Alexandria Shore Excursion from Cruise Port – Private Guided Tour

Your cruise ship docks at Alexandria port and you have one day to explore one of the ancient world’s greatest cities. This private shore excursion ensures a smooth, unhurried experience: your licensed guide meets you at the cruise terminal with a name sign, escorts you privately through Alexandria’s key sites, and guarantees your return to the ship well before departure — we track your ship’s schedule throughout the day.

We have been operating private shore excursions from Alexandria port since 2009. We know the port procedures, the parking logistics, and the precise timing required to make the most of a cruise day without any stress.

What You Will See

• Qaitbay Citadel — 15th-century fortress built on the exact foundations of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world)
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa — 2nd-century Roman–Egyptian burial complex; a unique fusion of two civilisations underground
• Pompey’s Pillar — the largest Roman monumental column outside of Rome, 27 metres tall
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina — stunning modern revival of the ancient library (exterior; optional interior)
• Alexandria Corniche — a scenic drive along the Mediterranean Eastern Harbour

How the Tour Works

• Your guide meets you at the cruise terminal with a name sign (no need to book a ship’s excursion)
• Private A/C vehicle is waiting outside the terminal
• Your guide monitors your ship’s departure schedule throughout the day
• You are returned to the terminal with a minimum 90-minute buffer before departure

What Is Included

• Private licensed guide (English, Arabic, Italian)
• Private A/C vehicle and professional driver
• Catacombs and Pompey’s Pillar entry tickets
• Seafood lunch on the Corniche (included)
• Bottled water throughout
• Return to cruise terminal guaranteed before ship departure

Not Included

• Qaitbay Citadel entry — approximately $5
• Bibliotheca entry (optional) — approximately $5
• Tips for guide ($15) and driver ($8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to book independently rather than through the cruise ship? Yes — and significantly cheaper. A private shore excursion through your cruise line typically costs 3–4x more than a private tour booked directly. The difference: we provide the same private, licensed guide but without the cruise company’s markup. We have operated cruise day tours since 2009 with an unblemished on-time return record.

What happens if the ship’s departure time changes? Your guide monitors ship schedules directly. If there is any schedule change, the itinerary adjusts immediately. Getting you back on board is the one non-negotiable priority.

How long is the tour? Typically 6–7 hours, depending on how long your ship is docked. We design the itinerary based on your actual available time once you confirm your ship’s schedule.

Can I do a Cairo day trip from an Alexandria cruise stop? Technically yes — Cairo is 2.5 hours each way. However, this leaves very little comfortable time in Cairo unless you have a full-day port stop (8+ hours). We offer this as a dedicated tour; contact us with your port schedule and we will advise honestly on whether it is feasible.

Docking at Alexandria port? Contact Elias Tours Egypt with your ship name and arrival/departure times to book your private shore excursion.