Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo: Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel & Lunch

8 Hours
  • 1

Overview

A guided route along the Mediterranean coast turns a single day into a sweep through Alexandria's layered past, beginning with a private pickup from your Cairo hotel and a comfortable air-conditioned drive north. Descend into the multi-level Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, where Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary art meet underground, then trace the ancient temple grounds of the Serapeum beneath towering Pompey's Pillar. Walk the tiers of the well-preserved Roman Theater at Kom El-Deka, pause for a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, and photograph the sweeping modern Library of Alexandria. The day closes at the sea-facing Qaitbay Citadel, raised on the site of the legendary lighthouse, before a private drive back to your Cairo hotel.

Trip Highlights

  • Descend into the multi-level Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
  • Marvel at Pompey's Pillar at the ancient Serapeum
  • Walk the tiers of the Roman Theater at Kom El-Deka
  • Savour a relaxed lunch at a local Alexandria restaurant
  • Photograph the sweeping modern Library of Alexandria
  • Explore the sea-facing 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel
  • Stand where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria once rose
  • Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle from Cairo

Itinerary

  • Alexandria
    Day
    Trip

    Roman Heritage & Coastal Landmarks

    This full-day private tour begins with pickup from your Cairo hotel at approximately 8:00 AM. Settle into a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle for the roughly three-hour drive to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria.

    Your first stop is the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, where a guided one-hour visit leads you through one of Egypt's most remarkable underground burial complexes. Spread across several subterranean levels, the site reflects a fascinating blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art.

    Continue to the Serapeum of Alexandria for a 45-minute guided visit among the remains of this ancient temple complex, including the famous surviving column known as Pompey's Pillar. Next, explore the Roman Theater at Kom El-Deka during a 30-minute guided tour of one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Alexandria.

    Enjoy a one-hour lunch at a local restaurant before stopping for approximately 10 minutes to take photos outside the modern Library of Alexandria, an impressive tribute to the ancient center of learning.

    Your final visit is the Qaitbay Citadel, where you will spend approximately 75 minutes exploring the 15th-century fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The citadel was built on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria.

    After the tour, travel back to Cairo by private vehicle and be dropped off at your hotel.

Inclusions:

  • Private van transport between Cairo and Alexandria
  • Experienced experienced local guides for the listed guided visits; guide assignments may vary by destination, day or segment
  • Guided visits to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Serapeum, Roman Theater and Qaitbay Citadel
  • Lunch in Alexandria
  • Photo stop at the Library of Alexandria

Exclusions:

  • Gratuities for the guide and driver
  • Personal expenses
  • Any services not expressly listed in the itinerary

FAQs

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts with pickup in Cairo and ends with drop-off back in Cairo. Transport is by private van, with roughly three hours of travel each way.

How long is the tour?

This is a full-day experience lasting about 8 hours, including the round-trip van transfer between Cairo and Alexandria and all site visits.

Which sites are included?

You'll visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Serapeum of Alexandria, the Roman Theater at Kom El-Deka and Qaitbay Citadel, plus a photo stop at the Library of Alexandria.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A one-hour lunch stop in Alexandria is included in the itinerary.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, this is a private tour with your own van and an experienced local guide.

Will I have a guide?

Yes. An experienced local guide accompanies you for the guided visits to the catacombs, Serapeum, Roman Theater and Qaitbay Citadel.

Do we go inside the Library of Alexandria?

The itinerary includes a 10-minute photo stop at the Library of Alexandria rather than an interior visit.

How much time is spent traveling?

The van transfer is approximately three hours from Cairo to Alexandria and three hours back, so plan for a full day.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.