Over Day Trip to Alexandria from Cairo

If you’re visiting Egypt and want to add a splash of coastal charm and ancient marvels to your itinerary, a day trip to Alexandria is a fantastic choice. This tour, offered by Travel2Egypt, promises an 11-hour journey through some of the city’s most iconic sites, guided by knowledgeable experts and complemented by excellent logistics.

What sets this experience apart? First, the well-planned itinerary covers everything from ancient tombs to Roman monuments, giving you a broad taste of Alexandria’s diverse history. Second, comfortable transportation with pickup and drop-off from your Cairo hotel simplifies logistics, letting you focus on exploring instead of organizing. Third, the local seafood lunch at San Giovanni offers a delicious break that truly immerses you in local flavors.

A potential consideration? The tour’s visit to the Greco-Roman Museum and Amphitheater involves additional entrance fees—so, if you’re a museum buff or history enthusiast, be prepared for extra costs. The tour works best for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and relaxed, guided experiences, especially those with a day to spare in Cairo.

Who is this tour perfect for?

If you’re keen to see Alexandria’s highlights without the hassle of planning, this tour offers a balance of history, scenery, and local cuisine in one compelling package. It’s also ideal for those who prefer guided tours that handle logistics and provide insightful commentary—plus, the positive reviews suggest guides are passionate and well-informed.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: Private, air-conditioned vehicles make for a smooth journey from Cairo to Alexandria and back.
• Expert Guides: Guides are highly rated for their knowledge and enthusiasm, enhancing your understanding of each site.
• Full Day Experience: The tour packs multiple key landmarks into a single day, ideal for travelers short on time.
• Authentic Food: Enjoy a seafood lunch at San Giovanni, adding local flavor to your experience.
• Flexible Booking: Confirmations are quick, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before adds peace of mind.
• Additional Fees: Entry to some sites like the Greco-Roman Museum and Amphitheater isn’t included, so budget accordingly.

A Detailed Look at the Alexandria Day Trip

Starting early from Cairo

The adventure kicks off at 7:00 am, with pickup from your Cairo hotel. The private transfer takes you directly to Alexandria, a scenic drive that allows you to relax and enjoy the anticipation of what’s ahead. The journey takes roughly 3 hours, giving you a chance to watch the Egyptian countryside turn into coastal scenery.

The first stop: Alexandria’s historic core

Once in Alexandria, you’ll have about three hours to explore. The tour includes a delectable seafood lunch at San Giovanni, a seaside restaurant famous for its fresh catch—and definitely a highlight for food lovers. Reviewers mention that the lunch is a relaxing break with authentic flavors, providing a taste of local life away from the busy streets.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa

Next, you descend into the Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa, a 2nd-century burial site. The underground tunnels are a marvel of ancient craftsmanship, decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. Reviewers note that the experience is both fascinating and a little haunting, offering a rare glimpse into early Christian and Greco-Roman burial practices.

The guided commentary enriches the visit, with guides sharing stories behind the carvings and the site’s history. The admission fee is included, so there’s no extra cost here. Expect about 50 minutes at this site, enough to marvel at the carvings and soak in the atmosphere.

Pompey’s Pillar

From there, you head to Pompey’s Pillar, a monumental Roman column erected in the late 3rd century AD. Despite its name, Pompey’s Pillar isn’t a tomb of Pompey but a triumphal monument honoring Roman emperors. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase inside for panoramic views of Alexandria, a favorite feature among reviewers.

The site also hosts a small museum with artifacts from Roman and Greco-Roman times. The admission fee is included, and the visit lasts about 45 minutes. Reviewers frequently comment on the impressive scale of the pillar and the engaging stories their guides share.

The Greco-Roman Museum

The next stop is the Greco-Roman Museum, a treasure trove of mosaics, sculptures, and artifacts from Egypt’s Hellenistic and Roman periods. This is an optional visit—admission fees are not included—so consider budgeting extra if you’re a history enthusiast.

Travelers have described this museum as a highlight, with detailed exhibits that vividly bring the ancient world to life. Expect around 1.5 hours exploring the mosaics and learning about customs from thousands of years ago. Guides provide insightful commentary that enhances your understanding of the artifacts’ significance.

The Roman Amphitheater

Finally, you’ll visit the Ancient Roman Amphitheater, an impressive relic from the Greco-Roman era. Historically used for gladiatorial combat and performances, it offers a tangible connection to ancient entertainment.

The admission fee is not included, but the site is worth a quick visit to soak in its scale and imagine the lively events that once took place there. The 45-minute stop is a fitting conclusion to a day filled with history.

Practical Details and Insights

Transportation and Timing

Travel2Egypt provides private, air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, making the journey comfortable and efficient. The tour is designed for ease, with pickup and drop-off from your hotel, minimizing stress and maximizing sightseeing time.

Starting early at 7:00 am, the schedule is tight but well-paced. The total duration of 11.5 hours balances sightseeing with enough time to relax, including the seafood lunch and breaks.

Cost and Value

At $99 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the number of sites visited and the included entrance fees for key attractions. The seamless logistics and guided commentary provide extra value—you’re not just sightseeing but gaining meaningful insights into Alexandria’s layered history.

While the Greco-Roman Museum and Amphitheater have additional fees, reviews suggest the overall experience is worth the extra expense, especially for history buffs eager to see more.

What Reviewers Love

Multiple travelers mention the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides, with one reviewer noting guides are passionate and leave visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the sites. Others highlight the stunning views, especially from Pompey’s Pillar, and the delicious seafood lunch that breaks up the day with authentic flavors.

Some have appreciated the seamless organization, praising the company’s attention to detail from airport transfers to site visits. Their reviews also reveal a sense of relaxed enjoyment, with many feeling like VIPs during the day.

Considerations

Travelers should note that entrance fees to the Greco-Roman Museum and Amphitheater are not included; budgeting an extra $10 to $20 for these is wise. Also, since the schedule is packed, those seeking a leisurely, unhurried day might find it a bit tight.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is best suited for history enthusiasts keen to cover multiple landmarks in a single day. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer guided tours that handle logistics and insights, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience.

If you’re looking for an easy, hassle-free way to see Alexandria’s top sights without worrying about transportation or planning, this tour delivers. It’s equally appealing to those who appreciate good food, scenic views, and engaging guides.

Final Thoughts

This Alexandria day trip offers an excellent way to explore the city’s most famous attractions while enjoying the comfort of private transportation and expert guidance. The balance of historical sites, authentic food, and scenic viewpoints makes it a compelling choice for those short on time but eager to experience the city’s essence.

The inclusion of a seafood lunch at San Giovanni adds a local flavor that many reviews highlight as a memorable part of the day. The guides’ passion and knowledge shine through, making even lesser-known sites like Pompey’s Pillar engaging and informative.

While extra entrance fees for some sites are an additional cost, the overall value remains high, especially given the carefully curated itinerary and positive traveler feedback. Whether you’re a history lover or a curious traveler wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Alexandria, this tour provides a well-rounded, memorable day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Cairo hotel, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?
The journey takes approximately 3 hours each way, allowing enough time for sightseeing upon arrival.

Are entrance fees included?
Entry to the Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa and Pompey’s Pillar is included. However, fees for the Greco-Roman Museum and Amphitheater are not included.

What is the typical duration at each site?
You’ll spend about 50 minutes at the Catacombs, 45 minutes at Pompey’s Pillar, 1.5 hours at the Greco-Roman Museum (optional), and 45 minutes at the Amphitheater.

Is lunch included?
No, but a delectable seafood lunch at San Giovanni is part of the itinerary, highly praised by past travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Most travelers find it suitable, especially as it involves walking and site visits. Always check if children are comfortable with the sites involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are recommended. A bottle of water is provided, but extra hydration is advisable.

Is there free time during the tour?
The schedule is quite full, but guides provide insights to keep the experience engaging. You’ll have enough time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed.

This day trip to Alexandria offers a blend of history, scenery, and local flavor in one well-organized package. If you’re eager to see the highlights of Egypt’s coastal city without the hassle of planning, it’s a fantastic choice.