Alexandria Archaeological Day Trip from Cairo

Schedule: Daily

Duration: Approximately 12–14 Hours

Pickup Time: 7:00 AM (Flexible timing upon request)

Tour Highlights

Depart early from Cairo on a comprehensive archaeological excursion to Alexandria. Discover the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Egypt's largest Roman burial complex carved three levels deep into solid rock. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre at Kom El Dikka and pause for photos at Pompey’s Pillar. Explore the contemporary Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral—the oldest church in Africa—and the historic Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque. Conclude your day with coastal views of the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay and the royal gardens of Montaza Palace before your relaxing return drive to Cairo.

Detailed Itinerary

Morning Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive to Alexandria

Your Ramasside Tours Egyptologist guide and driver will meet you directly at your hotel lobby in Cairo holding a personalized sign. Travel northwest in a private, air-conditioned vehicle along the desert highway toward Alexandria, listening to your guide’s overview of the city’s classical Greco-Roman foundation and coastal heritage.

Classical Antiquities: Catacombs, Roman Amphitheatre & Pompey’s Pillar

Begin your touring at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Descend a circular staircase into rock-cut subterranean chambers spanning three levels, marveling at the unique blend of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art and iconography.

Proceed to Kom El Dikka to tour the Roman Amphitheatre, the only classical circular theater uncovered in Egypt. Inspect well-preserved marble tiered seating, ancient lecture auditoriums, Roman mosaic floors, and an open-air display of sunken architectural relics salvaged from the seabed of the Eastern Harbor.

Continue with a dedicated photo stop at Pompey’s Pillar, a colossal 27-meter red Aswan granite monolith erected in 297 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina & Saint Mark’s Cathedral

Drive toward the Mediterranean seafront to visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built to honor the ancient world's legendary intellectual center. Explore the wide open plaza featuring colossal sunken statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I retrieved from local underwater excavations. Visit the Sadat Museum and the Impressions of Alexandria exhibition.

(Note: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is closed on public holidays. Reading halls require a separate ticket).

Next, proceed to Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, celebrated as the earliest Christian church established on the African continent, founded by Saint Mark the Apostle in 68 AD. Take in the surrounding Old Town streetscapes adorned with historic Baroque, French, and Italian Mediterranean façades.

Lunch & Waterfront Heritage

• Optional Dining: Enjoy lunch at a contemporary seaside seafood restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean, or dine at Alexandria’s historic Mohamed Ahmed restaurant, an iconic establishment frequented by the Queen of Spain and international dignitaries.

Pass by the grand Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, Alexandria's largest Islamic architectural landmark, with its intricate white domes and minarets. Across the promenade, observe the active traditional harbor where local fishermen mend nets beside historic wooden fishing boats.

Proceed to the tip of the Eastern Harbor for exterior photos of the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century maritime fortress erected directly atop the foundations of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Fresh Juice Stop & Royal Montaza Palace Gardens

Travel eastward along the Mediterranean Corniche toward Montaza. Along the way, make a brief stop to savor freshly pressed mango juice at Alexandria's famous fruit stands and pause for photographs at the Unknown Soldier Memorial.

Arrive at the sprawling 150-acre royal estate of Montaza Palace Gardens, historically referred to as the "Garden of Love." Stroll along pine-shaded pathways originally landscaped for King Farouk, admire the exterior Italianate and Ottoman architecture of Al-Haramlik and Al-Salamlik palaces, and walk across the bridge leading to Tea Island overlooking royal beaches.

Return to Cairo via Stanley Bridge

On your return drive, cross the illuminated spans of Stanley Bridge, a modern landmark of Alexandria, before settling back into your private vehicle for the comfortable highway transfer back to your hotel in Cairo.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Round-trip private transfers between Cairo and Alexandria
• Private transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
• Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide
• Entrance tickets to all mentioned archaeological monuments and gardens
• All service charges and local taxes

Exclusions

• Optional lunch and beverages
• Reading hall entrance tickets inside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Personal expenses and shopping
• Gratuities / Tipping

Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes

Ocean View Lunch Upgrade

Add a freshly prepared lunch at a premier restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea for an additional $15 per person (prior reservation required).

Executive Luxury Minivan Upgrade

Upgrade your highway journey between Cairo and Alexandria to an executive minivan featuring extended legroom, dual-zone climate control, chilled bottled beverages, and generous luggage capacity.

Professional Studio Photographer

Hire a professional photographer to accompany your tour across the catacombs, citadel, and Montaza grounds, capturing high-resolution photos for $50 per tour.

Airport Transfers & Visa Assistance

• Private meet-and-assist airport transfers in Cairo or Alexandria are available for $30 per transfer.
• Fast-track visa-on-arrival assistance is available for eligible nationalities for $35 per person (passport copy required in advance).

Travel Insurance (AIG Travel Guard)

Comprehensive travel coverage through AIG Travel Guard is available for $15 per day or $25 per week per person.

Footwear & Customization

• Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are strongly recommended for rock-hewn steps and historical ruins.
• Flexible itineraries: Sights can be adapted according to your specific historical preferences.

Child Policy

• 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge
• 2 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour rate
• 12+ years: Full adult rate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does the day trip from Cairo to Alexandria take?

A: The excursion lasts approximately 12 to 14 hours, including highway transfers (around 2.5 to 3 hours each way) and sightseeing across the city.

Q: What vehicles are used for the tour?

A: Private, late-model vehicles equipped with air conditioning are provided, customized to party sizes from executive sedans to luxury minivans.

Q: Is lunch included in the tour price?

A: Lunch is optional. Your guide can take you to recommended seafood establishments along the coast or traditional local venues, or you can add the ocean-view dining upgrade.

Q: Should I bring local Egyptian currency?

A: Having a modest amount of Egyptian Pounds (EGP) is recommended for small gratuities, souvenirs, or snacks, though major retailers and ticket kiosks accept bank cards.

Q: Can this archaeological tour be customized?

A: Yes. Itineraries can be personalized to spend more time at specific Greco-Roman sites or add extra locations upon request.

Q: What should I wear and bring?

A: Modest, breathable clothing, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and sturdy walking shoes are advised. Bring a camera for coastal panoramas and monuments.

For reservations and custom itineraries, contact us at: [email protected]