Save

Private Full-Day Tour: Explore Historic Alexandria from Cairo

4.7

15 Ratings

Alexandria

Embark on a day tour to Alexandria from Cairo, with all arrangements handled by professionals. Accompanied by a guide specialized in Egyptology, you’ll visit major sites such as the Kom el Shoqafa catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, Quaitbay Citadel, and the city’s newly-built library. The tour comes with a dedicated guide and vehicle.

Duration: 11 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa - Begin your delightful day by meeting your guide at your hotel. Travel via highway from Cairo (approximately a 3-hour drive each way) to the renowned city. Upon arrival, your tour guide will take you through the city’s rich history, starting with the necropolis, which features a series of Alexandrian tombs, statues, and archaeological artifacts from the Pharaonic funeral cult, influenced by Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman styles. The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa blend Roman elements due to the era in which they were created.
Pompey’s Pillar - The second attraction is Pompey’s Pillar, a name that is somewhat misleading. This solitary column, standing on a rocky hilltop in the heart of Alexandria, has no connection to the Roman Consul and General Gaius Pompey, who was Julius Caesar’s adversary in a civil war and was killed by a Ptolemaic pharaoh in 48 BC after fleeing to Alexandria. The myth that the 100-foot (30-meter) red Aswan granite pillar marked his burial site was propagated by Crusaders. In reality, the pillar is a triumphal monument erected around 300 AD for the Roman Emperor.
Fort Qaitbey - The third stop is the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean coast in Alexandria, Egypt. Established in 1477 AD (882 AH) by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay, the Citadel is positioned on the eastern side of the northern tip of Pharos Island at the entrance of the Eastern Harbour.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina - This famous library in Egypt, known as the Great Library of Alexandria, was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. It was part of a larger research institution called the Mouseion, dedicated to the Muses, the nine goddesses of the arts. The concept of a universal library in Alexandria may have been suggested by Demetrius of Phalerum, an exiled Athenian statesman, to Ptolemy I Soter, who likely initiated plans for the Library. However, the Library itself was probably constructed during the reign of his son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus. The Library amassed numerous papyrus scrolls, thanks to the Ptolemaic kings’ aggressive and well-funded efforts to acquire texts. While the exact number of scrolls housed at any time is unknown, estimates range from 40,000 to 400,000 at its peak. Note that the library is closed on Fridays.
Lighthouse of Alexandria - Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this lighthouse was constructed by the Ptolemaic Kingdom during the reign of Ptolemy II…
Ancient Roman Amphitheater - Roman amphitheaters are large, circular or oval open-air venues with raised seating, built by the ancient Romans. They hosted events such as gladiator combats, animal hunts (venations), and executions. Approximately 230 Roman amphitheaters have been discovered across the former Roman Empire. Early amphitheaters date back to the republican period, becoming more monumental during the imperial era.

What's Included

Bottled Water on board
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private tour
Qualified Egyptologist guide (Optional)
Guaranteed to skip the lines
Entrance Fees ( Optional)
All Taxes and service charge
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Lunch ( Optional)

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Location

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Kom Al Shokafa

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.7

(15 Ratings)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

492natassab

Mar 25, 2024

Great customer service and tour!! - Went on an amazing tour to Alexandria with my new friend Abdo, he was an amazing tour guide took very good care of us showed us amazing things very generous, funny guy and very knowledgeable about Egypt and Alexandria. We would highly recommend him for a tour from Cairo to Alexandria to our friends and we look forward to using his services again when we return, excellent, excellent customer service!