Fortress, Montazah Garden, Mosque & Alex Library

Highlights / General details

Fort Qaitbey was built in 1480 AD by the Marmeluke Sultan Qaitbey to protect the city against crusaders from the sea. Located at the far end of the Corniche on what was once the site of the famous ancient lighthouse of Alexandria, the fort overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and offers and excellent view of the sea and the city. It is an imposing structure that has stood the test of time and the constant battering from the sea for so long. It now houses a naval museum and there are plans to build an underwater museum to showcase the many archaeological discoveries made in recent times.

Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque Built in 1775 over the tomb of the saint Ahmed Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is a beautiful structure. The many major renovations it has undergone over the years have made it even more ornate. It now has walls covered with artificial stones, huge granite pillars, a 73 m tall minaret, beautiful carved wooden doors and windows, colored glass skylights and marble floors.

Alexandria Library – Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern library and research centre constructed in 2002 on the site of the famous ancient library of Alexandria. It has 8000 ancient manuscripts and rare books in its collection. Built with UNESCO cooperation, the beautiful library complex faces the sea and has a big conference centre and a planetarium. It is open on all days except Tuesdays.

Al-Montazah Palace: Built in 1892 as a summer residence for the king of Egypt, the Al-Montazah Palace is beautiful and is surrounded by wonderful gardens. Located along the coastline, the palace is built in Moorish style architecture, has a beautiful tower and a small bridge that leads to the sea. Now used by the president of Egypt, the palace itself is off-limits to the public but the gardens are available for public use. One of the few green spaces in Alexandria, the palace gardens are beautifully maintained, has lots of exotic flowers, palms and other plants, and a gazebo right in the centre. It is a great picnic spot and offers a great view of the sea.

Inclusion

Pick up service from your hotel in Alexandria and return; Entrance fees to the mentioned historical places; Qualified Egyptologist Guide; All transfers by a modern air conditioned vehicle; All service charges & taxes.

Exclusion

Any extras not mentioned in the program; Gratuities (optional).

Hours of operation

Available: Daily; Pickup time: 9:00am.

Duration

Approximately 6 hours.

Location

Tour begins & ends at client's hotel.

Policies

Please be ready 15 minutes before the tour time.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**