Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo

Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo

A private full-day excursion from Cairo to Alexandria exploring the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel, and Alexandria Library with an expert Egyptologist and chauffeured transfers.

From$60/ per guest
Duration
Full day
Group
Up to 10 guests
Availability
Daily
From
$60 / per guest
About this journey

Journey from Cairo to Alexandria by vehicle to explore the Mediterranean's finest Greco-Roman landmarks. Guided by a dedicated Egyptologist, discover multi-tiered ancient catacombs, towering red granite pillars, historic seafront fortresses, and world-renowned libraries before a relaxing chauffeur-driven return to your Cairo hotel.

What sets it apart
  • 01Private expert Egyptologist throughout
  • 02Door-to-door private A/C transport
  • 03Curated Mediterranean Pace
The itinerary

Day by day.

1 days · Full day
Alexandria

Depart Cairo in private air-conditioned comfort for a full-day coastal excursion. Upon arrival in Alexandria, meet your private Egyptologist guide to discover the Mediterranean’s top ancient sites:

  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
    Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

    Descend into a multi-tiered subterranean necropolis where Pharaonic art gracefully merges with Greco-Roman aesthetics. This extraordinary underground burial complex features carved chambers, intricate reliefs, and the historic Hall of Caracalla—a striking testament to Alexandria's blended classical heritage.

  • Pompey's Pillar
    Pompey's Pillar

    Stand before Pompey’s Pillar, a majestic 25-meter red granite monolith sculpted from a single block of Aswan stone. Erected in tribute to Emperor Diocletian after he lifted the siege of Alexandria and provided grain to its citizens, it remains an enduring symbol of Roman imperial legacy.

  • Qaitbay Citadel
    Qaitbay Citadel

    Stand along the Mediterranean shore at the Citadel of Qaitbay, an imposing 15th-century seafront fortress constructed in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qa'it Bay. Erected on Pharos Island—the exact site where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood—this Mamluk-era stronghold pairs dramatic coastal defense history with sweeping harbor views.

  • Lunch Time
    Lunch Time

    Lunch will be served at a seafood restaurant, then join your guide to visit:

  • Alexandria Library
    Alexandria Library

    Visit the magnificent Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural marvel paying homage to the classical world’s greatest center of learning. Designed to safeguard millions of volumes alongside specialized museum exhibits, rare antique manuscripts, and Egyptian art collections, it stands as a global beacon of literature and cultural heritage along the Mediterranean shore.

Finally, drive back to Cairo and transfer you to your hotel.

MealsLunch
What is included

Quietly considered.

  • ✓All transfers via private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • ✓English-Speaking Egyptologist Throughout Your Journey.
  • ✓Complimentary mineral water provided throughout the journey.
  • ✓Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary.
  • ✓Hotel pick-up and return transfers in Cairo.
  • ✓Lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant during your day trip.
  • ✓All applicable service charges and taxes.
What is excluded

Transparent boundaries.

  • ✕Any services, meals, or expenses not expressly mentioned in the itinerary.
  • ✕Personal expenses and incidental costs.
  • ✕Gratuities.
Investment & tariffs
From $60
/ per guest — rate scales with the size of your party

Starting rates are indicative and may vary based on travel dates, seasonality, nationality, availability, and selected services. Final pricing will be confirmed upon inquiry.

Solo traveller
Private guiding and transfers throughout.
$215pp
2 guests
Private guiding and transfers throughout.
$125pp
3 – 4 guests
Private guiding and transfers throughout.
$95pp
5 – 8 guests
Private guiding and transfers throughout.
$70pp
9+ guests
Private guiding and transfers throughout.
$60pp

Reserve or Tailor This Expedition

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Journey
Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo
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Adults
2
Children
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Good to know

Questions, answered.

The practical details our travellers most often ask about this journey. Anything further, and our concierge will answer personally.

Alexandria is located approximately 220 kilometers (136 miles) northwest of Cairo via the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road:

Driving Time: Private transfers take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours each way under normal traffic conditions. Total round-trip driving time is 5 to 6 hours.

Departure Schedule: Tours typically depart Cairo early in the morning (between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM) to avoid peak Cairo exit traffic and reach Alexandria’s historical sites by mid-morning.

Highway Conditions: The route follows a modern, multi-lane paved desert highway with designated rest stops halfway for coffee and restroom breaks.

A comprehensive day trip focuses on Alexandria’s prominent Greco-Roman monuments, medieval fortifications, and Mediterranean landmarks:

1- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: A Roman subterranean burial complex blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles.

2- Pompey’s Pillar: A massive 28-meter Roman triumphal column carved from red Aswan granite.

3- Citadel of Qaitbay: A 15th-century seafront fortress constructed on the exact site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria.

4- Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A modern cultural center and library paying homage to the original Great Library of Alexandria.

5- Montaza Palace Gardens: Landscaped royal gardens surrounding the former summer residence of King Farouk along the coast.

A private day tour manages all transit and timing for a seamless 10- to 12-hour round trip:

- Pickup: Your licensed Egyptologist guide and driver pick you up directly from your Cairo or Giza hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

- Morning Exploration: Upon arriving in Alexandria around 9:30 AM, you explore the Catacombs and Pompey’s Pillar followed by the Citadel of Qaitbay.

- Lunch & Afternoon: You enjoy a fresh seafood lunch overlooking the harbor before visiting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Montaza Gardens.

- Return Journey: The vehicle departs Alexandria around 4:30 PM, returning you to your Cairo hotel by 7:30 PM.

Yes, a day trip to Alexandria is well worth it for travelers interested in Greco-Roman history.

Unlike Cairo and Luxor—which showcase ancient Pharaonic tombs, Pyramids, and Islamic architecture—Alexandria offers a completely different cultural identity shaped by Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Cleopatra. Visiting Alexandria allows you to experience Mediterranean coastal atmosphere, seaside seafood dining, and Hellenistic history within a manageable single-day outing from Cairo.

Egyptaten