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Cairo Top Tours' tour operators will customize your tours according to your budget and interests. You shouldn't worry about anything with us because we will take care of all the details of your vacation. That is why we provide a variety of travel alternatives that are affordable while providing an amazing vacation experience. We will work directly with you to ensure that you stay within your budget while enjoying the wonderful experiences. Please contact us immediately to learn more about our budget-friendly travel choices!
Egypt is considered one of the safest countries not only in the Arab world but in the world because Egypt has one of the strongest security services. The Egyptian government is interested in taking all the necessary safety measures to secure tourist trips in Egypt, so you do not have to worry about that at all.
Yes, the Grand Egyptian Museum is officially open for visitors. Come and explore the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic treasures, from the majestic statues to the dazzling artifacts of ancient Egypt. Your unforgettable journey into history starts here.
In the case of cancellation of the trip by the customer, based on the start dates of the trip, the following costs will be charged:
15% of the total cost of the trip, with cancellation from the booking date up to 61 days before the start date of the trip
25% of the total cost of the trip, with cancellation from 60 to 31 days before the start date of the trip
35% of the total cost of the trip, with cancellation 30 to 15 days before the start date of the trip
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The citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria is considered one of the most important defensive fortresses, not only in Egypt but also along the Mediterranean coast. It was an important part of the fortifications of Alexandria in the 15th century AD.
The Citadel of Qaitbay
In Alexandria, Egypt, on the Mediterranean shore, stands the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, also known as the Fort of Qaitbay. Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay, the Sultan, constructed it between 1477 and 1479 AD (882–884 AH). East of the northern extremity of Pharos Island, at the opening of Eastern Harbour, is where you'll find the Citadel.
One of the most significant defensive strongholds along the Mediterranean Sea coast, as well as in Egypt, is the Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria. In the fifteenth century AD, it developed a significant portion of Alexandria's defense system.
On the easternmost point of Pharos Island, the Citadel is located near the eastern harbor's entrance. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, stood where it was erected. After the Arab conquest of Egypt, the lighthouse underwent numerous structural alterations, yet it was operational for many centuries. Around 880 AD, during the reign of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, restoration got underway. An earthquake that struck in the eleventh century damaged the octagonal portion. The top was turned into a tiny mosque, and the bottom, which was only fit for a watchtower, perished. In 1303 and 1323, there were two extremely catastrophic earthquakes that completely destroyed the lighthouse.
The location was fortified in the year 1480 AD by the Circassian Mameluke Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay as part of his coastal defensive structures against the Turks, who were then posing a threat to Egypt. He constructed the stronghold and enclosed it with a mosque. The Citadel remained operational over the most of the Mameluke, Ottoman, and Modern periods; however, it was kept out of the public eye following the British bombardment of Alexandria in 1882. It was ignored until the 20th century, when the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities made multiple restorations.
Al-Ashraf Abou Anasr Saif El-Din Qaitbay El-Jerkasy Al-Zahiry (1468–1496 AD), a Circassian Sultan, founded the Citadel of Qaitbay. He was born approximately in 1423 AD (826 AH). He was a young Mamluke man, not quite twenty years old, who had traveled to Egypt. Purchased by Al-Ashraf Bersbay, he lived with his attendants until the latter's passing. Subsequently, Qaitbay was purchased by Sultan Jaqmaq, who later released him. After then, Qaitbay held a number of positions. He rose to the rank of Assistant Chief of Staff (Atabec Al-Askar) while the Sultan Timurbugha was in power. On Monday, 26th Ragab, 872 AH (1468 AD), Qaitbay was crowned as a Sultan and given the title Almalek Al-Ashraf upon the dethronement of the Sultan.
The Citadel was given particular attention by Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri. He made multiple trips there, bolstering the garrison's numbers and equipping it with a variety of armaments. It featured a sizable prison designed for the princes and statesmen that the Sultan, for whatever reason, excluded from his favor. Qansuh Al-Ghouri journeyed to Alexandria alongside several other princes during the events of the year 960 H.
