The Greek and Roman city
Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo
Catacombs, a Roman theatre and the Mediterranean, in a long day from Cairo.
This Alexandria day tour from Cairo shows a different Egypt: the Mediterranean city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, where Egyptian, Greek and Roman worlds met. A private Egyptologist collects you from your Cairo or Giza hotel early for the drive north, about two and a half to three hours each way.
The day begins underground at the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, where Egyptian gods are carved in Roman dress. You continue to the Roman Amphitheatre, rare in Egypt, and Pompey's Pillar, a single column of red Aswan granite. Along the seafront you see the Qaitbay Citadel from outside, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse, and visit the Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi before a stop at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern successor to the ancient Library.
Be clear about the shape of the day: around six hours of it are spent on the road, which leaves the city a few hours. Tell us which sites matter most and we will give them the time. The Bibliotheca closes on Fridays, so plan around it if it matters to you.
- Travel time
- About 2.5–3 hours each way by road
- Time at sites
- A few hours in the city; about 6 of the 12 hours are driving
- Group
- Private: your party only
- Transport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Departure
- Early morning pickup
- Meeting point
- Your hotel in Cairo or Giza
- Guide languages
- English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
- Best time to go
- Any day except Friday if you want the Bibliotheca
- Intensity
- Moderate
What the day includes
- The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
- The Roman Amphitheatre and Pompey's Pillar
- Qaitbay Citadel on the site of the Lighthouse
- The Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Places you visit
- Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
- Roman Amphitheatre of Alexandria
- Pompey's Pillar
- Citadel of Qaitbay
- Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza
- Private air-conditioned transport
- Entrance fees for the sites listed
- Qualified Egyptologist guide
- Taxes and service charges
Not included
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals and drinks
- Entrance tickets
- Included: entrance to the sites listed
- Optional / extra
- Lunch
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
- Tour format
- Private
How the day runs
Early morning
Pickup in Cairo
Drive to Alexandria, about 2.5–3 hours.
Kom el-Shoqafa
The Roman-era catacombs.
Roman Amphitheatre and Pompey's Pillar
Qaitbay Citadel
Seen from outside, on the site of the ancient Lighthouse.
Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Exterior visit.
Evening
Return to Cairo
Drive back and drop-off at your hotel.
Questions about this tour
How long is the drive?
About two and a half to three hours each way, so around half of the 12-hour day is spent on the road.
Is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina open every day?
It is closed on Fridays. Plan another day if visiting it matters to you.
How much does it cost for my group?
Prices are per person and fall as the group grows: 1 person $170; 2–4 people $120 each; 5–7 people $100 each; 8–10 people $90 each. All prices are in US dollars.
What should I wear?
Light, modest clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Shoulders and knees covered is the safe choice at every site; bring a hat, sunscreen and water.