Tour Facts
Escape Cairo for a private day trip to Alexandria on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Discover the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel and the city's fascinating Greco-Roman heritage.
- Tour Name
- Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo Private Mediterranean Tour
- Duration
- 1 day
- Tour Type
- Leisure & Cultural
- Start Location
- Hotel
- End Location
- Hotel
- Guide Type
- English speaking Guide
- Transportation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
- Accommodation Category
- See the accommodation details for each pricing option
- Price from
- 160 USD per person
Destinations
Package starting prices
- Essentials
- 160 USD per person
- Signature
- 200 USD per person
- Luxury
- 270 USD per person
Tour Overview
Egypt
1 days
Hotel
Hotel
6+
Yes
Yes
English speaking Guide
Optional Lunch
Tour Style
Leisure & Cultural
Private
Fully Guided
Best For
- First-time visitors to Egypt
- Couples & Families
- Ancient civilization enthusiasts
- Travelers interested in Greek and Roman Egypt
- Travelers looking for a Mediterranean experience
- Visitors who want to explore beyond the pyramids
Explore the Journey
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Itinerary stops
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Tour Highlights
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Alexandria in a Day — The Mediterranean Capital
Tour OverviewEnjoy a private day trip from Cairo to Alexandria and discover the archaeological and cultural treasures of Egypt's Mediterranean coast. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience a different side of Egypt beyond the pyramids and ancient temples of Upper Egypt.Tour Details• Duration: Full Day • Departure: Cairo or Giza • Destination: Alexandria • Tour Type: Private • Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle • Guide: Private English-speaking Egyptologist • Meals: Optional lunch • Pickup: Cairo or Giza hotel • Return: Cairo or Giza hotel • Distance: Approximately 220 km from Cairo • Suitable For: Couples, families, first-time visitors, history lovers and repeat visitors to EgyptDetailed ItineraryMorning – Pickup from Cairo Your private driver and Egyptologist will meet you at your hotel in Cairo or Giza in the morning. Begin your journey north toward Alexandria. The drive takes you from Egypt's capital through the Nile Delta toward the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, your Egyptologist can introduce you to the history of Alexandria and explain why the city became such an important center of the ancient world.Alexandria – The Mediterranean Capital A City Founded by Alexander the Great Arrive in Alexandria and begin exploring this fascinating Mediterranean city. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and developed under the Ptolemaic dynasty into one of the greatest cities of the ancient Mediterranean. The city became famous for its intellectual and cultural achievements and was associated with two legendary monuments of the ancient world: • The Great Library of Alexandria • The Pharos Lighthouse Although these ancient monuments no longer survive in their original form, their legacy remains an important part of Alexandria's identity. Your Egyptologist will explain how Greek, Egyptian and later Roman influences shaped the city.Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Explore Alexandria's Underground Necropolis Your first archaeological stop is the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of Alexandria's most fascinating ancient sites. Discovered in the early 20th century, the underground complex contains tombs and chambers dating primarily to the Roman period. The site is particularly interesting because its architecture and decoration combine Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences. This mixture reflects the multicultural character of ancient Alexandria. What You Will Discover As you explore the catacombs, your Egyptologist will explain: • Ancient Egyptian funerary traditions • Greek influence on Alexandria • Roman-era Alexandria • Egyptian religious symbolism • Burial customs • The combination of different artistic traditions The decorations provide a fascinating example of how different cultures interacted in ancient Egypt.Pompey's Pillar One of Alexandria's Most Famous Ancient Landmarks Continue to Pompey's Pillar, one of Alexandria's best-known archaeological monuments. The enormous red granite column stands among the remains of the ancient Serapeum. Despite its traditional name, the column was not actually erected in honor of the Roman general Pompey. Your guide will explain the monument's real historical background and its relationship with the ancient city. The surrounding archaeological area also provides an opportunity to see remains of ancient Alexandria beyond the city's more famous coastal landmarks.Qaitbay Citadel Visit the Fortress Beside the Mediterranean Continue to the impressive Qaitbay Citadel, one of Alexandria's most recognizable landmarks. The fortress was constructed during the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay and occupies a strategic position on the Mediterranean shore. The location is traditionally associated with the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pharos Lighthouse The ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the most famous structures of the ancient world. It helped guide ships into Alexandria's harbor and became an enduring symbol of the city's importance. Although the lighthouse was eventually destroyed by earthquakes, the Qaitbay Citadel now occupies this historic waterfront location. Inside and around the fortress, enjoy views of the Mediterranean and Alexandria's coastline.Bibliotheca Alexandrina See the Modern Library of Alexandria Continue to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern cultural institution inspired by the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria. The contemporary building has become one of Alexandria's most recognizable landmarks. Your guide will explain the connection between the modern library and the ancient intellectual tradition that made Alexandria famous throughout the Mediterranean world. Depending on opening hours, ticket availability and your selected itinerary, an interior visit can be arranged as an optional addition.Alexandria Corniche Enjoy the Mediterranean Atmosphere Take a scenic drive along Alexandria's famous Corniche. Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea and experience the city's distinctive coastal atmosphere. The Corniche is one of the best places to appreciate the contrast between Alexandria's ancient history and its modern Mediterranean identity. Take photographs, enjoy the sea views and see some of the city's historic and modern neighborhoods.Optional Seafood Lunch Taste Alexandria's Mediterranean Cuisine Alexandria is famous for its seafood. You can enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant featuring fresh fish, seafood and Egyptian specialties. Vegetarian and other dietary preferences can be requested in advance. Your guide can recommend a restaurant according to your preferences and budget.Free Time in Alexandria Depending on your schedule, you may have some free time to enjoy the city, take photographs or experience the waterfront. Your private guide can also suggest additional stops if time permits.Optional ServicesEnhance your Alexandria day trip with optional services: • Seafood lunch • Bibliotheca Alexandrina interior visit • Additional archaeological sites • Private guide in another language • Professional photography assistance • Private vehicle upgrade • Additional free time in Alexandria • Special dietary arrangementsReturn to Cairo After completing your Alexandria sightseeing, begin the journey back to Cairo in your private air-conditioned vehicle. Relax during the drive back through the Nile Delta. Upon arrival in Cairo or Giza, you will be transferred directly to your hotel.The History of Alexandria Alexandria is unlike any other major destination in Egypt. While Cairo is famous for the pyramids and medieval Islamic heritage, and Luxor is famous for its pharaonic temples and tombs, Alexandria offers a fascinating combination of Mediterranean, Greek, Roman, Egyptian and modern Egyptian history. Ancient Alexandria Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria quickly became a major center of the Hellenistic world. Under the Ptolemaic dynasty, the city developed into a major political, commercial and intellectual center. Roman Alexandria After Egypt became part of the Roman world, Alexandria remained one of the Mediterranean's most important cities. The city's catacombs and archaeological remains provide evidence of this multicultural period. Medieval Alexandria The city's strategic Mediterranean location continued to make it important during the Islamic period. The construction of the Qaitbay Citadel reflects Alexandria's continued importance as a defensive and maritime center. Modern Alexandria Today, Alexandria remains one of Egypt's most important coastal cities. Its cafés, seafood restaurants, Corniche, beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere make it a popular destination for both Egyptians and international visitors.Suggested Tour ScheduleA typical schedule may look like: 06:30 — Cairo hotel pickup 06:30 — Desert Road to Alexandria Roughly 220 km 09:45 — Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa - 60 minutes. 11:00 — Pompey's Pillar - 40 minutes. 12:00 — Citadel of Qaitbay - 45 minutes 13:15 — Seafood lunch - 75 minutes. 16:15 — Bibliotheca Alexandrina - 45 minutes. 17:00 — Corniche drive and departure 20:00 – Hotel drop-off in Cairo around- Overnight:
- Your Hotel
- Meals:
- Optional Lunch
- Visit:
- Catacomb Pompy Pillar Qaitbay citadel
Arrival flight for Day 1
Book to land in time for the first day of the tour.
→ CAI · pick your date
Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights//cai//?adults=2&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&cabinbags=1&sortby=bestKayak: https://www.kayak.com/flights/-CAI/2adults?sort=bestflight_a&fs=cfc%3D1
Your Daily Details
Request your personalized itinerary for all 1 day of Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo Private Mediterranean Tour, a downloadable PDF brochure and a private My Egypt Journey page to contact your Explore Plus travel expert.
Pricing
Choose the package you want — the price updates and you can pay for it right away.
Essentials
$160 / per person
$105 per child
- Group departure
Signature
$200 / per person
$130 per child
- Small group (max 8)
Luxury
$270 / per person
$180 per child
- Private Guide & Driver
How much pay for Entrance Fees
Cost & Entrance Fees
- Catacombs el-ShoqafaEGP200US$4
- Pompey's PillarEGP200US$4
- Bibliotheca AlexandrinaEGP300US$6
- Citadel of QaitbayEGP200US$3
- Alexandria CornicheEGP00US$0
- Roman AmphitheatreEGP200US$4
- Graeco-Roman MuseumEGP400US$8
- Royal Jewellery MuseumEGP220US$5
Guest Brief
Important Entrance Fee Information
Prices and update date
Prices shown were last checked on 1 October 2026. Entrance fees are subject to change; please confirm current rates before your visit.
Visitor categories
Fees may differ for Egyptian and foreign visitors. Reduced rates may be available for children, students, or other eligible visitors.
Student discounts
Discounts are not available at every site. Eligibility and accepted student ID vary, so students should bring valid identification and confirm requirements with the ticket office.
Optional tombs and attractions
Some sites require separate tickets for special tombs or areas. These tickets may have limited availability and additional fees.
What the fee covers
Unless stated otherwise, listed prices cover site admission only. They do not include transportation, guide services, meals, or optional activities.
Payment and currency
Payment options vary by site. Bring a payment method accepted locally, and check whether card payment is available.
USD conversions
Dollar amounts are estimates for reference only. The amount charged in EGP may differ because exchange rates change.
Opening hours and access
Opening times, visitor routes, and access to individual areas may change without notice. Check with the site or your tour provider before travelling.
Best Time to Visit
Average weather in the places this tour visits — pick the month that suits you best.
Cairo & Giza
Best: October to AprilTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
Luxor
Best: October to MarchTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
Alexandria
Best: May to SeptemberTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
| Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza | 24°C (75°F) | 3.4 |
| Luxor | 28°C (82°F) | 0 |
| Alexandria | 29°C (84°F) | 0.4 |
Averages across the recommended months for each place.
Before You Travel to Egypt
A quick checklist for a smoother arrival and more comfortable sightseeing.
Choose the season that suits you
October to April is usually more comfortable for long sightseeing days. Summer can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so plan lighter schedules, shade and water breaks.
Check entry rules before you fly
Visa eligibility depends on your passport and can change. Confirm your requirements through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal or the nearest Egyptian embassy before travel.
Carry Egyptian Pounds
Cards are useful at many hotels and larger businesses, but small EGP notes are practical for tips, small purchases and everyday services.
Use sealed bottled water
Drink sealed bottled water and keep extra water with you during sightseeing, particularly on warm days and longer excursions.
Dress for heat and local customs
Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light layer are useful. Modest clothing is respectful at mosques, churches and traditional communities.
Know when to bargain
Friendly bargaining is common in bazaars and souks. Prices in fixed-price shops, hotels, restaurants and official ticket offices are generally not negotiated.
Distances from Cairo
How far the main destinations are from Cairo — road distance with typical drive time. Internal flights are shown where they save hours on the road.
| Destination | Km |
|---|---|
| Cairo | 0 km / 0 mi |
| Giza Pyramids | 25 km / 16 mi |
| Alexandria | 220 km / 137 mi |
| Luxor | 660 km / 410 mi |
Approximate road distances and times in normal traffic. Longer journeys may be reached by a short internal flight.
Select a city
Cairo
Cairo is the starting point for these distances.
Approximate distances and normal travel times from central Cairo.
Visa Requirements for Egypt
Type your nationality to see what you need, then follow the steps below.
No visa needed (7)
Enter with a valid passport (6+ months validity).
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Hong Kong, Macau
e-Visa or visa on arrival (61)
Apply online in advance (recommended) or obtain a visa on arrival if eligible. Current fees are shown on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, Albania
Special rules (1)
Israeli passport holders: free 15-day entry stamp for South Sinai only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, St Catherine) via Taba. For Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the Nile, a visa from an Egyptian embassy/consulate is required before travel.
UK, US and EU passport holders visiting only Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba receive a free entry stamp valid up to 15 days. Travel outside the permitted South Sinai area or a longer stay requires a visa.
Israel
Embassy visa required (17)
Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate before travel; allow 2–4 weeks.
Travellers holding a valid (and in some cases previously used) visa from the Schengen area, UK, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or Canada may obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Confirm with the official portal or your airline before travel.
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam
How to apply for an e-Visa
- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
- Apply on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg (about 7 business days) — or buy on arrival if eligible.
- Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport and return ticket.
- Show it at passport control on arrival in Egypt.
Rules can change — always confirm with the official portal or your Egyptian embassy before travel.
Daily Budget
Typical personal spending per person per day, on top of what the tour includes. Converted at today's rate (1 USD ≈ 48.5 EGP).
| Expense | USD | EGP |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal (koshary, falafel) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Sit-down restaurant meal | $8–$20 | 390–970 EGP |
| Bottled water & soft drinks (per day) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Coffee or fresh juice | $1.5–$4 | 75–195 EGP |
| Uber / taxi within the city | $3–$8 | 145–390 EGP |
| Tips for guides, drivers & staff (per day) | $5–$10 | 245–485 EGP |
| Souvenirs & small extras | $5–$20 | 245–970 EGP |
| Estimated daily total | $26.5–$70 | 1,285–3,395 EGP |
Tips for saving money
- Carry small Egyptian pound notes (5–50 EGP) for tips and toilets.
- Use Uber or Careem in Cairo and Alexandria — fixed prices, no haggling.
- Eat where locals eat: koshary and ta'ameya are tasty and cost little.
- Pay in EGP rather than USD — prices quoted in dollars are usually higher.
- Haggle politely in markets; start around half the first price.
- Buy water in supermarkets, not at monuments or hotels.
- Withdraw from bank ATMs (CIB, NBE, Banque Misr) for the best exchange rate.
Prices are typical estimates and vary by city and season.
Nights You Will Stay
Meals
Included
- Lunch: Optional Sea Food
Why Choose This Tour?
Top Attractions
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What's included & what's not
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Included (3/3)
What's Not Included
Additional Extras
Sound and light show
A Nile River dinner cruise
An optional lunch buffet
Good To Know
How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?+
What can I see on an Alexandria day trip?+
Is Alexandria a private tour from Cairo?+
Can I visit the Catacombs and Qaitbay Citadel?+
Is lunch included?+
Is Alexandria worth visiting as a day trip from Cairo?+
What does this Alexandria day tour include?+
What is the best time of year for this tour?+
Can families with children join this tour?+
Is this tour suitable for families and first-time visitors?+
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What sites or experiences does this tour cover? +
Do I need an ISIC Student Card in Egypt?+
Book Now — Pay Now
Signature package
$200 / per person · $130 / Children Under 12
$200 per adult
Offset your trip's carbon footprint and directly support Red Sea coral conservation & local Nubian artisan communities in Aswan.
Secure payment via PayPal
$200 / adults · $130 / children
Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).
Send Inquiry
About this tour
Additional information
Confirmation
You receive written confirmation by email once your booking is accepted, usually within 24 hours.
Documents
A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required. We advise on visas for Egypt and Jordan before travel.
Pick-up
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the tour city is included; we confirm your exact pick-up time the evening before.
Group size
Private departures run for your party only. Small-group departures are capped so everyone hears the guide.
Accessibility
Some archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and heat. Tell us about mobility needs and we adapt the pace.
Children
Family friendly. Child rates and car seats are available on request; infants usually travel free.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, modest clothing for religious sites and cash for tips.
Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in the tour price.
Cancellation & refund policy
30 days or more before departure
100% refund
15 – 29 days before departure
50% refund
14 days or less before departure
No refund
- • Cancellations must be sent in writing to explore@exploreplus.net; the date we receive your email is the cancellation date.
- • Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 working days.
- • Third-party costs already paid on your behalf (domestic flights, Nile cruise cabins, special-event tickets, visas) are non-refundable once issued.
- • Date changes requested 15 days or more before departure are free of charge, subject to availability; inside 14 days they are treated as a cancellation.
- • If we have to cancel your tour for reasons within our control, you receive a full refund or a free date change — your choice.
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