Discover three of Alexandria's most fascinating landmarks on one private tour: the underground Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the monumental Pompey's Pillar at the ancient Serapeum, and the medieval Qaitbay Citadel on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse.
Alexandria's Ancient Wonders – Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar & Qaitbay Citadel
Discover three of the most fascinating landmarks in Alexandria, Egypt, on a private historical sightseeing experience through the city's ancient, Roman and Islamic heritage.
This tour combines the mysterious Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the monumental Pompey's Pillar, and the spectacular Qaitbay Citadel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Together, these attractions reveal three very different chapters of Alexandria's history—from underground Greco-Roman burial traditions to Roman monumental architecture and the medieval Islamic fortress built on the legendary site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse.
A private guide allows you to explore each site at your own pace while learning about the civilizations that shaped Alexandria.
The Catacombs of Kom El ShoqafaDiscover Alexandria's Underground Necropolis
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are among Alexandria's most remarkable archaeological sites.
Located beneath the modern city, this underground necropolis combines Egyptian, Greek and Roman artistic and funerary traditions, reflecting the multicultural character of ancient Alexandria.
The name Kom El Shoqafa can be translated approximately as "Mound of Shards," referring to the large quantity of pottery fragments that were historically found at the site.
The catacombs date primarily to the Roman period and provide a fascinating insight into ancient burial customs.
A Unique Blend of Cultures One of the most interesting features of the catacombs is the combination of different artistic traditions.
Visitors can see elements inspired by:
• Ancient Egyptian religion
• Greek art
• Roman architecture
• Egyptian funerary traditions
• Greco-Roman symbolism
This mixture reflects Alexandria's unique position as a major Mediterranean city where different cultures and traditions met.
The Underground ChambersThe catacombs extend underground through a series of chambers, corridors and burial spaces.
The complex includes architectural features associated with ancient funerary practices, including:
• Burial chambers
• Carved decorations
• Stone sarcophagi
• Funerary niches
• Underground passages
• Religious symbolism
Your private guide can explain the purpose of the different sections and how ancient Alexandrians approached death and burial.
The Main Tomb One of the most impressive areas is the principal decorated burial chamber.
The decoration combines Egyptian-style imagery with Greco-Roman artistic influences.
This unusual combination makes the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa particularly important for understanding Alexandria's multicultural identity.
Pompey's PillarA Monumental Roman Column in Ancient Alexandria
After exploring the underground world of Kom El Shoqafa, continue to Pompey's Pillar, one of Alexandria's most recognizable ancient monuments.
The enormous red-granite column stands on the ancient site of the Serapeum, a major religious complex dedicated to the god Serapis.
Despite its traditional name, Pompey's Pillar is not actually associated with the Roman general Pompey.
The column was erected during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, around the late 3rd century AD.
The Story Behind the NameThe name "Pompey's Pillar" developed through later historical traditions and associations with Pompey.
However, the surviving monument is generally understood to have been erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian.
Your Egyptologist can explain the history behind the name and the monument's actual Roman context.
The Serapeum of AlexandriaPompey's Pillar originally stood within or near the Serapeum, one of ancient Alexandria's most important religious complexes.
The Serapeum was dedicated to Serapis, a deity associated with the religious traditions of the Hellenistic and Roman periods in Egypt.
The site demonstrates how Alexandria's religious traditions evolved as Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures interacted.
The Granite ColumnThe column is impressive not only for its height but also for the enormous single piece of granite from which the shaft was made.
The stone reflects the remarkable transportation and engineering capabilities of the ancient world.
Standing beside the column gives visitors a sense of the scale of Alexandria's ancient monuments.
Qaitbay CitadelThe Medieval Fortress on Alexandria's Mediterranean Coast
The final major stop is Qaitbay Citadel, one of Alexandria's most famous landmarks.
Built in the 15th century by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, the fortress was constructed as part of Egypt's defensive system along the Mediterranean coast.
Its location is particularly significant because it stands on the site traditionally associated with the ancient Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Built on the Site of the Ancient LighthouseThe ancient Pharos Lighthouse once stood on Alexandria's eastern harbor and was one of the most famous structures of the ancient world.
Although the lighthouse no longer survives, its location became associated with the later Qaitbay Citadel.
The fortress therefore connects two extraordinary chapters of Alexandria's history:
Ancient Alexandria → Medieval Alexandria
Inside Qaitbay CitadelThe fortress features impressive defensive architecture designed to protect Alexandria from attacks by sea.
Visitors can explore:
• Massive stone walls
• Defensive towers
• Courtyards
• Interior chambers
• Fortress architecture
• Views over the Mediterranean
• Alexandria's Eastern Harbour
The upper sections of the citadel provide excellent opportunities for photographs overlooking the sea.
Alexandria's Mediterranean LandscapeQaitbay Citadel offers one of the most scenic experiences in Alexandria.
From the fortress, visitors can look across the Mediterranean and appreciate the city's connection with the sea.
The waterfront setting makes the citadel particularly attractive for travelers interested in photography and architecture.
Three Periods of Alexandria in One TourThis private attraction tour is particularly interesting because the three sites represent different periods of Alexandria's history.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Roman Alexandria → Explore the city's multicultural underground funerary traditions.
Pompey's Pillar
Roman & Hellenistic Alexandria → Discover the monumental religious architecture associated with the ancient Serapeum.
Qaitbay Citadel
Medieval Islamic Alexandria → Explore the fortress built centuries later on the site traditionally associated with the ancient Pharos Lighthouse.
What Can You See?Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
• Underground burial chambers
• Egyptian-Greek-Roman artistic influences
• Funerary architecture
• Ancient sarcophagi
• Religious imagery
Pompey's Pillar
• Monumental granite column
• Ancient Serapeum area
• Roman archaeological remains
• Ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman history
Qaitbay Citadel
• Medieval fortress
• Defensive walls
• Interior chambers
• Mediterranean views
• Alexandria's Eastern Harbour
• Location associated with the ancient Pharos Lighthouse
Why Visit These Three Alexandria Attractions?These three sites offer a compact introduction to Alexandria's extraordinary history.
Rather than visiting only one period, you can experience the city through several historical layers.
The tour reveals:
• Ancient Egyptian traditions
• Greek influence
• Roman Alexandria
• Early Christian-era history
• Medieval Islamic architecture
• Alexandria's Mediterranean heritage
This makes the experience ideal for travelers visiting Alexandria for the first time.
Recommended Private Alexandria ItineraryMorning Pickup
Private pickup from your Cairo or Alexandria hotel.
Stop 1 – Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Explore the underground necropolis and discover the unique combination of Egyptian, Greek and Roman traditions.
Stop 2 – Pompey's Pillar Continue to the ancient Serapeum area and see the enormous Roman-era granite column.
Lunch Enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant, with seafood or traditional Egyptian cuisine available depending on your preference.
Stop 3 – Qaitbay Citadel Visit the medieval fortress overlooking the Mediterranean and learn about its connection to the ancient Pharos Lighthouse.
Return Private transfer back to your hotel in Alexandria or Cairo, depending on your selected itinerary.
Optional Alexandria Attractions If you have additional time, the tour can be extended to include other Alexandria highlights such as:
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Montaza Palace and Gardens
• Alexandria Corniche
• Stanley Bridge
• Local seafood restaurants
• Additional archaeological sites
The exact itinerary can be customized according to opening hours, site access and your available time.
Private Tour ExperienceTraveling privately gives you the flexibility to explore Alexandria at your own pace.
Your professional guide can explain:
• The history of Alexandria
• The Ptolemaic period
• Roman Alexandria
• Ancient burial traditions
• The Serapeum
• Emperor Diocletian
• The history of the Pharos Lighthouse
• Medieval Islamic architecture
• Sultan Qaitbay
• Alexandria's role as a Mediterranean city
Private transportation makes the journey comfortable, particularly for travelers making the trip from Cairo.
Who Is This Tour Best For?This Alexandria sightseeing experience is ideal for:
• First-time visitors to Alexandria
• History enthusiasts
• Archaeology lovers
• Families
• Couples
• Cruise passengers
• Private Egypt tour travelers
• Travelers staying in Cairo
• Photography enthusiasts
• Travelers interested in Roman history
• Travelers interested in medieval Islamic architecture
Alexandria Tour Highlights • Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
• Discover Alexandria's underground necropolis
• See the unique Egyptian, Greek and Roman artistic influences
• Visit Pompey's Pillar
• Explore the ancient Serapeum area
• Learn the real story behind Pompey's Pillar
• Visit Qaitbay Citadel
• Explore a medieval fortress overlooking the Mediterranean
• Discover the connection with the ancient Pharos Lighthouse
• Enjoy spectacular sea views
• Travel with a private professional guide
• Customize the Alexandria itinerary
Practical InformationTransportation
Private air-conditioned transportation can be arranged from your Cairo or Alexandria hotel.
Guide: An English-speaking Egyptologist or professional guide can accompany the tour. Other languages can be arranged upon request, subject to availability and additional cost.
Duration: The three attractions can be visited as a full-day private Alexandria tour. Travel time from Cairo makes the overall day longer when departing from Cairo.
Lunch: Lunch can be arranged as an optional addition, including local Egyptian or Alexandria-style seafood cuisine.
Entrance Tickets: Entrance fees are dependent on the current official ticket prices and site access. Tickets to the individual monuments can be included according to the selected tour package.
Accessibility: The Catacombs involve underground areas, stairs and uneven surfaces. Travelers with mobility concerns should discuss requirements before booking.
Why Choose a Private Alexandria Tour?With a private tour, you can:
• Travel directly from Cairo or Alexandria
• Choose your preferred departure time
• Explore at your own pace
• Spend additional time at the sites you enjoy
• Ask your Egyptologist questions
• Stop for photographs
• Add lunch
• Add the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Add Montaza Palace
• Customize the itinerary
Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar & Qaitbay Citadel with Explore Plus HolidaysExperience three extraordinary landmarks that tell the story of Alexandria across centuries.
Descend beneath the city at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, discover the monumental Roman heritage of Pompey's Pillar, and explore the medieval Qaitbay Citadel overlooking the Mediterranean.
Together, these attractions provide an unforgettable introduction to Alexandria's multicultural history.
Book Your Private Alexandria TourDiscover Alexandria's ancient underground tombs, Roman monuments and medieval fortress on one fascinating private experience.
Book your private Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar & Qaitbay Citadel tour with Explore Plus Holidays and discover the Mediterranean capital of Egypt through its most remarkable historical landmarks.
Good To Know
What are the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa?+
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are an ancient underground necropolis in Alexandria combining Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic traditions.
What is Pompey''s Pillar?+
Pompey''s Pillar is a massive ancient granite column in Alexandria and one of the city''s most recognizable Roman-era monuments.
What is Qaitbay Citadel famous for?+
Qaitbay Citadel is a historic fortress on Alexandria''s Mediterranean waterfront. It was built in the 15th century and is traditionally associated with the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse.
How long does an Alexandria sightseeing tour take?+
A full-day Alexandria tour is usually recommended to comfortably visit the major archaeological and coastal attractions.
What is the best time to visit Alexandria?+
Spring, autumn, and winter offer comfortable temperatures for walking and sightseeing.
Can I visit these attractions on a private Alexandria tour from Cairo?+
Yes. Private day trips from Cairo to Alexandria can include the Catacombs, Pompey''s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and other landmarks.
Pick a tour, choose your date, pay a 20% deposit.