” Ships dock in the Western Harbour of Alexandria.
” The rate of exchange is approx. 3.4 Egyptian Pounds to 1 USD
” US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere! It is best to carry small denominations with you. You may require local currency for admission to sights & local transportation.
” Banks will be open from 8:30 until 1:30pm
” Major Credit Cards are accepted in many larger stores and restaurants
” The official language is Arabic. Very little English is spoken within the country of Egypt.
” A majority of the merchants will stay open as long as business warrants; most merchants do not keep regular hours. Have patience, fortitude and do not lose your temper when bartering and your price you pay will be more in line with the local price than the tourist price.
” The vessel will be located in the Western Harbour and depending upon where we are within the Harbour; it will be approx. a mile to a mile and a half to the center of Alexandria. Do not be concerned about finding a taxi at the Port Gate, for they will find you. The cost of a taxi to the center of Alexandria is approx. $9.00 USD, per taxi. I do not recommend walking into Alexandria unless your patience is great, for the locals, who will be offering their services your entire walk into town, can verbally accost you. If you do use a taxi you will find that most taximeters are “broken”, please set the price before getting into the taxi. Licensed taxis will have orange license plates and a number on the drivers’ door.
” Be very wary of pickpockets and for women traveling alone, be wary of unwelcome advances, on buses or trains. Some trains in Egypt still have a special car just for women.
” There are telephones and vendors located just outside of the terminal building.
” You are required to take your Passport with you when going ashore in Egypt.
” The law requires Cafes, Restaurants and Public Buildings to have Restrooms, but there is no law requiring them to be stocked. Please pack accordingly!
” In almost all of the Museums and Historical Sites you will may be charged a fee for the use of cameras or video recorders. Flash photography is not permitted in most Museums or in any of the Mosques. There is a charge of $2.00USD to $5.00USD to take still photos at the Pyramids and the Museum. The charges for Video Cameras are a minimum of $8.00USD at the Pyramids and $30.00USD at the Museum. Photographs are prohibited in any Security Zone.
” Egypt is a Muslim Country and you will find that it is far more conservative than our Western Culture. Women, and Men, are highly recommended not to expose their shoulders or to wear shorts. Loose and flowing garments will not only be modest but also practical in these hotter climates. Hats are vital and so are sunglasses to protect your eyes and head against the sun and its glare.
” Remember flat comfortable shoes, for the ruins, the sand, nor the streets will be friendly to your feet. Remember to drink only bottled water.
” Camel Rides can sound quite inexpensive, but check to make sure the price quoted includes getting off of the camel, for the charge may be $5.00 to get onto the camel but $40.00 to get off.
SIGHTSEEING
I strongly recommend that you venture to Cairo and its surrounding history. The safest way to see the historical highlights is by an Organized Excursion. I recommend this due to the Excursions being escorted by the Egyptian Authorities, through the desert, security checkpoints and rural areas. This escort is for your convenience and safety. If you do travel independently, please make sure you feel safe with your guide and your transportation, for it is a three-hour ride to Cairo, and the costs can range up to $500.00USD for independent transport, guide, admissions & lunch.
ALEXANDRIA
THE SITE OF THE PHAROS LIGHTHOUSE: Open 9- 4. Admission is approx. $7USD
Located on the site is a Fort and Museum. The Fort was built in the 15th Century and is Medieval in style. The Fort is three stories high and houses the Alexandria Naval Heritage Museum.
THE ROMAN THEATRE: Open 9-4. Admission is approx. $4USD
Unearthed in 1964 by Egyptian and Polish Archeologists, this Ancient Roman Amphitheater contains 12 marble terraces and fascinating Mosaic flooring.
GRECO-ROMAN MUSEUM: Open 9-4. Admission is approx. $5USD
Founded in 1895 this Museum contains masterpieces of Ancient Fresco-Paintings and Hellenistic Sculptures.
THE CATACOMBS: Open 9-4. Admission is approx. $5USD
Located not far from Pompeii’s Pillar (which once housed Mark Anthony’s 200,000 volume gift to Cleopatra and it is open from 9:00am until 4:00pm.)
The Catacombs are not for those who can become claustrophobic. The walking is very steep and uneven the tombs reach a depth of 100ft. This site was carved from solid rock in the 2nd Century and covers three levels; the bottom layer is underwater. Please travel to this site at your own risk.
THE SYNAGOGUE:
Alexandria was once home to over 10,000 people of Jewish faith, Alexandria now has less than 100 people of the Jewish faith, living within the city. The uniqueness of the synagogue is that it is still able to thrive in an Islamic culture.
CAIRO
THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA:
These three ancient monuments still stand today as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pyramids date from the 4th Dynasty. The Great Pyramid was originally 430 foot high and it is constructed from 2.3 million stone blocks, weighing an average of 2 ½ tons each. Upon your first glimpse it will seem as if the Pyramids are located in the middle of the city. But when you arrive to site of the Pyramids themselves, you will feel that you have been transported to the middle of a desert and into another era.
THE SPHINX:
Located in the same area as the Pyramids is the mysterious Sphinx. Built facing the rising sun, this lion with the face of a man still baffles scientists today. Look for the Greek drinking song scratched onto one of its toes during a 18th Dynasty pilgrimage.
THE STEP PYRAMID OF ZOSER:
Dating from 300BC, these are the earliest Stone Step Pyramids in Egypt. The site encompasses 4 Pyramid sites and scientists from around the world are still excavating it today.
THE EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES MUSEUM:
This Museum is home to over 100,000 items and it would take days to take in all of the sites located within. The King Tut collections are on the upper floor. You will need to purchase a guidebook in order to assimilate all of the treasures stored within the Museum walls. Admission is approx. $7.00USD and the admission to the Mummy Room is approx. $40.00USD. Remember the Camera fees!
