Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria is becoming increasingly popular as a day trip destination from Cairo. Alexandria's a two-three hour train ride away from Cairo and offers a nice respite from the heat and dust of Egypt's bustling capital. Not that Alexandria is an oasis of calm and quiet, it's a city of almost 4 million after all. But the sea breeze from the Atlantic and the remnants of its cosmopolitan history, certainly gives Alexandria a different flavor.

There's a few sights that are well worth the trip even for a day, but Alexandria's charm tends to grow on you after spending a little more time there. It's worth staying a couple of nights to give yourself a chance to explore more than just the few remaining key historical sights. Strolling down the Corniche and enjoying the fresh seafood at leisure, is what this city is all about. Find out what to see, where to stay, eat and much more from my Travel Guide to Alexandria.

_{Qaitbay Fort from the Water, Alexandria, Egypt -- Egypt National Tourist Authority - - © GARDEL Bertrand/Lemis.fr}