Egypt Again – Four Seasons Alexandria

Sharing some exciting plans for my upcoming winter travels. This season, I’ll be embarking on a Journey through Morocco, yes again, my fifth Camel Caravan! Where I look forward to wandering, reconnecting with friends, and discovering new five-star hotels. Some of these gems are nestled in remote oases, while others are in pristine beach areas that are just beginning to gain attention—like the Hamptons of the North Coast near Tangier. Alongside these discoveries, I plan to take time for leisurely personal visits, simply roaming and feeding my soul through my favorite love language: wandering.

Following Morocco, I will embark on another extensive expedition in Egypt. Unlike my previous Journey that followed the Nile, this time I will navigate hundreds of miles to an ancient oasis via Alexandria. Egypt’s luxury travel effortlessly blends its rich ancient wonders with the comfort of five-star accommodations, creating a truly unique experience.

My Journey will begin in Cairo at the Four Seasons Cairo Nile Plaza, a hotel I hold dear. I cherish the memories of my dear friend and hotelier legend, John O’Sullivan, the “Irishman,” who opened this remarkable hotel many years ago. Staying there feels like coming home.

I mosey by car to Alexandria, nesting at the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at Stefano. Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria is a 5-star luxury beachfront hotel located on Alexandria’s Mediterranean coast, San Stefano.  It serves as a modern, upscale escape featuring rooms and suites and villas with private pools, and a Palace! Catering to travelers seeking high-end comfort and seaside relaxation. The property offers extensive amenities including seven restaurants, two bars, a private beach, outdoor tennis courts, and a full-service spa.  The hotel is situated approximately 10 minutes by car from Stanley Bridge and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which should be on every touring list!

Set between the Mediterranean Sea and the city, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria offers sea or skyline views from private balconies, alongside a private 1,640-foot sandy beach tucked into a secluded bay.

With Egyptian underpinnings and a sleek waterfront setting, the Four Seasons resort-style Hotel embodies modern Alexandria and its unique cosmopolitan flare. On one side, the Mediterranean Sea glistens in the sun; on the other, a dynamic metropolis buzzes with life. Wake to welcome views of either side from your room’s balcony, then head for a stroll along their private beach tucked along a bay in the middle of the city.  Enjoy Egypt from a whole new perspective! Alexandria is the third-largest city in Egypt after Cairo and Giza, the seventh-largest city in Africa, and a major economic centre. Called the “Bride of the Mediterranean” by locals, Alexandria is the largest city on the Mediterranean, the fourth-largest city in the Arab world, and the ninth-largest urban area in Africa.

Alexandria, the light of Egypt, is named after Alexander the Great, who founded the city in 331 BC (or 332 BC) and named it in his own honor.  It was the first known city to bear the name of its founder rather than that of a god or mythical hero. The name derives from the Greek Alexandros, meaning “defender of men” or “defender of mankind.” The second largest city and major economic center of Egypt.

Alexander established the city on the site of the fishing village Rhacotis to serve as a naval base, a hub for trade with Greece, and the capital of his Egyptian territory.  The city became a major center of Hellenistic culture and scholarship, famously housing the Library of Alexandria, which cemented its historical significance. 

For a truly Royal Four Seasons Visit- the Palace is perfect!   Tucked quietly along the tip of the Hotel’s peninsula – the shimmering Mediterranean on three sides – The Palace is a luxury seafront sanctuary with a design inspired by its soothing surroundings. Host exceptional parties or make memories with family members in the expansive indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, complete with a swimming pool, garden and sea-gazing lounge. A private, gated entrance and parking for two vehicles adds to the exclusivity of this opulent retreat.

Touring near the hotel, explore Bibliotheca Alexandria on a private guided tour. Built in 2002 as a modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, this world-renowned cultural landmark houses eight million books and one of the largest reading rooms in the world. During your three-hour visit, visit four museums, 15 permanent art galleries, a planetarium and a manuscript restoration laboratory while gaining deeper insight into Alexandria’s literary and intellectual legacy. I’ve been told there might be a special Cairo Tent Maker exhibition here in December, fingers crossed!

Alexandria Bibliotheca

Four Seasons Alexandria, following in the footsteps of the great!

Ancient Treasures Egypt. The Ultimate Pharaoh Lifestyle

The country is safe, open to travelers and is amid a hotel renaissance, and the new Egyptian Museum is scheduled for a fall opening.  An exclusive private tour of Egypt, which is perfect for anyone who wants to see the country’s most significant cultural artifacts and enjoy the most luxurious accommodations.

Egypt

Our clients are escorted throughout Egypt by one of the country’s top private guides including on the luxury Nile River cruise. Experience Cairo as an insider. Visit the most interesting cultural attractions in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, (fingers crossed the new Museum opens soon), and the Hanging Church.

Explore our favorite neighborhoods, which are filled with beautiful Mameluk, Ottoman, Fatimid, Islamic, Coptic and Art Deco architecture. With a look at the well-preserved medieval residences originally owned by wealthy merchants. Meander through fascinating markets such as the legendary Khan al-Khalili bazaar, this huge bazaar is in the center of Islamic Cairo.

Also visit smaller and lesser-known museums dedicated to Islamic art, applied arts and Egyptian culture.

Spend a day on a private excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO-listed burial complex that includes pyramids, tombs, temples, the Solar Boat and the Great Sphinx. Giza was built in the early 26th century BC during a period of around 27 years, the pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.

Visit the even older pyramids of Dahshur and Saqqara. If inclined, you might want to try the ancient transportation vehicle on the back of a camel by the Giza Pyramids, and perhaps see the interiors of the Great and Bent pyramids.

We can arrange VIP experiences including exclusive access to well-preserved tombs that are not open to the public and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Next, fly to Aswan, considered Egypt’s loveliest city, more idyllic than other Egyptian cities. Aswan is known for its beautiful Nile Valley scenery, significant archaeological sites, and its peaceful aura. It’s warm all year round, which makes it a perfect winter destination. The city provides splendid views and attractions to sail or motor through the Nile. The legendary Old Cataract Hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile River in Aswan. An oasis reminiscent of a legendary dream, five star luxury on the banks of the Nile. Made famous by Agatha Christie, the charm still abounds.

During private touring with your Egyptologist guide, learn about Nubian life, history, and crafts at the excellent Nubian Museum. We won’t miss the stunning Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. The Unfinished Obelisk is a more than 3,500-year-old monument from ancient Egypt that was abandoned when cracks formed in the granite.

Next fly to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two spectacular monumental temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and carved into sandstone cliffs.  This is generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramesses II, and one of the most beautiful in Egypt.

Next, enjoy a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo.

Modern Luxor which is also known as the world’s greatest open-air museum. It contains the ruins of the temples of Karnak and Luxor. The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, ancient burial grounds, lie nearby – these are where the ritual burials of the Pharaohs took place. To avoid feeling rushed in Luxor, you’ll need at least two days to explore its treasures. Before taking a Luxor day tour to delve into this age-old city, however, spend an hour or so in the Luxor Museum for a refresher course in Egyptian history.  Visit Luxor Temple and the Karnak complex, Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Ramses VI.

We can also arrange access to the spectacular tombs of Seti I and Queen Nefertari. Throughout the cruise, we can arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide.

Hotels – The Jewel in the Desert, Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor a 5-star luxury hotel built in 1886 by British explorers perched on the Nile River amid luxuriant tropical gardens and ancient temples. 

Depending on your travel dates, this cruise is also available in reverse, from Luxor to Aswan.

Egypt

Addicted to the charm and history of Egypt? Continue to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great and is today Egypt’s second-largest city, and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great. The Pearl of the Mediterranean has an ambiance more in keeping with its neighbors to the north than with those in the Middle East.

Explore the hidden charms of this fascinating city during touring with your private guide and driver. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina—a striking, state-of-the-art library and museum of antiquities—as well as ancient monuments, catacombs, and the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World.

Egypt has been a major tourist destination since the 19th century, and it is one of the hottest destinations for travel by Americans. There’s always going to be a big market for tourism given how much Egyptian history along with the eternal fascination with pyramids, temples, and tombs still intrigue us centuries later.

While Egypt has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, enjoying a classic felucca boat down the Nile, marveling at the Pyramids, exploring the spectacles of Luxor, one can now add on a dazzling visit to the renovated Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh.

Giza Pyramids, Egypt

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain