Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: Exploring Islamic Architecture and History
A Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria is a fascinating journey into the heart of Egypt’s Islamic heritage and architectural splendor. Known as Rashid in Arabic, Rosetta is a charming city on the Nile Delta that boasts a rich history and stunning examples of Islamic architecture. From its iconic mosques to its historic houses, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and architectural legacy of Islamic Egypt.
Abu Mandour Mosque
The Abu Mandour Mosque is one of Rosetta’s most beautiful Islamic landmarks. Known for its intricate brickwork and elegant minaret, the mosque is a fine example of Mamluk-era architecture.
Historical Insight: Built during the Mamluk period (13th–16th centuries), the mosque reflects the artistic and architectural achievements of Islamic Egypt.
Zaghloul Mosque
The Zaghloul Mosque is another architectural gem in Rosetta, featuring a stunning facade and a spacious prayer hall. Its design showcases the blend of Ottoman and Mamluk styles.
Historical Insight: Named after Saad Zaghloul, a prominent Egyptian nationalist leader, the mosque is a symbol of Egypt’s cultural and political history.
Rosetta’s Historic Houses
Explore the well-preserved Ottoman-era houses in Rosetta, such as the House of Amasyali and the House of Arab Keli. These homes feature ornate wooden mashrabiya screens, colorful tiles, and intricate carvings.
Historical Insight: These houses reflect the wealth and craftsmanship of Rosetta’s merchants during the Ottoman period (16th–19th centuries).
The Rosetta Stone Discovery Site
While the famous Rosetta Stone itself is now in the British Museum, you can visit the site where it was discovered in 1799. The stone was key to deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Historical Insight: The Rosetta Stone is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in history, bridging the gap between ancient and modern understanding of Egyptian civilization.
The Citadel of Qaitbay (Fort Julien)
Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, also known as Fort Julien, where the Rosetta Stone was found. The fortress was built by Sultan Qaitbay in the 15th century to protect the Nile Delta.
Historical Insight: The citadel is a testament to the strategic importance of Rosetta during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Islamic architecture and history of Rosetta, a city that played a significant role in Egypt’s cultural and political development. With its well-preserved mosques, historic houses, and archaeological sites, Rosetta is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
A day trip to Rosetta is a journey through Egypt’s Islamic heritage, offering a deeper understanding of its architectural and cultural legacy. From the elegant mosques to the historic houses, you’ll leave with a profound appreciation for the beauty and history of this charming city.
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. It lies at the western edge of the Nile River delta. Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great,[9] Alexandria grew rapidly and became a major centre of Hellenic civilization, eventually replacing Memphis, in present-day Greater Cairo, as Egypt’s capital. Called the “Bride of the Mediterranean” internationally,[10] Alexandria is a popular tourist destination and an important industrial centre due to its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez.
You will be collected from your hotel or cruise ship (at exit point of cruise) at around 08.00 am by our Ancient Egypt Tours expert English speaking Tour Guide and transferred in an air-conditioned modern vehicle (including bottled water) and driven about 1 hour by road from Alexandria to the City of Rosetta, now known as Rashid. On arrival, upon your arrival you will take a motorboat in the Nile where you will see the meeting point of the Nile and the Mediterranean and see the castle where Rosetta stone was found, It was discovered in 1799. you will be taken to the Rashid Museum which is one of the original unique styled red and black brick houses within the City’s small winding streets. A full tour of the Museum with your Guide to discover a replica of the Rosetta Stone inscribed in 3 languages, Ancient Pharaonic, Demotic, and Ancient Greek (the original currently on display in the British Museum). From here, we will take a walking tour around the small local streets and Souq to discover the local life and markets selling their fresh produce of breads, fruit and vegetables, fish and meats whilst heading to the preserved Ottoman Homes.
Moving on to discover a second House within the City’s streets and other old house frontages. The House of Amasyali is of a very ornate nature and considered one of the finer examples.
A further visit to the Mill of Abu Shaheen which will uncover a house for trade serving the household and the local community.
After your tour of the Houses, you will walk a short distance with your Guide to visit the local ‘Hanging Mosque’, a unique construction and is one of only a few Mosques in Egypt built on an upper level in order to have storage units underneath for shops and supplies.
Finally, you will take a short drive to the Citadel on the outskirts of the city. built around 1479 and lying next to the Nile River with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Known as Qaitbey, it was built as a defence mechanism to guard against attacks by invaders from the Mediterranean. Take some time to climb to the top of the Citadel along the fortified walls to see the lovely views of where the NIle meets the Mediterranean.
You will then leave the Citadel and head back towards Alexandria to your Cruise or Hotel in Alexandria.
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 100 $ |
| 2 -3 | 60 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 50 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 45 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 40 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
