Citadel of Qaitbay

Our final stop on our day in Alexandria was at the Citadel of Qaitbay. This impressive fortification was built in 1480 by the Mamluk sultan Qaitbay on the site of the remains of the legendary Pharos lighthouse. He used stone and other materials from the fallen lighthouse in the construction.

The citadel has been extensively restored in recent times. Some would say it has been over-restored! First impressions as you approach the fort today is that it is a completely new construction. Nevertheless, it is impressive and definitely worth an hour or two of your time if you're in Alexandria.

After our visit, we drove into the city centre where we stopped for Ray to buy us all schwarma. We weren't really hungry but it was included in the price of our tour! He came back with large tubs of 'schwarma fata', a local speciality consisting of beef or chicken topped with creamy garlic sauce on a bed of fried rice and crispy fried bread. It was too much for me. Our driver didn't seem that impressed, either! 😂

We were back at the hotel by 5.30pm, in plenty of time for a final buffet dinner. Mark wasn't impressed because the price of a beer has increased by £2 a can overnight! It makes it £7 now!! Time to move on 😂Read more