About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent more years than I care to admit watching tour operators hike up their RevPAR while delivering nothing more than a cramped bus ride and a lukewarm buffet. Most "day trips" out of Cairo are just logistical nightmares disguised as culture, but Alexandria is the rare exception that actually justifies the three-hour lead time on the desert road. It’s a city that feels like a fading memory of the Mediterranean, stubbornly clinging to its Greco-Roman bones while the rest of the industry tries to sell you another plastic pyramid keychain. If you're tired of the Cairo chaos, this trip is a necessary palate cleanser—even if the "seven wonders" branding is a bit of a stretch by modern standards. It's authentic, it's slightly weathered, and it’s arguably the most honest day of sightseeing you'll get in Egypt.
About the Tour
Alexandria wasn't built to be a tourist trap; it was built to be the center of the world. This full-day expedition takes you away from the Giza plateau and toward the cooling sea breezes of Egypt's "Second Capital." After a morning pickup from your hotel, you’ll hit the desert road (with the mandatory coffee and pit stop, of course) to reach a city that feels worlds apart from the capital.
Ancient Grandeur and Underground Mysteries
The journey into the past begins at Kom El-Deka. This isn't just some dusty pile of rocks; it’s a stunning marble-stone Roman amphitheater that once held 800 spectators. You can still wander through the pleasure gardens and admire the mosaic floors of the nearby Roman villas, which have held their color remarkably well despite the centuries.
From there, you’ll descend into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Built in the 2nd century AD, this multi-level necropolis is a bizarre, beautiful fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles. It’s easy to see why it was cataloged as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages—the atmosphere down there is thick with history (and a bit of damp salt air).
Pillars, Palates, and Parapets
No trip to Alex is complete without a stop at Pompey's Pillar, a massive triumphal column that dominates the skyline of the ancient quarter. By this point, you'll have worked up an appetite, so the tour pauses for a proper lunch at a local spot—expect fresh flavors that beat the "tourist menu" standards often found elsewhere.
The afternoon covers the city's intellectual and military might:
- The Library of Alexandria: While the original is long gone, the modern replacement is an architectural marvel. You'll stop for photos at this world-renowned archive.
- Citadel of Qaitbay: This 15th-century fortress was built exactly where the legendary Pharos Lighthouse once stood, using some of the original stones. It's the perfect spot to catch the sea breeze before the drive back.
As the sun starts to dip, you'll head back to Cairo or Giza for a direct drop-off at your hotel, likely exhausted but finally understanding why Alexander the Great wanted his name on this place.
Highlights
- Marvel at the Roman amphitheater of Kom El-Deka
- Admire the architectural excellence of the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- Explore Pompey's Pillar, enjoying its artifacts and sculptures
- Stroll along the ancient ramparts of the 15th century Citadel of Qaitbay
- Dive into a Delightful Seafood Lunch
Know before you go
- The duration of the tour includes the pickup and drop-off times
- Children are required to be accompanied by an adult
- Pickup service available from your accommodation in Cairo or Giza
- The long-range pickup service from Nasr City, Cairo Airport, Heliopolis City, Mirage City, Rehab City, Madinaty, New Cairo, and New Capital hotels, or 6th of October City is available to book in the checkout process as an "Add-on"
- It is recommended that you have international travel insurance
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Pickup location:
Cairo
Van
(3 hours)
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (1 hour)
Serapeum of Alexandria
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (45 minutes)
Roman theater in Kom El-Deka
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (30 minutes)
Alexandria
Lunch (1 hour)
Library of Alexandria
Photo stop (10 minutes)
Qaitbay Citadel, Alexandria
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (75 minutes)
Van
(3 hours)
Arrive back at:
Cairo