A virtual tour

The name Alexandria evokes visions of the splendor of the classical world. The port city, founded by Alexander the Great, was probably the most cosmopolitan city in the ancient world until the Muslim conquest. Traders from around the Mediterranean anchored their ships beneath the colossal lighthouse, while scholars and artists flocked to flocked to the Library founded by the Ptolemaic kings who succeeded Alexander. Unfortunately, successive generations have built directly atop the old city; only here and there does its ancient glory poke through, hinting at the splendor that once was and may still lie buried beneath the apartments and office buildings. But the relaxed atmosphere of the city, the waves breaking against the corniche and the cooling breezes tinged with salt combine with the classical ruins and a cosmopolitan heritage to make Alexandria well worth a visit.

Alexandria stretches along the coast for several miles, so that as much of the city as possible can take advantage of the cooling sea breezes that draw thousands of Egyptians here every summer for vacation. Most of the sights are concentrated in the around the great crescent shaped harbor where the ancient city once stood. A pleasant corniche along the harbor is always a popular place for a stroll on the floor tiles, especially when the sun sinks into the ocean in the late afternoon. Most hotels and rest aurants are clustered around Sa'ad Zagloul Sq, and the main tram and bus stops are located nearby.

Festa Major de Gràcia

The annual summer 'festa major' in Gràcia's is one of the biggest street parties in Barcelona, with numerous live bands playing on different squares and streets and masses of people making merry. Held every August since the 1820s, the festival seems to get bigger and better each year. Different streets compete with each other to design the most outrageous decoration and the results can range from tropical islands to satirical takes on popular events. Food and drink, as well as music, are abundantly available on each street and on the last night of the festival fireworks are set off.

If you would like to head over to the festival this year, then check out these European travel packages. With the economy the way it is, there has never been a better time to travel to Europe.

Bakkerswinkel van Nineties

A bakery and tea-room where you can indulge in lovingly prepared English tea menus, hearty sandwiches (their cupcake recipes are to die for), soups and the divinest slabs of quiche you will probably ever taste. But before you leave, make sure you take-away some of their sublimely chewable sourdough breads which come packed with a diversity of options, including raisins, anchovies, onions, bacon, garlic and nuts. Terribly civilised.