Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria Day Trip: Catacombs, Qaitbay Fortress, and the Corniche.

The Mediterranean side of Egypt: Greco-Roman catacombs, a fort built on the ruins of the Pharos, and seafood on the harbour. Door to door from Cairo.

Long day, about 12 hours including travel Private tour Private — your group only Hotel pick-up in Cairo or Giza, included. Also available as a day trip from Alexandria itself if you are already there.

Trip highlights

Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, where Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art meet
Qaitbay Citadel on the foundations of the Pharos lighthouse
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina reading room
Seafood lunch on the Mediterranean, from the sea to your table (fresh)
The Corniche in the late afternoon light

About this tour

Alexandria feels different from the rest of Egypt, and that's what makes it worth visiting. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, it became the intellectual capital of the Mediterranean under the Ptolemies, and the sea has been gradually reclaiming it ever since.

One of the most remarkable attractions here is the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa. These unusual catacombs date back to the second century AD and consist of three levels carved into the rock. They feature a fascinating blend of influences, where Egyptian gods are depicted wearing Roman armor, and Greek funerary art shares space with Anubis. This unique site vividly illustrates the collision of three cultures.

At the end of the harbor wall stands the Qaitbay Citadel, built on the foundations of the ancient Pharos lighthouse, using stone from its ruins. Another must-visit is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which opened in 2002. This modern library is inspired by the concept of the ancient library, not its original location. Don't miss the reading room, which is truly extraordinary.

And for lunch, you can't beat Alexandria's seafood. It's the best in Egypt by far; you choose your fish from the ice, and they'll cook it for you.

How the day runs

1Step
Early departure from Cairo

Around three hours on the desert road. Leaving early is what makes the day comfortable rather than rushed.
2Step
Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa

Down the spiral staircase through all three levels, including the Hall of Caracalla.
3Step
Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum

The one standing column of the great temple of Serapis, and the sphinxes around it.
4Step
Seafood lunch on the harbour

Pick your fish and have it grilled. This is a highlight, not a pause.
5Step
Qaitbay Citadel

The fifteenth-century fort at the harbour mouth, and the sea air after a morning underground.
6Step
Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Corniche

The library, then a drive along the seafront in the late light before heading back.
7Step
Return to Cairo

Back at your hotel in the evening.

What's included

Private air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver for the full day
Licensed English-speaking guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cairo or Giza
All entrance tickets on the itinerary
Bottled water throughout the day
Lunch

Not included

Tipping
Personal expenses

Questions about this tour

It is a long day — six hours in the car and six in the city. It works well and thousands of people do it. If you would rather not travel that far and back in a day, stay a night; Alexandria in the evening is a different and lovely thing, and we will arrange the hotel.

No, and it is better to know that going in. The Pharos fell in earthquakes and its stone is in the walls of Qaitbay. The Library is gone entirely. What survives of ancient Alexandria is mostly underground or underwater — which is exactly what makes the catacombs worth the trip.

The Corniche beaches are public and busy, and this is a sightseeing day rather than a swimming one. If you want beach time, the Red Sea is the answer and we will build it in elsewhere.

From

$130

Priced per group once we know your dates and numbers, tell us both and you will have a figure the same working day.

DurationLong day, about 12 hours including travel
DestinationAlexandria
StylePrivate tour
Group sizePrivate — your group only
Pick-upHotel pick-up in Cairo or Giza, included. Also available as a day trip from Alexandria itself if you are already there.