Overview

Qaitbay Citadel Tour – Fortress, Harbour Views and Stanley Beach

The qaitbay citadel tour is the focused, half-day version of Alexandria’s most iconic shore excursion — the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, the Mediterranean harbour views from its ramparts, and a walk along Stanley Beach before returning to your ship. If your port schedule is tight, this is the Alexandria experience that gives you the most in the least time.

The Citadel of Qaitbay – What to Expect on This Tour

Sultan Qaitbay completed this Mamluk fortress in 1477, built directly on the foundations of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria — one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The site sits at the tip of a narrow peninsula at the mouth of the Eastern Harbour, giving you views across the open Mediterranean from the upper battlements.

Your licensed Egyptologist guide walks you through the outer defensive walls, the main tower, and the inner keep, explaining the fortress’s role in Alexandria’s medieval history and the significance of the lighthouse ruins beneath it. Original granite blocks from the ancient lighthouse are still visible in the lower courses of the citadel wall — recognisable by their larger dimensions and smoother, older surface. The qaitbay citadel tour allocates 90 minutes here, which is enough to explore the main sections thoroughly without rushing.

Stanley Beach – The Second Stop

After the citadel, your driver takes you to Stanley Beach, Alexandria’s most photographed stretch of coastline. The beach is known for the Stanley Bridge, a low pedestrian bridge over the water with curved arches that reflect in the sea below, and for the long sandy beach backed by the old corniche villas.

This stop is primarily a walking and photography visit — a chance to see a different side of Alexandria beyond the ancient monuments. The beach itself and the bridge views are the draw. Plan 30 to 45 minutes here before heading back to the port.

For Cruise Passengers: Getting to the Citadel

This qaitbay citadel tour is designed specifically around cruise ship schedules at Alexandria port. Please note that our company does not have direct access inside the port. After disembarking, it takes approximately 15–20 minutes to walk to the port exit. Your guide will be waiting at the meeting point outside the terminal, holding a sign with your booking name.

Full meeting point details, gate information, and logistics are confirmed in your booking voucher 48 hours before arrival. Your guide will confirm your ship’s departure time at pickup and plan the return to give you a 90-minute buffer before all-aboard. For general Alexandria travel information, visit the Egyptian Tourism Authority.

Best Time for the Qaitbay Citadel Tour

Morning departures are best — the citadel faces east and the lighthouse-foundation stonework photographs well in morning light. April through October covers the main cruise season. Summer visits (June–August) benefit from the coastal breeze at both sites, which keeps the heat manageable compared to inland Cairo. The qaitbay citadel tour runs year-round; there is no off-season for the fortress itself.

Tour Highlights

• Citadel of Qaitbay — original 1477 Mamluk fortress on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria
• Original lighthouse granite blocks visible in the citadel’s lower walls
• Mediterranean harbour views from the upper ramparts
• Stanley Beach and Stanley Bridge — Alexandria’s most photographed coastal landmark
• Private licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
• Air-conditioned private vehicle with local driver
• All entrance fees included
• 90-minute ship-return buffer guaranteed

What Is and Is Not Included

Included in the qaitbay citadel tour: private licensed guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, Citadel of Qaitbay entrance fee, bottled water, all taxes and service charges.

Not included: personal purchases, gratuities (paid voluntarily by clients directly to the guide and driver), meals and drinks beyond water, photography fees inside the citadel if applicable.

Why This Tour Works for Cruise Passengers

Our expert team at Elias Tours Egypt delivers exceptional private tours. The qaitbay citadel tour is designed for passengers who want the essential Alexandria experience in a half-day — one major historical site, one coastal landmark, and a comfortable return window before the ship departs.

For a longer Alexandria day that also includes Montaza Palace Gardens and the full Corniche walk, see our extended Qaitbay Alexandria tour. For more options, browse our Egypt Activities, the Alexandria culture guide, or our full Egypt tour packages. You can also contact us to customise the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does my guide meet me at Alexandria port?
Your guide waits at the port exit — outside the terminal — holding a sign with your booking name. After disembarking, allow approximately 15–20 minutes to walk to the exit. Full details are in your voucher, confirmed 48 hours before arrival.

How long is the qaitbay citadel tour in total?
Approximately 4–5 hours from port exit to port return. Citadel: 90 minutes. Stanley Beach: 30–45 minutes. Transfer time between sites and to/from port: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Is the Citadel of Qaitbay the same as the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
The lighthouse no longer exists — it collapsed in earthquakes during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Citadel was built on its foundations in 1477, and original blocks from the lighthouse are still visible in the lower walls. Your guide explains this history on-site.

Is the tour guaranteed to return before the ship departs?
Yes. Your guide builds a 90-minute buffer before your all-aboard time into the schedule. If the ship departs at 17:00, you will be back at the port terminal by 15:30.

What is the difference between this and the longer Qaitbay Alexandria tour?
This qaitbay citadel tour covers the fortress and Stanley Beach — approximately 4–5 hours. The longer tour adds the Eastern Harbour Corniche walk and Montaza Palace Gardens for a full 7–8 hour day. Both are private and include a licensed guide.

Is this tour suitable for passengers with limited mobility?
The citadel involves stairs and uneven stone surfaces — sturdy footwear is recommended. Stanley Beach is flat and accessible. Your guide adjusts the pace to your group.