Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo – 4 Historic Sites, One Perfect Day

Overview

Alexandria day trip from Cairo gives you four of the ancient world’s most extraordinary sites in a single private day — with a licensed Egyptologist guide who built a career explaining exactly what you’re looking at. No group coaches. No rushed entries. No forced shopping stops.

Alexandria is 2.5 hours from Cairo along the desert road. The city Alexander the Great founded in 331 BC became the intellectual capital of the ancient Mediterranean — home to the greatest library ever assembled and a lighthouse that counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. What remains is still worth a full day of your time.

This private tour is exclusively for your group. Your Egyptologist has been guiding . The vehicle is air-conditioned. Hotel pickup from anywhere in Cairo or Giza is included, and you’ll be back the same evening.

Alexandria Day Trip Itinerary — What You Will See

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Your alexandria day trip begins underground at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa — the largest Roman funerary complex in Egypt, carved into the bedrock in the 2nd century AD.

What makes them extraordinary is the fusion of three artistic traditions: Egyptian gods rendered in Roman dress within Greek architectural forms. Descend past the rotunda into the main tomb where this synthesis is carved directly into the walls.

Your Egyptologist explains each motif — from Anubis in Roman armour to the serpents of Agathodaimon. This is one of the most unusual archaeological sites in Egypt.

Pompey’s Pillar

A short drive brings you to the most visible ancient monument in Alexandria — an 82-foot red Aswan granite column standing on a low hill, all that remains of the great Serapeum temple complex.

Despite the name, the column has nothing to do with Pompey. It was erected in 297 AD to honour Emperor Diocletian after he ended a siege and brought grain to the starving population.

Two sphinxes flank the base, and underground passages of the former Serapeum can be explored below the surface.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

After a seafood lunch, your visit continues to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina — opened in 2002 on the presumed site of the ancient Library of Alexandria.

The library holds over 8 million books and several permanent museums including ancient manuscripts and a planetarium. Your guide contextualises the original ancient library — its founding under Ptolemy I, its destruction, and what was truly lost to history. For official visitor information, see the Egyptian Tourism Authority.

Qaitbay Citadel

The final stop on this alexandria day trip from Cairo is the Citadel of Qaitbay — a 15th-century Mamluk fortress built directly on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Sultan Qa’it Bay constructed the fort in 1477 using stones from the collapsed lighthouse itself. The citadel sits on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean, with panoramic sea views from the upper ramparts.

Best Time for an Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo

October through April offers ideal weather — mild temperatures and comfortable walking conditions for the outdoor sites. Spring sees the sea at its clearest blue.

Summer visits are manageable given Alexandria’s Mediterranean breeze, which makes it considerably cooler than Cairo. The excursion departs at 7:00–7:30am and returns by 7:00–8:00pm.

Browse our Egypt activities page and our Alexandria culture guide to plan the full picture before you arrive.

Tour Highlights

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa — largest Roman funerary complex in Egypt
• Pompey’s Pillar — 82-foot Roman granite column and Serapeum site
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina — heir to the ancient Library of Alexandria
• Qaitbay Citadel — built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse, a Wonder of the World
• Private licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
• Private air-conditioned vehicle Cairo to Alexandria and return

What’s Included:

• Private licensed Egyptologist guide
• Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Bottled water

What’s Not Included:

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa ticket
• Pompey’s Pillar ticket
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina ticket
• Qaitbay Citadel ticket
• Lunch
• Traditional Felucca Ride
• Tips
• Personal expenses

Meeting Point — Alexandria Day Trip Practical Information

Pickup from your Cairo or Giza hotel at 7:00–7:30am. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours on the Alexandria Desert Road.

Total tour duration is 12–13 hours. Dress modestly; comfortable walking shoes are essential for the catacombs descent and coastal walking at Qaitbay.

See our Egypt tour packages, Egypt culture guide, and contact us to customise your itinerary.

Why Book This Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo With Elias Tours?

• Private tour exclusively for your group — no strangers, no shared coaches
• Licensed Egyptologist guide — reads inscriptions, explains the archaeology
• Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests and pace
• No forced shopping stops
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included (Cairo and Giza)
• Comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
• Local support before and during your trip
• Trusted by travelers from around the world

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours each way via the Alexandria Desert Road. Departure at 7:00–7:30am ensures arrival by 9:30–10:00am, giving a full day of sightseeing before the return drive.

Can this tour be done in one day?

Yes. The itinerary visits four main sites comfortably in one day, including a full lunch break. Most guests return to their Cairo hotel by 7:30–8:00pm. The pace is relaxed and the order of sites can be adjusted to your preference.

Is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina the original ancient library?

No — the original Library of Alexandria was destroyed in antiquity. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, opened in 2002, was built near the presumed location as a cultural tribute. It now holds over 8 million volumes.

What are the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa?

A 2nd-century Roman burial complex carved into the rock beneath Alexandria. Notable for their unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles. Visitors descend a spiral staircase to reach the well-preserved tomb chambers.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included in the base tour price but can be added as an upgrade (Private Tour with Guide & Lunch option). Both seafood and non-seafood restaurants are available in Alexandria.

How do I book this tour?

Contact us via WhatsApp or our contact page to check availability, confirm your preferred date, and receive a customised quotation. We respond within a few hours and can typically accommodate bookings with a few days’ notice. The tour runs daily year-round.