Full Day Cairo to Alexandria Tour

Schedule: Daily

Duration: Approximately 10–12 Hours

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

Tour Highlights

Embark on a captivating day trip from Cairo to the Mediterranean pearl of Alexandria. Begin with a visit to the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina, one of the largest intellectual repositories in the world. Explore ancient classical landmarks, including the Roman Amphitheatre at Kom El Dikka and Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral—the oldest church in Africa.

Stroll through Alexandria’s traditional Old Town markets to experience authentic local life, and savor optional dining at a modern seaside seafood restaurant or the famous heritage eatery Mohamed Ahmed. Pass by iconic city sights, including the Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi and the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, before touring the royal gardens of Montaza Palace. Conclude your tour with a relaxing, comfortable private transfer back to your hotel in Cairo.

Detailed Itinerary

Morning Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive to Alexandria

Your driver and private Egyptologist guide will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby in Cairo. Relax inside a modern, air-conditioned vehicle as you embark on a scenic drive northwest along the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Highway.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Your first destination is the magnificent Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built as a contemporary commemoration of the legendary ancient library. Tour the expansive open plaza to view colossal statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I, which were retrieved from underwater excavations in Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor. Learn about the library’s striking disc-shaped exterior, angled toward the sea and carved with scripts from over 120 global languages.

(Note: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Reading halls require a dedicated entry ticket).

Roman Amphitheatre & Saint Mark’s Cathedral

Proceed to Kom El Dikka to discover the Roman Amphitheatre of Alexandria, the only classical circular theater uncovered in Egypt. Admire its preserved marble tiered seating, lecture auditoriums, and open-air displays featuring ancient sunken relics recovered from the harbor.

Continue to Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, historically recognized as the earliest church founded on the African continent by Saint Mark the Apostle in 68 AD.

Historic Old Town, Souks & Local Gastronomy

Take a guided stroll into the historic heart of Alexandria’s Old Town. Admire eclectic Mediterranean architecture blending Baroque, French, and Italian styles. Wander through vibrant market corridors where local merchants showcase regional spices, handcrafted items, and traditional Egyptian sweets.

• Optional Dining: Savor lunch at an authentic seaside seafood restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean or enjoy classic Egyptian foul and falafel at the historic Mohamed Ahmed restaurant, an Alexandrian staple visited by the Queen of Spain and international celebrities.
• Optional Leisure: Relax at a traditional cafe or open-air ahwa along the Corniche for authentic Egyptian coffee and mint tea.

Continue through Manshiya’s historic shopping quarters, including the narrow lanes of Zan'et El-Setat (women’s traditional market) and the Gold Market.

Abu al-Abbas Mosque, Fishing Port & Qaitbay Citadel

Pause at the grand Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, Alexandria's largest and most famous Islamic architectural landmark, for a dedicated photo stop. Across the avenue, observe the active traditional harbor where fishermen mend nets beside classic wooden fishing boats.

Drive to the northern edge of the Eastern Harbor to view the exterior ramparts of the Citadel of Qaitbay, erected in 1477 AD on the exact site 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 (approx. 25 km). Along the route, make a brief stop to taste freshly pressed mango juice at Alexandria’s famous fruit stalls, and pause for photos at the Unknown Soldier Memorial. Enjoy sweeping coastal vistas overlooking the harbor and submerged historical ruins.

Arrive at the sprawling 150-acre royal estate of Montaza Palace Gardens, historically referred to as the "Garden of Love." Stroll through palm- and pine-shaded avenues originally landscaped for King Farouk, the last reigning king of Egypt. View the ornate exterior architecture of Al-Haramlik and Al-Salamlik palaces, and walk across the landmark bridge leading to Tea Island and the royal beachfront.

Return to Cairo via Stanley Bridge

On your return drive, cross the illuminated arches of Stanley Bridge, the modern landmark of Alexandria, before relaxing in your private vehicle for the comfortable highway journey back to your hotel in Cairo.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide
• Entrance tickets to all mentioned monuments, archaeological sites, and gardens
• All service charges and local taxes

Exclusions

• Round-trip private transfers in modern, air-conditioned vehicles (available as an upgrade/inclusive option upon booking)
• Optional lunch and beverages
• Reading hall entrance tickets inside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Personal shopping and expenses
• 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 a spacious executive minivan featuring extra legroom, dual-zone climate control, chilled bottled beverages, and generous luggage capacity.

Professional Studio Photographer

Hire a personal vacation photographer to accompany your tour across the library, citadel, and Montaza gardens, 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.
• Flexible scheduling: Itinerary stops can be tailored to match your personal interests and schedule.

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 tour from Cairo to Alexandria take?

A: The tour typically lasts 10 to 12 hours, including highway travel (around 2.5 to 3 hours each way) and sightseeing.

Q: What vehicles are used for the tour?

A: Modern, fully air-conditioned vehicles are provided, ranging from sedans to luxury minivans depending on the group size.

Q: Is lunch included in the tour?

A: Lunch is optional. Your guide will provide trusted local recommendations for authentic seafood or traditional dishes, or you can pre-book the ocean-view lunch upgrade.

Q: Should I carry local Egyptian Pounds?

A: Carrying a modest amount of Egyptian Pounds (EGP) is recommended for small purchases, souvenirs, street snacks, and tips. Major retail stores and entrance gates accept credit cards.

Q: Can this itinerary be customized?

A: Yes. All private itineraries can be adapted to focus on your specific historical or cultural interests.

Q: What should I wear and bring?

A: Modest, comfortable lightweight attire and flat closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera.

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