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Alexandria & the North coast in a glance |
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| Alexandria: |
The second largest city in Egypt after the capital Cairo. Known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean". Lies about 225 km. from Cairo, it taks about two and half hours to reach it from Cairo by car.
Weather & clothing:
Alexandria's weather is so unique and enjoyable to many people, it’s mild in winter tend to be cold and rainy in sometimes, so heavy clothes are recommended specially at night. Summer is sunny, and beaches are crowded with people there. Cotton wear is the best. Check Alexandria’s weather here! Other dress code recommendation, both men and women are expected to dress modestly when visiting churches or mosques. Women are also required to cover their hair before entering mosques.
Electronics:
The electric current voltage is 220 Volts, with European-style plugs. For TV broadcasting, Egypt uses MESECAM which is a derivative of the SECAM standard. Usually, VCRs sold in countries using MESECAM can also play tapes recorded in the PAL standard. All of these standards, however, are incompatible with the US standard (NTSC).
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| Health: |
| Pharmacies are scattered around the city, and many are open 24 hours a day. In addition, most of the hotels have a medical care and doctor available at the hotel 24/7 for any emergency case. |
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| Entry Procedures: |
| Tourists are required to obtain an entry visa from Egyptian diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Tourists may be granted a one-month visa on arrival at Egyptian airports or ports (not recommended - there is no guarantee). Certain Arab countries and visitors from Guinea and Malta may enter the country without a visa. |
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| Where to Stay in Alexandria: |
There are numerous hotels in Alexandria, ranging from 5 stars to one star, including those belonging to international chains as well as public sector hotels. |
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| Where to Eat in Alexandria: |
 Alexandria is famous with its seafood dishes. Many of the visitors to Alexandria love having seafood meals during their stay there. Seafood restaurants are famous with their incredible recipes and mouthwatering dishes. In addition to the seafood restaurants found at Alexandria, there are also international, fast food, Italian & traditional restaurants. If you are into trying different types of ethnic food, don't miss the Egyptian kitchen. There are elegant restaurants that offer delicious oriental selections such as Kofta (ground meatballs), Kebab (grilled meat), Mulukhia (green soup), Tahina (tahini) Salad, Hamam Mahshi (stuffed pigeon), Baba Ghannoug (tahini and eggplant), Mixed Green Salad, Stuffed Grape Leaves. Also, available fast food oriental restaurant that serves fast oriental food like; Foul and Falafel, Kushari (rice and lentils mix), and for dessert we recommend the real Egyptian rice pudding.
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| Transportation & car rental: |
Although a network of tramways and buses serves most areas in Alexandria, public transportation in is usually crowded and unreliable in Egypt. Though, taxis are recommended as the most reliable transportation means for visitors. Taxis in Alexandria are orange and black in color and can be stopped anywhere by waving to the driver.
On the other hand you can rent a car during your stay. Either add car renting in your reservation before arriving (recommended) or in some cases hotels may have a car rental desk at their lobby, where you can book a limousine whenever you need it. |
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| Credit Cards: |
| Credit cards like; American Express, Visa, and MasterCard, are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, gift shops, car rentals, and large stores. Cash is often required in some places, so make sure you carry enough money for these cases. It is safe to carry large amounts of cash as long as you are careful (beware of pocket picking in public places). |
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| Currency Exchange & ATM's: |
Currency exchange is available at nearly all banks and hotels. Private exchange agencies are located at several areas downtown and in the suburbs, and in major hotels. Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are becoming widely used in Egypt but are not as common as in other countries. Careful financial planning is necessary before your trip. You can either carry cash or rely on traveler checks. Traveler checks are accepted at touristic places and can be exchanged for cash at currency exchange dealerships. |
| The North Coast: |
Heading to the west of Alexandria with about 60km there lies the extended breathtaking beaches of the North Coast. The North Coast is Egypt's North Western gate, which stretches for about 525km along the Mediterranean, and east to Sallum on the Libyan boarder. An in-dependent agricultural land, which was believed to have a prosperous future. Many comprehensive planning studies have been conducted. Many luxurious tourist spots have been built along those marvelous white sand beaches. The North Coast area can be reached by cars or buses available from Alexandria or Cairo.
North Coast Tourist's Villages:
Distinguished tourist villages; including nice building units overlooking the beach, houses, and public services. In addition, there are more than 121 private locations under construction. This area is one of the rapidly growing areas in local tourism. Besides, it's getting to be one of the most important prospects for attracting international tourism, regarding its beautiful weather & magnificent nature. |
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| Famous spots to visit at the North coast: |
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Sidi Kreir
Located 34km west of Alexandria, it is a private beach (3 km long), with a tourist village and a cafeteria. King Mariut
About 35km west of Alexandria, it is easily reached by rail, bus, car or taxi. It has two hotels with for a comfortable accommodation.
Abu Mina
Lies 50 km to the west and dates back to the 4th century. St. Mina was buried there after he was killed during the reign of Diocletian in 226 A.D. It has a basilica church and two small chapels, as well as other historical buildings.
Borg al-Arab
About 52 km to the west, it comprises a temple, Abu Sir Lighthouse and a communal grave from Roman times.
Marina El Alamein
About 100Km from the city of Alexandria there lies, "Marina- Al Alamein" about 5000 acre, along the blue sea and white sand. Apart from the beach, it consists of housing and public service units. Summer activities and entertainment like; Golf, horse-riding and other sport facilities. "Marina- Al Alamein" is an exceptional case, as it's endowed with natural deep lakes, large forests, as well as rich Greek and Roman monuments.
El Alamein
El Alamein is most notable as the place where the Allied forces of WW II gained a decisive victory of the Axis forces. Today, the village is located about 66 miles east of Alexandria and is mostly a port facility for shipping oil. However, it was once described by Churchill as having the best climate in the world. There are several hotels and a beach resort nearby. There is also a war museum with collectibles from the Battle of El Alamein and other North African battles. The only historical interest in this village would be related to WW II, which includes an Italian and German military cemeteries on "Tell el-Eisa" found just outside of town.
Sidi Abdel Rahman
About 15 miles west of Al Alamein lies Sidi Abdel Rahman, with its beautiful sugar white beaches. This is one of those virgin beach areas you read about but rarely see. Bedouins inhabit a small village a little over a mile away. It's the right resort to enjoy your vacation.
That was only a sample of the tourists villages available at the North Coat but much more are still there. You'd pay a visit to that area, you'll love it. |
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| How to Reach Alexandria: |
You can reach the city of Alexandria via: |
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Foreign Consulates at Alexandria:
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