Private Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo

Schedule: Daily

Duration: Approximately 10–12 Hours

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

Tour Highlights

Journey from Cairo to the Mediterranean jewel of Alexandria on a tailored private day tour rich in coastal heritage and classical history.

Discover the world-renowned Bibliotheca Alexandrina, step inside the ancient Roman Amphitheatre at Kom El Dikka, and visit Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral—the oldest church in Africa. Explore the vibrant historic center and traditional trading souks, capture panoramic photos outside the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, and stroll through the royal landscaped grounds of Montaza Palace Gardens. Enjoy authentic local tastings and dedicated photo stops accompanied throughout by your private Egyptologist guide.

Detailed Itinerary

Morning Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive

Your Ramasside Tours Egyptologist guide and driver will greet you directly at your Cairo or Giza hotel lobby. Board a modern, climate-controlled vehicle for a smooth, scenic journey northwest along the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Highway.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Begin your exploration at the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a contemporary architectural triumph honoring the legendary ancient library with shelf capacity for 8 million books. Tour the open-air plaza to admire colossal submerged statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I retrieved from local seabed excavations. Your guide will highlight the building's sundial-inspired design carved with scripts representing global languages.

(Note: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Reading halls require an independent 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 discovered in Egypt. View preserved marble tiered seating, historic auditoriums, and open-air galleries showcasing sunken artifacts raised from the Eastern Harbor.

Continue 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.

Old Town Heritage & Traditional Bazaars

Take a guided walk through Alexandria's historic Old Town quarters, admiring Mediterranean streetscapes defined by French, Italian, and Baroque architectural motifs. Wander through historic shopping lanes where merchants offer regional spices, textiles, and authentic Egyptian sweets.

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

Explore Manshiya’s vibrant market alleys, including the bustling lanes of Zan'et El-Setat (traditional women's market) and the historic 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 ornate Islamic architectural monument, for a dedicated photo stop. Across the boulevard, overlook the active traditional harbor where fishermen mend nets beside classic wooden boats.

Drive to the northern tip of the harbor to view the exterior ramparts of the Citadel of Qaitbay, erected in 1477 AD directly on 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 (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. (Transfers starting from remote locations such as Heliopolis or 6th of October City are subject to an additional surcharge).
• 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

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