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Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo: Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel and Lunch

Cairo, EgyptFull day (about 12 hours)Guided in English

Swap Cairo's bustle for the sea breeze of Alexandria, Egypt's Mediterranean city. A guide takes you from Roman catacombs to a harbour fort and the modern Bibliotheca, with lunch by the sea.

Full day (about 12 hours)Explore at your own pace
Shared or private group (confirmed with your quote)Keeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • The Roman-era Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • The Citadel of Qaitbay on the Eastern Harbour
  • The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, outside and in
  • A drive along the Corniche
  • Lunch at a local restaurant

Full description

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and was the capital of Egypt for almost a thousand years, home to the famous Lighthouse and the Great Library. This day trip from Cairo shows you what remains of that past and how the city lives today. After an early pickup from your hotel, you drive north through the Nile Delta, arriving in Alexandria in around three hours.

Your guide starts underground at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a Roman-era tomb complex where Egyptian gods appear in Roman dress, and Pompey’s Pillar nearby. Then follow the Corniche to the Citadel of Qaitbay, the sea fort built where the ancient lighthouse once stood, and stop at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the city’s bold modern library. Lunch is at a local restaurant, often seafood, before the drive back to Cairo.

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Pickup

    Early pickup from your hotel and a drive of about three hours to Alexandria.

  2. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

    Descend into the Roman-era burial complex, then see Pompey's Pillar nearby.

  3. Citadel of Qaitbay

    Explore the 15th-century sea fort on the site of the ancient lighthouse.

  4. Lunch

    Lunch at a local restaurant.

  5. Bibliotheca Alexandrina

    Visit the modern library and drive along the Corniche.

  6. Return

    Drive back to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza
  • Air-conditioned transport
  • Live guide for the day
  • Lunch
  • Entrance tickets to the sites on the itinerary

Not included

  • Drinks with lunch
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Camera fees where charged

Meeting point

Pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza; the time is confirmed with your quote.The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • The drive takes about three hours each way, so expect a long day.
  • Site opening hours and the order of visits can change; your guide adapts the route.
  • Photography is restricted inside the catacombs.
  • Please tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Alexandria from Cairo?

About 220 km, usually three hours by road each way.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included; drinks are extra.

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