What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup in Cairo, private deluxe car transport, entrance fees to Pompey's Pillar, Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Qaitbay Citadel, a professional guide, and lunch at a seaside restaurant.

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

Approximately 3.5–4 hours each way, depending on traffic. The full tour is 10 hours, including driving time and site visits.

Are the Catacombs accessible for people with mobility issues?

No. The Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa require descending narrow stone staircases and passages, making them unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with severe mobility constraints.

What makes the Catacombs unique?

They're a rare blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman burial traditions, with three subterranean levels featuring frescoes, statues of gods in Roman armour (dating to the 2nd century A.D.), and stone benches (triclinium) where families feasted to honour the dead.

Is lunch included, and can dietary requirements be met?

Yes, lunch at a waterfront restaurant is included. Inform your tour operator of dietary restrictions or allergies when booking so they can arrange with the restaurant in advance.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a light jacket for air-conditioned car and restaurant. Modest clothing is respectful at religious and historic sites.

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Platinum Full-Day Adventure: Uncover the Historic Wonders of Alexandria from Cairo

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Cairo, Egypt

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About this activity

Discover Alexandria's Greco-Roman and Islamic heritage on this 10-hour private tour from Cairo, visiting monumental sites like Pompey's Pillar, the haunting multilevel Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, and the strategic Qaitbay Citadel overlooking the Mediterranean.

At 7:00 Am will be meeting your guide at your hotel or meeting point and will move by private deluxe car to Alexandria. Start your trip by visiting Pompey's Pillar, followed by a visit to the mysterious Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa. These ancient tombs are divided into three levels, containing the Triclinium, where relatives used to sit on stone benches to feast in honor of the dead. Inside the catacombs, there are statues of Sobec and Anubis wearing Roman armor dating back to the 2nd century A.D. Then visit Elshawary, the Alexandria Library.

You will also visit Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria, considered one of the most important defensive strongholds, not only in Egypt but also along the Mediterranean Sea coast. It formulated an important part of the fortification system of Alexandria in the 15th century AD. You will have your lunch at a famous restaurant in front of the sea. after finishing your lunch will return back to Cairo.

Highlights

✓Pompey's Pillar – iconic 27-metre granite monument from the 3rd century
✓Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa – three-level burial chambers blending Egyptian and Greco-Roman art
✓Statues of Sobek and Anubis in Roman military dress (2nd century A.D.)
✓Bibliotheca Alexandrina – modern homage to the ancient Great Library
✓Qaitbay Citadel – 15th-century fortress and Mediterranean defensive landmark
✓Seaside lunch at a waterfront restaurant with views

Insider tips

★The Catacombs are coolest in early morning; arrive early to beat crowds and heat
★Wear comfortable walking shoes – the citadel involves steep stone staircases and uneven terrain
★Bring sunscreen and a hat; there's limited shade at open-air monuments
★Ask your guide about the syncretic Roman-Egyptian iconography in the Catacombs – it's the key to understanding Alexandria's cultural crossroads

Good to know

•Hotel pickup at 7:00 AM from Cairo; confirm meeting point when booking
•Private deluxe car included; suitable for 1–4 passengers
•Lunch at a seaside restaurant is included; dietary requirements should be pre-arranged
•Catacombs involve descending narrow stone passages – not ideal for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia
•Alexandria is 225 km north of Cairo; total travel time ~3.5–4 hours round-trip

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiastsCouples seeking a day trip with cultural depthPrivate-tour seekers wanting personalised pacingFirst-time Egypt visitors wanting Greco-Roman and Islamic heritage outside Cairo

Best time to visit

Visit October–April for cooler weather and lower humidity; morning departure at 7:00 AM ensures you explore outdoor sites before midday heat peaks. Avoid summer (June–August) when temperatures exceed 30°C and can make walking uncomfortable.