Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo – Private Full Day Guided Tour

This private full-day trip takes you from Cairo to Alexandria — Egypt’s Mediterranean city, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and once the intellectual capital of the ancient world. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, giving you a solid 5–6 hours in the city with a private licensed guide. Alexandria is culturally, architecturally, and atmospherically unlike Cairo — and very few tourists who visit Egypt ever make it there.

We are based in both Cairo and Alexandria, which means your guide knows the city deeply rather than reading from a script. This tour is rated one of our most memorable day trips by returning guests.

What You Will See

• Qaitbay Citadel — 15th-century fortress built on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders)
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina — modern revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria; exterior tour and optional interior visit
• Pompey’s Pillar — 27-metre Roman triumphal column, the largest outside of Rome
• Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa — remarkable underground Roman-Egyptian burial complex (2nd century AD)
• Alexandria Corniche — walk along the Mediterranean seafront with views of the Eastern Harbour
• Local seafood lunch overlooking the sea (included)

Tour Itinerary

• 07:00 — Hotel pickup in Cairo (private A/C vehicle)
• 09:30 — Arrive Alexandria; Qaitbay Citadel
• 11:00 — Pompey’s Pillar and Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• 13:00 — Seafood lunch on the Corniche (included)
• 14:30 — Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• 16:00 — Free time on the Corniche or local exploration
• 17:00 — Depart for Cairo
• 19:30 — Return hotel drop-off in Cairo

What Is Included

• Private licensed guide for the full day (English, Arabic, Italian)
• Private A/C vehicle with professional driver (Cairo–Alexandria–Cairo)
• Seafood lunch on the Alexandria Corniche
• Bottled water throughout
• All taxes and service charges

Not Included

• Qaitbay Citadel entry — approximately $5
• Catacombs entry — approximately $8
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina entry (optional) — approximately $5
• Tips for guide ($15–20) and driver ($10)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria comfortable? Yes — the Alexandria Desert Road is a modern motorway, approximately 220km. With an early 07:00 departure, you beat Cairo traffic and arrive in Alexandria by 09:30.

What is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina? It is a modern research library and cultural complex opened in 2002, built in the spirit of the ancient Library of Alexandria. The architecture is striking. Inside, it houses museums, galleries, and a planetarium alongside the main reading room. It can be visited externally or with an entry ticket.

Is Alexandria suitable for a day trip? Yes — it is designed for it. The main sites are concentrated near the Eastern Harbour and manageable in 5–6 hours with a private guide. Staying overnight is better if you want a relaxed pace, but the day trip works well.

Can this tour be combined with the Alexandria Shore Excursion if arriving by cruise? That tour is specifically designed for cruise passengers arriving at Alexandria port — see our Alexandria Shore Excursion page. This day trip departs from Cairo.

Ready to discover Alexandria? Contact Elias Tours Egypt to book your private day trip today.