1-Day Historic Alexandria Tour

Alexandria
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Duration

1 Day
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Location

Alexandria
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Tour Availability

Every Day
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Tour Guide

Private Tour Guide

Tour Overview

Discover Alexandria, Egypt’s historic Mediterranean capital and one of the most influential cities in the ancient world. This full day guided tour takes you to Alexandria’s top attractions, from Roman catacombs to the modern Library of Alexandria. Explore the most famous sites the city has to offer, and learn about Egypt during the Greco-Roman period with an experienced Egyptologist guide.

Itinerary

Hotel pick up in Cairo & drive to Alexandria

Your private driver and Egyptologist guide will pick you up at your Cairo hotel for a comfortable 3-hour drive to Alexandria.

Explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Underneath the city streets of Alexandria are the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a burial site for Egyptian, Greek and Roman citizens during the age of the Roman Antonine dynasty. These catacombs feature stunning carvings and sculptures cut directly into the bedrock, and give unique insight into the merging of cultures that defined Alexandrian life.

See the Qaitbay Citadel and site of Lighthouse of Alexandria

The imposing Qaitbay Citadel was built by the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay after earthquakes destroyed the Lighthouse of Alexandria in the 11th and 13th centuries. View the Citadel's panoramic scenery while standing on the site of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Lunch along the Mediterranean coastline

Enjoy your luncheon and relax with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. You will be able to watch local fishermen bringing in the catch of the day, and feel the bustling energy of this modern city with ancient roots.

Tour the Alexandria Bibliotheca, the Modern Day Library of Alexandria

The Alexandria Bibliotheca was established in 2002 to pay homage to and recapture the intellectual spirit of the ancient Library of Alexandria. The Bibliotheca features a main library that seats over 2,000 people, and is now one of the leading cultural institutions in the Middle East. The library also contains six speciality libraries, five museums, as well as academic research centers, art galleries, a children’s center and even a planetarium.

Visit the Greco-Roman Museum

The Greco-Roman Museum holds artifacts from the Ptolemaic through Roman eras of Egypt’s history. You will see marble busts of famous conquerors including Alexander the Great and Agustus (Octavian), royal statues, portraits, and manuscripts that illuminate Alexandria’s history as the intellectual center of the Mediterranean. 

Drive back to Cairo

Your driver will drop you off at your Cairo hotel, to enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure

Total time approximately 10 hours

Include

    • Pick-up and drop-off at your Cairo hotel
    • Private driver in air conditioned vehicle
    • Professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide
    • Lunch at a local restaurant
    • Bottled water
    • All required permits and entry fees

Exclude

    • Personal expenses
    • Additional beverages (besides water)
    • Gratuities
    • Any additional activities

Highlights

    Drive from Cairo to Alexandria

    Explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

    See the Qaitbay Citadel and site of Lighthouse of Alexandria

    Lunch along the Mediterranean coastline

    Tour the Alexandria Bibliotheca, the Modern Day Library of Alexandria

    Visit the Greco-Roman Museum

Notes

FAQ

Check our Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to the most common questions about your trip. Our FAQ section covers everything from travel requirements and safety tips to local customs and currency information. Interested to know more? Contact Us

How much walking will be involved in this tour?

This tour includes a moderate amount of walking including around 3 to 4 flights of stairs

Is this trip handicap accessible?

The Citadel, Library, and Museum are all handicapped accessible; the Catacombs are accessed by a spiral staircase. If you have questions about specific accessibility concerns, please contact us and we can recommend alternate or supplemental sights to include in your visit.

 

Will I be claustrophobic in the catacombs?

The Catacombs are spacious with sufficient room to stand and wide corridors. They are also lit fully with electric lights.

Will lunch accommodate special dietary needs?

Yes, we can accommodate special dietary needs including allergies, vegetarian or vegan, and other concerns. Please contact us with any questions.

 

How much is expected in gratuities?

Tipping is greatly appreciated, based on the quality of the service you receive. We suggest around $5-$8 per day for your driver, and $10-$15 per day for guides. Tipping can be done in cash, either as Egyptian pounds, US dollars or Euros. For non-Egyptian currency, bills in good condition (no rips or tears) are preferred.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, closed-toe walking or athletic shoes are recommended as there may be some uneven pavement in the catacombs. Locals in Egypt often dress modestly, so visitors often feel more comfortable in clothes that cover their shoulders and knees (t-shirts or long sleeved shirts, capris, pants). You may wish to bring a hat for sun protection, as well as a scarf or light jacket for evening.

What time is pick up?

Pick up at your hotel in Cairo is approximately 7am.

What’s an Egyptologist Guide?

Licensed tour guides must maintain a certification from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, along with membership in the Egyptian General Tourist Guide Syndicate. These certifications ensure that our guides are fully approved and registered as professionals with the Egyptian government authorities.

Can we customize this trip?

Yes; we are happy to customize the itinerary for your needs. Please contact us with your requests and we can ensure you have the best trip possible!

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