Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo: Catacombs, Library & Citadel

US$220

Varies by group size

The Siren Song of Alexandria

While Cairo is the beating heart of Egypt’s Pharaonic and Islamic grandeur, Alexandria is its intellectual and cosmopolitan soul. Known affectionately as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE to be the ultimate link between the Nile Valley and the Hellenic world. For nearly a millennium, it served as the capital of Egypt, a city where Cleopatra VII charmed emperors and where the ancient world’s greatest minds—from Euclid to Eratosthenes—pushed the boundaries of human knowledge.

A day trip from Cairo to Alexandria is more than a geographic shift from the desert to the coast; it is a temporal journey into a unique “Middle Age” of Egyptian history. Here, the rigid lines of Ancient Egyptian art softened into the fluid grace of Greco-Roman sculpture. This Private Odyssey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to peel back the layers of a city that once housed the legendary Pharos Lighthouse and the Great Library—two wonders of the world that still haunt the modern skyline.

As you leave the bustle of Cairo behind, the air begins to change, carrying the salt and breeze of the Mediterranean. You are following the path of conquerors, scholars, and poets. Welcome to Alexandria: a city with its back to the desert and its face turned eternally toward the sea.

Tour Itinerary

An Hour-by-Hour Breakdown

Note: As this is a private tour, timings can be adjusted to your preference.

07:00 AM – Departure from Cairo

Your private Egyptologist and chauffeur will collect you from your hotel in Cairo or Giza in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via the Desert Road, during which your guide will provide an introductory briefing on the transition from Pharaonic to Greco-Roman history.

10:00 AM – Descent into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Our first stop is the “Mound of Shards.” You will descend a spiral staircase into three levels of rock-cut tombs. Your guide will point out the famous “Hall of Caracalla” and the unique reliefs where the god Anubis is depicted as a Roman legionary.

11:15 AM – Pompey’s Pillar & the Lost Temple of Serapis

A short drive brings us to the highest point of the city. You’ll stand at the base of Pompey’s Pillar, a monolithic column erected in 297 AD. We will explore the ruins of the Serapeum, the temple that once housed the “daughter library” of the Great Library of Alexandria.

12:00 PM – The Roman Amphitheater (Kom El Deka)

Witness the 13 semi-circular tiers of white marble that make up the Roman Theater. We will also visit the Villa of the Birds, which features some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in the world, depicting various avian species in intricate detail.

01:30 PM – Mediterranean Seafood Luncheon

No trip to Alexandria is complete without experiencing its world-class seafood. We will break for a 5-star lunch at a curated restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. Enjoy fresh sea bass, grilled shrimp, and traditional Alexandrian appetizers.

03:00 PM – The Citadel of Qaitbay & The Old Harbor

Walk the ramparts of this majestic fortress. Built by Sultan Qaitbay to defend the city against the Ottomans, the stone blocks used in its construction were salvaged from the ruins of the Pharos Lighthouse after it was destroyed by earthquakes.

04:00 PM – The Bibliotheca Alexandrina

We conclude our sightseeing at the modern Library of Alexandria. You will have time to explore the vast reading room, the open-air plaza with the statue of Alexander the Great, and the various internal museums (including the Antiquities and Manuscript Museums).

05:00 PM – The Corniche & Stanley Bridge Drive

Before leaving, we will enjoy a scenic drive along the Corniche, Alexandria’s 15km waterfront promenade. We will pass the historic Cecil Hotel and the elegant Stanley Bridge, capturing final photos of the sunset over the Mediterranean.

08:00 PM – Arrival Back in Cairo

Your private chauffeur will drop you off directly at your hotel, concluding your odyssey to the Pearl of the Mediterranean.

Tour Inclusions

Tour Exclusions

Tour Highlights

The Gems of the Coast

This private expedition is curated to ensure you experience the absolute pinnacle of Alexandrian heritage. In one day, you will witness the fusion of three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Descend into the largest Roman burial site in Egypt—a subterranean marvel where Pharaonic gods wear Roman armor. This 2nd-century necropolis is one of the “Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.”
The Citadel of Qaitbay: Stand on the very foundations of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This 15th-century fortress offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A modern architectural masterpiece that honors the legacy of the original Great Library. It is a stunning tribute to human curiosity, housing millions of volumes and several curated museums.
Pompey’s Pillar & the Serapeum: Admire the massive 27-meter red Aswan granite column, the last remaining relic of the Temple of Serapis, once the most magnificent temple in the Greek quarter.
Roman Amphitheater (Kom El Deka): Explore the only Roman theater in Egypt, complete with marble seating for 800 spectators and beautifully preserved mosaic flooring in the nearby “Villa of the Birds.”
Seafood Culinary Experience: Dine at a premium, seafront restaurant where the “Catch of the Day” is served with traditional Egyptian flair, offering views of the fishing boats in the Eastern Harbor.
El Montazah Palace and Gardens

Prices

Price is quoted per person in USD

Solo Traveler: $ +70% of adult rate
2 to 3 people: $220
4 to 6 people: $205
7 to 15 people: $195

Feel free to share your comments with us so we can make your tour tailored to your liking by adding or removing tours from the itinerary to suit your preference and requirements.

Why Travel With Us?

Expertise: Tours led by licensed Egyptologists with 20+ years of field
Comfort: Door-to-door private transportation in premium, AC-equipped vehicles.
Peace of Mind: 24/7 on-ground support to ensure your trip is flawless.
Local Authority: Research-backed itineraries that reveal the "hidden" Egypt.

Book with confidence

Flexible Booking

Book as soon as possible with the assistance of our knowledgeable staff.

Secure Payment & Deposits

Make monthly little deposits for your Holiday Package. Final Payment due 20 days prior.

Expert-Led Assurance

100% led by a licensed Egyptologist, not a no local guide. Guaranteed expertise

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Prices: Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person per trip except during Christmas, New Year & Easter holidays.

Price varies depending on your group size

0 – 05.99 Free of Charge
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of the tour price
12+ pay full tour price per adult person.
Notes: Child pricing applies to children who share rooms with their parents (Max 2 Children in one Room)

SunBlock & Sunglasses
Cotton Clothes In Summer
Slipper
Passport Valid for 6 Month
Camera or Modern Phone
hat
Warm Clothes in Winter
Comfortable Shoes
Protein Bars

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