre of tourist activity.

Alexandria has a population of over 3 million people. The city boasts a good number of Egypt's major tourist attraction. These include ancient monuments, museums, as well as spectacular beaches.The most spectacular of all the beaches of Alexandria is the Abu Kir Suburb - also famous for fishing and specialty seafood restaurants.

Major monuments in Alexandria are Pompeii's Pillar, a granite pillar with a height of 25 m surrounded by the ruins of the Serapuim and Catacombs of Kom-al-Shoqafa, the largest Roman cemetery dating back to the 2nd century AD. The cemetery is built in three levels representing Pharaonic and Roman art. Alexandria, lined with many charming sandy beaches extending from the east to the west makes for some of the best Egypt tours.

Another great attraction in the city is the world famous Lighthouse of Alexandria. The Lighthouse was originally built in 280 BC to serve as that port's landmark. With a height estimated at between 115 and 135 metres it was among the tallest man made structures on earth for many centuries, and was identified as one of the 7 Wonders of the World by classical writers such as E.M Forster, the poet Cavafy and Lawrence Durrell.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria  was apparently a tourist attraction right from the very beginning. Food was sold to visitors at the observation platform at the top of the first level. A smaller balcony provided a view from the top of the eight-sided tower for those that wanted to make the additional climb. The view from there must have been impressive as it was probably 300 feet above the sea. There were few places in the ancient world where a person could ascend a man-made tower to get such a perspective.

Alexandria is reached by air, train and bus. Majority of international arrivals first land in Cairo, then use internal flight or travel by rail, bus or private transport to Alexandria. There are daily flights from Cairo and weekly flights from many Arab countries to Alexandria. EgyptAir, for instance, flies daily to Alexandria throughout the year and to Mersa Matrouh in the summer months. There are also regular buses that ply between Cairo and Alexandria.

There is a wide variety of accommodation in Alexandria and the north coast as well as other parts of Egypt ranging from 5-star luxury to budget lodging. You are advised to compare Egypt Hotels & Resorts before making your reservation to ensure you get the best deal in the city.