Alexandria Family Adventure: History, Beaches & Museums

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Alexandria

Family-Friendly Adventures in Alexandria!

Roman Amphitheatre

Family-Friendly view of Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria

Why Visit?

Welcome to a family adventure at the Roman Amphitheatre! Here’s your guide to making the most out of your visit.

Morning Arrival

Start your journey early to beat the crowds. If you"re based in a nearby city like Rome or Florence, consider taking a train for a comfortable and scenic ride. Once you arrive, local buses or taxis can take you directly to the amphitheater.

Explore the Roman Amphitheatre

Begin at the main entrance where tours are available. Opt for an audio guide tour that suits family needs, providing engaging stories and fascinating facts about gladiatorial games and ancient spectacles that once captivated audiences up to 50,000 people! Kids will love hearing about the exotic animals that were once part of the shows.

Interactive Family Workshop

Check the schedule for any family workshops on the day of your visit. These are great for kids, as they often include activities like making mosaics or learning about Roman armor and attire.

Lunch Break

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the adjacent park, or visit a nearby café where you can try local Roman cuisine. A quick gelato stop is always a hit with the kids!

Afternoon Stroll and Photo Ops

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the exterior for some great photo opportunities. The architecture and sheer scale of the Amphitheatre are breathtaking.

Visit the Museum

If time allows, visit the small museum located within the amphitheatre"s premises. It’s perfect for a deeper understanding of the artifacts and the daily life of Romans.

Departure

Wrap up your tour by late afternoon, heading back to the station for your return journey, filled with stories and memories from a day well spent exploring one of history"s architectural marvels.

This itinerary ensures a balance of educational content and fun, making your family trip both memorable and enriching!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Citadel of Qaitbay (Fort Qaitbey)

Family-Friendly view of Citadel of Qaitbay (Fort Qaitbey) in Alexandria

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Citadel of Qaitbay

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure by heading to the Citadel of Qaitbay, located at the eastern tip of Pharos Island in Alexandria. It’s easily accessible by taxi or a public bus which stops at the nearby Corniche station. Aim to arrive early to avoid the crowds and the heat.

Explore the Citadel

Built in 1477 by Sultan Qaitbay on the site of Alexandria’s ancient lighthouse, this fortress was constructed to defend against Ottoman invasions. As you traverse the stone corridors and climb the ramparts, share with your children the fascinating story of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, whose remnants were used in the citadel"s construction.

The citadel also offers panoramic views of Alexandria’s coast - a perfect backdrop for family photos. Children will love exploring the numerous hidden nooks and the old cannons lined up along the walls.

Lunch Break

By midday, enjoy a packed lunch at the picnic areas by the sea surrounding the citadel or head to one of the local seafood restaurants nearby, where you can enjoy fresh catches while overlooking the Mediterranean.

Visit the Naval Museum

Post lunch, step into the Naval Museum located within the citadel itself. The museum showcases maritime history with fascinating displays of ancient naval artifacts, models of ships, and sea-themed weapons which will captivate the curiosity of both kids and adults.

Late Afternoon Stroll and Departure

Wrap up your visit with a relaxing stroll along the scenic surrounding area of the fort, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and maybe enjoying some local ice cream. As the day winds down, catch a taxi or hop on the bus back to your accommodation with a camera full of memorable photos and minds enriched with history.

This itinerary not only enlightens with historical knowledge but also provides ample family bonding opportunities against the backdrop of one of Egypt’s iconic landmarks.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Montazah Palace Gardens

Family-Friendly view of Montazah Palace Gardens in Alexandria

Why Visit?

Welcome to the enchanting Montazah Palace Gardens in Alexandria, Egypt, a perfect family destination combining history, nature, and relaxation!

Start your day: Arrive early to beat the crowds. The gardens open at 8 AM, accessible by taxi or a short bus ride from central Alexandria. Parking is available if you"re driving.

Exploring Montazah Palace: Begin at the visually stunning Montazah Palace, built in 1892 by Khedive Abbas II. Though the palace itself is not open to the public, its architecture is a spectacular mix of Ottoman and Florentine styles, perfect for educational photos and understanding Egypt’s royal history.

Stroll through the Gardens: After marveling at the palace, take a leisurely stroll in the surrounding 150-acre gardens. Home to a rich variety of flowers, plants, and majestic trees, the gardens are a great place for kids to learn about botany and ecology in a hands-on way. Don"t miss the charming bridges and Victorian-style kiosks scattered throughout.

Beach Time: As the gardens are situated along the Mediterranean coast, take the family to one of the private beaches. It’s a great spot for a swim or just to relax by the sea. The beach also offers a beautiful view back towards the palace.

Lunch Break: Enjoy a picnic in the gardens or dine at one of the local restaurants inside the park. There’s something magical about enjoying a meal surrounded by lush greenery and sea breezes!

Visit the Royal Gardens Museum: If the kids still have energy, round off your visit at the small but captivating museum onsite which showcases Royal family memorabilia, giving a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle once led by Egyptian royals.

End of Day: Wind down your tour as the sun sets, offering a beautiful end to an engaging day filled with history, nature, and royal splendor.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

El Alamein War Cemetery and Museum

Family-Friendly view of El Alamein War Cemetery and Museum in Alexandria

Why Visit?

Embark on a profound historical journey with your family to the El Alamein War Cemetery and Museum, a poignant testament to World War II"s North African campaign.

Morning: Arrival at El Alamein

Start your day early by driving or taking a bus from Alexandria (about a 1-hour journey westward). Upon arrival, head first to the El Alamein War Museum. It"s a great educational start, where interactive displays and well-preserved relics depict the story of El Alamein, including the famous battles that took place here in 1942. The museum is divided into different national pavilions, each dedicated to the countries involved, offering a diverse perspective that’s both engaging and educational for children and adults alike.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant to experience some Egyptian cuisine. Options are limited in this small town, so packing a picnic might be a delightful alternative to enjoy at the nearby beach.

Afternoon: El Alamein War Cemetery

After lunch, take a short drive to the El Alamein War Cemetery. This beautifully maintained site is the final resting place for over 7,200 Commonwealth soldiers. The rows of gravestones, each inscribed with personal dedications, are a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. Spend some time walking through the cemetery; it’s a poignant experience and provides a chance to explain to children the importance of peace and remembrance.

Educational Wrap-up

Conclude your visit with a stroll around the cemetery"s visitor center. Utilize the educational materials available to discuss with your children the values of peace and the historical impact of the events that occurred here.

Departure

Reflect on your visit during your drive back or enjoy a serene sunset by the Mediterranean coast, rounding off a day of meaningful exploration and learning.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Alexandria National Museum

Family-Friendly view of Alexandria National Museum in Alexandria

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through Egypt"s rich history with a family trip to the Alexandria National Museum in the heart of Alexandria, a city imbued with history and culture. The museum, housed in a restored Italianate mansion built in 1926, provides a cozy yet fascinating glimpse into Egypt"s past with over 1,800 artifacts that narrate stories from the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras.

### Morning Arrival:

- Getting There: The museum is centrally located at 110 El Horreya Rd. in the Raml station area. It"s easily accessible by taxi or tram—both convenient options for families. If you"re driving, parking can be found nearby.

- Start Your Tour: Begin at the basement level where your little explorers can marvel at Pharaonic antiquities. Don’t miss the stunning statues and well-preserved mummies!

### Midday Exploration:

- Roman and Byzantine Exhibits: Proceed to the ground floor to discover the Roman and Byzantine items. Here, kids will be intrigued by colorful mosaics and ancient coins, bringing to life the tales of emperors and ancient daily activities.

- Lunch Break: Enjoy a family lunch at one of the local cafés around Saad Zaghloul Square, just a short walk from the museum, where you can taste traditional Egyptian dishes.

### Afternoon Adventure:

- Islamic Art: Head back to the museum for the first floor’s Islamic art collection. This section offers an insight into Egypt’s more recent artistic styles with beautiful textiles and manuscripts.

- Interactive Learning: The museum often hosts family-friendly activities and workshops, so check the schedule upon arrival. These hands-on experiences provide fun and educational insights into Egyptian culture and history.

### Wrap-Up:

- Gift Shop: Conclude your museum visit at the gift shop, where you can pick up educational books and souvenirs, perfect for remembering your Alexandria adventure.

### Interesting Fact:

Did you know that Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, and has since been a beacon of knowledge and culture, famously home to the ancient Library of Alexandria?

This family-friendly itinerary at the Alexandria National Museum will not only educate but also fascinate, making history come alive in an engaging way for both kids and adults!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.