Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt, is a city where history is woven directly into the fabric of everyday life. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, this legendary Mediterranean port once served as the intellectual capital of the ancient world. It was a dazzling melting pot of Greek, Egyptian, and Roman cultures, famed for architectural wonders like the Pharos Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and the Great Library, which aimed to house the entirety of human knowledge. Though the earthquakes and fires of antiquity claimed many of these structural marvels, their grand legacy still defines the city’s romantic, historical aura.

Today, that classical grandeur meets a vibrant, breezy Mediterranean lifestyle. Walking along the Corniche—the city’s sweeping waterfront promenade—you are treated to views of crashing waves on one side and a bustling mix of old-world cafes, grand architecture, and lively markets on the other. At the eastern end of the harbor sits the Citadel of Qaitbay, a striking 15th-century fortress built on the exact foundations and using the fallen stones of the ancient lighthouse. The air here carries a distinct scent of salt water, roasting coffee, and fresh seafood, giving Alexandria a relaxed, coastal energy that sets it apart from the intense pace of Cairo.