Egypt’s window onto the Mediterranean, Alexandria boasts both a beautiful coastal location and a history that other cities can only dream of.

It was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, and his legacy, at least in part, remains intact. The city’s stunning catacombs and temples, many of which sit in huge, imposing squares, make this a dramatic and exciting place to explore – and even if you rest a while on the beach, historic ruins aren’t far away. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, once one of the wonders of the world, lies hidden by the waves out to sea.