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Alexander the Great in Egypt

THE GREAT ALEXANDER (352 - 323 B.C)

THE GREAT ALEXANDER

Alexander the Great altered the course of history even though he ruled ancient Macedonia for less than 13 years. He established a massive empire that spanned from Greece to a portion of India and from Macedonia to Egypt, making him one of history's greatest military leaders.

Egypt was subdued by him in 332 B.C. Alexander succeeded to the throne of Macedon, a tiny Greek kingdom, following the demise of his father Philip II. He unified the Greek nations within a few years, and he and his army of loyal soldiers also took control of most of western Asia and the Levant. The Egyptians praised Alexander as a liberator after he and his troops invaded Egypt and drove out the despised Persians who had been occupying the country. Alexander presented sacrifices to the Egyptian gods in the temples at MEMPHIS, KARNAK, and LUXOR as well as the Siwa Oasis, always respectful of local traditions. In order to be recognised as the progenitor of Amun, the principal god of the Egyptians, he constructed the temple of the Oracle in a lovely oasis in the Western desert.

According to legend, when Alexander and his troops were lost during the arduous march across the western desert, a flock of crows emerged in the sky and guided them safely to the oasis.

Alexander just had one inquiry for the Oracle of AMUN-RE (also known as ZEUS-AMUN by the Greeks): "Who is my father?" When the Oracle responded "Amun" Alexander knew he would reign. Alexander, like all previous Egyptian monarchs, was proclaimed king of Egypt and acknowledged as the son of Amun and a divinity on Earth with the support of the Oracle. The religion and culture of Egypt were appreciated by Alexander the Great. He made a donation to the Egyptian temples as a sign of respect for the Egyptian gods.

Capital city of Alexander, Alexandria

Capital city of Alexander

On the location of a tiny fishing community called Rhakotis (Raqote) on the Egyptian Mediterranean coast, Alexander constructed his capital city, Alexandria, in 331 B.C Based on the Greek city style, Alexandria had a grid layout that was exposed to the cool Mediterranean winds. After Alexander's passing, the city was finished, and it expanded to become a prosperous international port with a population of more than 500,000. The Pharos Lighthouse, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by a Greek librarian, was the most well-known structure in ancient Alexandria. There isn't much of the old construction left anymore. The library of ancient Alexandria, which housed a magnificent collection of papyrus scrolls, was another well-known monument. When Julius Caesar invaded Egypt to resolve a dispute between CLEOPATRA VII and her brother Ptolemy XIII, the library, according to legend, was set ablaze.

Alexander never visited his hometown because he was too busy advancing the Persian Empire. Alexander, who once dreamed of governing as a living god, passed away from a fever in Babylon in 323 B.C. When his generals asked him on his deathbed who should follow him, he replied simply, "The strongest," notwithstanding his aspirations. The generals eventually split Alexander's realm among themselves. The Ptolemaic dynasty was founded in Egypt thanks to General Ptolemy's decision. When Cleopatra VII committed suicide and the Roman Empire ruled Egypt, his dynasty came to an end.

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Egypt has many historical sites that you can visit and enjoy. Each tour is different and unique. If you go on a Nile cruise, you can visit Abu Simbel, Aswan, and Luxor in the South and enjoy the temples, tombs, and the treasures of the Nile. In the North, enjoy the Pyramids of Giza, The Egyptian Museum, Sakkara. Mosques, churches in Cairo, and many landmarks located in the city of Alexandria. On the East, Enjoy a beach tour for diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the Red sea. Every city has its charm, history, and flavor where you can do many tours and activities.

Your Egypt Tours is one of Egypt’s leading and most trusted travel agencies, known for its personalized service and expert care. As a top-rated company for Egypt tour packages, we ensure every Egypt trip is safe, seamless, and unforgettable,  offering competitive prices, excellent customer service, and the highest standards of quality. With us, you’re always in good hands.

The average cost of a one-week trip in Egypt is around 1600 USD, including visits to tombs, temples, and a Nile cruise. Prices vary depending on the Egypt tours and the level of luxury you choose.

It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Egypt, as it’s highly chlorinated and may cause stomach issues for travelers. During your Egypt tours, it’s best to drink bottled water and use tap water only for washing or brushing your teeth.
 

The best time to enjoy Egypt tours is from September to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and Nile cruises. Summer (May to September) can be very hot, but it’s also a good time for budget travelers.

Egypt is generally hot and sunny most of the year, with winter falling between November and January, and summer peaking from June to August. Winters are mild, while summers can get very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. The pleasant weather from September to March makes it the best time to enjoy Egypt tours and explore the country's top attractions comfortably.

Yes, Egypt is a very safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and strong security measures in all tourist areas. The government ensures that accommodations and attractions remain clean and well-monitored for travelers’ comfort. When you book Egypt tours, you’ll find professional guides and organized arrangements that make your trip worry-free and enjoyable.

Egypt offers adventures for every traveler. Explore the majestic Pyramids of Giza, sail along the Nile on a Luxury cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and discover ancient temples and tombs that tell the story of the Pharaohs. Dive or snorkel in the Red Sea at Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, or enjoy a relaxing beach escape. Book one of our Egypt tours to experience the perfect mix of history, culture in one unforgettable journey.

Yes, you can, summer is still a great time to explore Egypt! While temperatures can rise to around 45°C, seaside resorts like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam offer refreshing escapes with diving and snorkeling opportunities. Sightseeing in the early morning or evening helps you avoid the midday heat. Summer also brings great deals on hotels and services, making it ideal for travelers on a budget. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Egypt tours during summer can still be an enjoyable and memorable experience.

 

Egypt has a modest dress code, especially for women, since it’s a Muslim country. Light, comfortable clothing is fine, but avoid short shorts or skirts. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. During Egypt tours, you can dress casually and comfortably; formal wear is optional unless you want to make your Nile cruise dinner extra special.

You can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Cairo Airport, the process is simple for USA, UK, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens. The visa costs $25 USD and can be purchased at the visa office before immigration. You can also apply for an E-Visa through the official portal: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. During your Egypt tours, our team can assist you with all visa-related inquiries to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.

Your Egypt Tours travel agency recommends two weeks so that you can enjoy the temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, explore the sights of Cairo, and relax in the Red Sea islands and nature reserves.

The best Egypt Nile River cruise depends on your preferences, budget, and how many nights you wish to spend on board. For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend a 5-star luxury Nile cruise that offers exceptional comfort and service. If you prefer a more private and intimate journey, choose a Dahabiya Nile cruise, ideal for small groups of around 15 people. For adventurous travelers, the traditional Felucca boats provide a simple and authentic way to sail the Nile during your Egypt tours, though they offer fewer amenities.

The best time to visit Egypt is generally from October to April where it is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
 

Egypt travel usually have guided tours to archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks. Also have optional activities may include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, snorkeling in the Red Sea, or desert safaris.