Alexandria Day Trip

Greeks, Romans... the cultural legacy of Alexandria can be seen in every one of its monuments and archaeological sites. Immerse yourself in the past with this excursion from Cairo.

Day Trip Details

At 6:30 in the morning we'll leave from Cairo towards Alexandria, the most important Mediterranean city in Egypt.

We'll begin our tour of the Alexandria port by visiting the Qaitibay Citadel. This defensive complex was constructed in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitibay, where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. The lighthouse was destroyed by several earthquakes, whose remains were then used to build the citadel.

Then, we head south of the city, where we'll visit the Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs, where the relief artwork shows the fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman culture. We'll see its three different levels to explore the passages, tunnels, and galleries along which the tombs of the necropolis are distributed. Near these catacombs can be found Pompey's Pillar, located where the temple dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian God Serapis was once found.

We'll then enjoy lunch in the center of Alexandria, featuring a menu including fish and seafood rice. Later in the evening, we'll visit one of the most significant modern buildings in the city: The New Alexandria Library. This building honors the library from the 3rd century BC, which was destroyed, possibly during the Roman Civil War in 48 BC. The new library houses thousands of papyrus scrolls and is a vital center for scholarship and knowledge in the ancient world. Today, it stands as one of the most important cultural spaces in the Eastern Mediterranean, having been reinaugurated in 2002.

Finally, late in the evening, we'll return to the hotels in Cairo, concluding the journey after 12 hours.

The New Alexandria Library

Please note that the New Alexandria Library is closed on Fridays and on Saturdays, it is only open in the morning from 10 am to 2 pm. If your tour falls on either of these days, we will visit the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque and Ledge instead.

The official guided visit to the New Alexandria Library is offered in English, French, and Arabic.

Children under 12 cannot visit the New Alexandria Library. Instead, they can visit the Children's Museum.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• What you will do: The tour begins in Cairo and takes you through key historical sites in Alexandria, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage.
• Detailed information: The day includes visits to the Qaitibay Citadel, Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs, and The New Alexandria Library, along with lunch in the city center.
• Services included: Transportation from Cairo, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to attractions, lunch.
• Services not included: Personal expenses, tips.
• Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel in Cairo at 6:30 AM.