Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo — Mediterranean Visit — 1

Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo: Mediterranean Visit

Duration
Full Day (Approx. 10-12 Hours)
Route
Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel, Library
Style
Private Day Trip
Schedule
Available daily

Overview

Leave the desert sands behind and head towards the refreshing breeze of the Mediterranean with our Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo. Known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," Alexandria offers a completely different vibe from the capital. Founded by Alexander the Great, it was once the beacon of culture and science in the ancient world. This full-day journey takes you 220 km north to explore the fascinating blend of Greco-Roman history and modern grandeur, visiting landmarks like the Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar, and the majestic Alexandria Library.

Highlights

Catacombs
Pompey’s Pillar
Qaitbay Citadel
Alexandria Library

Tour Itinerary

Tour Itinerary
Your journey to the Second Capital begins at 07:00 AM. A Nile Empire representative will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. We will drive approximately 3 hours (220 km) northwest through the desert road towards the coast. Upon arrival in Alexandria, we dive straight into the ancient mystery at the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa. This is not just a cemetery; it is an architectural marvel considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. You will descend underground to see a fascinating mix of Pharaonic and Roman art styles. Next, we visit Pompey’s Pillar, a massive triumphal column that towers over the ruins of the Serapeum. It is one of the last standing ancient monuments in the city, erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian. We then move to the coast to see the Citadel of Qaitbay. This 15th-century fortress was built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay exactly on the site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The sea views here are stunning. Our final stop brings us to the modern era: the Alexandria Library (Bibliotheca Alexandrina). Rebuilt near the site of the ancient Great Library in Selsela at Shatby, this architectural masterpiece is a beacon of culture, arts, and science, attracting scholars from around the globe. After a day filled with sea air and history, your guide will escort you back to your vehicle for the drive back to Cairo. It is a long but rewarding day. If you prefer a slower pace to enjoy the coastal vibes, you might enjoy our 5 Days Cairo & Alexandria Package. For those returning to Cairo looking for evening relaxation, we recommend unwinding with a Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River. Travelers arriving directly into the coastal city can also utilize our Alexandria Airport Transfers service.

Experience Highlights: Cairo vs. Alexandria

FeatureCairo (The Capital)Alexandria (The Pearl)
Primary EraPharaonic (Old Kingdom) & IslamicGreco-Roman & Modern
LandscapeDesert & River NileCoastal & Mediterranean Sea
VibeBusy, Historic, MonumentalBreezy, Cosmopolitan, Relaxed

What’s Included

Included

  • All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Pick up services from your hotel & return.
  • Private Egyptologist guide.
  • Bottled water during your trip.
  • All taxes & service charges.

Not Included

  • Any Optional Tours not mentioned.
  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites.
  • Tipping.
Pricing Information

Prices are shown in US dollars per person. Seasonal supplements may apply during Christmas, New Year and Easter unless a specific seasonal price is displayed.

Children’s Policy
0-5.99 years
Free of charge
6-11.99 years
Pay 50% of tour price
12+ years
Pay full tour price as per adult person

Note: Child rates apply to children travelling with their parents. Where accommodation is included, a maximum of one child per room applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive from Cairo to Alexandria?
The distance is approximately 220 km. The drive usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions leaving and entering Cairo. We use the modern desert highway for a smooth journey.
Can we enter inside the Alexandria Library?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Alexandria Library. You can explore the main reading hall, the museums inside, and the beautiful exterior architecture. Please note that the library is sometimes closed on Fridays or public holidays.
Is lunch included in the tour?
As per the inclusions list, lunch is not explicitly included in the standard package price. However, your guide can recommend excellent local seafood restaurants overlooking the sea where you can enjoy a meal (payable locally).
What is special about the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa?
They are the largest Roman burial site in Egypt. What makes them unique is the artistic style; you will see statues of Anubis dressed as a Roman legionary and dragons protecting the tombs, a rare blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures.
Is the Qaitbay Citadel the actual Lighthouse of Alexandria?
Not exactly. The Qaitbay Citadel was built in the 15th century on the exact foundation site of the destroyed Lighthouse of Alexandria. Stones from the fallen lighthouse were actually reused to build the fortress.

Why Book With Nile Empire

Local experts

An Egypt-based team that lives and breathes these journeys.

Private & tailor-made

Every trip built around your dates, pace, and budget.

Certified Egyptologists

Your own private guide at every temple and tomb.

Confirm before you pay

We confirm availability and your final price first. A deposit is only due once you are happy to proceed.

What Our Travellers Say

★★★★★
We had a fully organized two-week Egypt itinerary with Nile Empire, and the experience was completely faultless from start to finish. Every part of the journey was carefully arranged, and we were guided and assisted throughout the entire trip. The Egyptologist guides were excellent, informative, and professional, and everything throughout the itinerary ran smoothly and on time. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
Sommerstar · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We recently completed an unforgettable Egypt trip organized by Nile Empire, and the entire experience was handled with professionalism and excellent attention to detail from start to finish. The itinerary between Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile cruise was perfectly coordinated, with quality hotels, punctual transfers, and continuous support throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how responsive and attentive the team remained during the entire stay. Our guides in Cairo and Upper Egypt were both knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egyptian history, making every visit more enjoyable and meaningful. We highly recommend Nile Empire for travelers looking for a well-organized and professionally managed Egypt experience.
Abdelaziz · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
From the moment we arrived in Egypt until the day we left, Nile Empire made every part of our journey feel special and unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the trip. During our 7-day Egypt tour, everything was smoothly organized between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile cruise. A special thank you to Soliman and Rami for their exceptional attention to detail and for making my birthday celebration truly memorable throughout the journey. The experience felt personal, warm, and professionally managed from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend Nile Empire to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
CE · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We booked our Egypt trip with Nile Empire based on a recommendation, and now we are happy to recommend them ourselves. From the initial planning stage until our final day in Egypt, everything was handled with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care. The itinerary was carefully customized around our requests, including experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and scuba diving in Hurghada. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive throughout the trip. Every part of the journey felt smooth, organized, and memorable thanks to Soliman and the Nile Empire team. A fantastic choice for travelers looking for a personalized Egypt experience.
Mangesh Satpute · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egypt trip with Nile Empire felt like much more than just a holiday — it was a fully personalized experience from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully customized around our preferences, making the journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely special. The accommodations, transportation, and daily planning were all very well organized, and it was clear that a lot of attention went into every detail. We especially appreciated the support throughout the trip and the flexibility of the private tours. A special thank you to our Cairo driver, our wonderful guide Mariam, and to Soliman and Rami for organizing such a memorable Egypt experience.
Priyanka Kannan · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our experience with Nile Empire was excellent from start to finish. Soliman helped us redesign our Egypt trip on very short notice and customized everything around our schedule, including internal flights, hotels, and a Nile cruise. We loved that all sightseeing tours were private, giving us flexibility throughout the trip. The guides, drivers, and overall organization were outstanding, and we never had to worry about anything during our stay in Egypt. The Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor was one of the highlights of our trip, and the additional tours to Abu Simbel, Dendera, and the Nubian Village made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Nile Empire for anyone looking for a reliable and professionally organized Egypt tour.
M & S Krebs · TripAdvisor
★★★★★Rated excellent on TripAdvisorRead reviews

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From
$120 /pp