From Cairo: Overnight Trip to Alexandria

Traveling from Cairo to Alexandria for a two-day adventure can be a fantastic way to uncover Egypt’s Mediterranean charm without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. This tour, offered by Ramses Tours, promises a well-rounded experience of the city’s historic sites, scenic spots, and cultural gems. While it’s not a full-blown deep dive into every aspect of Alexandria, it hits many of the highlights and provides a good balance of guided exploration and free time.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? For starters, the knowledgeable guides make all the difference—they bring history alive with engaging stories and local insights. The sightseeing hits all the must-sees, from ancient Roman tombs to the legendary Lighthouse site, giving you a snapshot of Alexandria’s rich past and lively present. Plus, the scenic coastal views and beautiful gardens add a touch of relaxation and photo-worthy moments.

One potential drawback? The hotel accommodations and breakfast, according to some reviews, might not be top-tier—so if you’re very particular about your lodging, it’s worth considering. The tour’s value really shines if you’re keen to cover a lot in a short time, especially with the convenience of transportation and an expert guide.

This tour suits travelers who love a blend of history, culture, and scenic vistas, and those who prefer a structured day with everything arranged in advance. Whether you’re a history buff or just eager to see Alexandria’s highlights, this trip offers a practical way to maximize your time.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major historic sites and scenic spots
• Expert guides who share insightful stories and local knowledge
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning between sites
• Cost-effective for the value of sites visited and included services
• Potential hotel quality issues noted in some reviews, but generally acceptable
• Flexible booking options with pay-later and cancellation policies

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect on the Tour

This two-day journey from Cairo is designed for efficient sightseeing, and while it covers significant landmarks, it balances guided visits with free moments for personal exploration. You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle—crucial after the Egyptian heat—and benefit from the expertise of guides who are fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, Arabic, and Amharic.

Day One: Historic and Cultural Highlights
The adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup, typically in the morning, followed by a scenic drive to Alexandria. The first stop is the Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa, Egypt’s largest Roman cemetery, cut into rock and featuring three levels. This site’s multi-layered structure offers a glimpse into ancient burial practices, and guides like Mohamed, praised for his knowledge, make the experience engaging and informative. You’ll hear stories about Roman influences and local legends, making the underground tunnels come alive.

Next, the Roman Amphitheater offers a chance to see Alexandria’s archaeological sunken monuments, visible beneath the East harbor—an intriguing snapshot of submerged history. Afterward, you’ll pass by Pompays Pillar, a towering Egyptian relic, perfect for photos and understanding Egypt’s ancient grandeur.

Inside the Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the same site as the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, you’ll explore impressive fortress walls and courtyards. The guide’s inside knowledge makes the visit more meaningful, and the architecture provides fantastic photo opportunities.

The day wraps up with a visit to the Library of Alexandria, an iconic modern marvel. Here, you’ll see the statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I, along with the library’s reading halls, the President Sadat Museum, and the Alexandria Museum. According to reviews, guides like Yasser provide friendly, accessible commentary, making complex history understandable.

Day Two: Coastal Charm and Natural Beauty
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head to Abbo Elabbas Mosque for a quick exterior stop, then view the outside of Qaitbay Castle. The castle’s location on the site of the ancient lighthouse makes it especially photogenic, and it’s a symbol of Alexandria’s enduring maritime importance.

On the way to Montaza Palace and gardens, there’s a quick stop at the King of Mango—a local drive-thru known for fresh juice—and the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier, which offers a poignant photo opportunity. These quick stops add local flavor and allow you to soak in the everyday life of Alexandrians.

The scenic journey along the coast offers stunning views of the old harbor, where thousands of underwater monuments lie—an impressive reminder of Alexandria’s maritime significance. The Montaza Palace gardens provide a tranquil setting for strolling and photography, with lush greenery and sea views.

The return trip includes a pass over the Stanley Bridge, a symbol of modern Alexandria, before heading back to Cairo. The entire experience is designed for comfort and convenience, with air-conditioned transport and a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

The Authenticity and Value of the Tour

Given the reviews, the tour offers a solid overview of Alexandria’s most iconic sites, with many travelers appreciating the expert guidance and well-organized itinerary. Mohamed and Eman, mentioned explicitly, bring stories to life, making history accessible even for first-time visitors. The combination of ancient ruins, modern landmarks, and scenic coastal views creates a well-rounded experience.

The price tag of $220 per person includes hotel accommodation, entrance fees, transportation, and guided services. When you consider the sites covered—some of which are quite expansive—the cost provides good value, especially since all logistics are handled for you. However, some travelers noted that the hotel and breakfast could be better, so if quality lodging is a priority, you might want to explore upgrades or additional nights.

The flexibility of booking with a pay later option and the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance makes this a low-risk choice, especially if you’re trying to keep plans adaptable.

Why This Tour Works for Different Travelers

This trip is ideal for those who want a comprehensive introduction to Alexandria without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets. It suits history enthusiasts eager to see Roman, Greek, and Islamic sites, as well as travelers who love scenic coastal views and photo opportunities.

For solo travelers or small groups, the guided format offers personable interaction and expert insights, enriching your understanding of Egypt’s second city. If you’re pressed for time but want a taste of Alexandria’s highlights, this tour maximizes your limited schedule.

However, if you’re highly particular about hotel quality or prefer more personalized or independent exploration, you might find this tour’s accommodations less appealing. Also, those seeking a deep, immersive experience with extended free time might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This overnight tour from Cairo to Alexandria offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience many of the city’s most famous landmarks. It combines historical sites, scenic coastal views, and cultural insights, all delivered with the help of guides who are well-versed in local history and stories.

While the hotel quality might vary, the overall itinerary packs a lot into two days, making it a good choice for travelers wanting a structured, guided, and hassle-free visit. The inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and expert guides makes it a relatively affordable way to see Alexandria’s highlights in a short timeframe.

If your goal is to get a broad overview of Alexandria’s ancient and modern attractions—without the stress of planning every detail—this tour hits the mark. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes (flat and closed) and bring your camera for some unforgettable photos of historic sites, scenic gardens, and coastal vistas.

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FAQ

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?
The drive typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, making it a manageable day trip or overnight option.

Is hotel accommodation included in the tour price?
Yes, the package includes 1 night at a hotel in Alexandria on a bed & breakfast basis, which provides a convenient overnight resting spot.

Are entrance fees to all sites included?
All entrance fees to the mentioned sites are covered, so there are no surprise costs on the day of sightseeing.

What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable, flat, closed shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be exploring archaeological sites and outdoor landmarks.

Can I customize this tour or extend my stay?
This specific package is fixed, but you can usually add extra nights or sightseeing options directly with the provider.

Is the guide available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides can speak English, French, Arabic, and Amharic, accommodating diverse travelers.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
Spring and autumn tend to offer the best weather—warm but not too hot—ideal for outdoor sightseeing.

How flexible are the cancellation and booking policies?
You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In summary, this tour provides a well-organized, informative, and scenic snapshot of Alexandria from Cairo. It’s especially suited for travelers looking to enjoy Egypt’s Mediterranean side without the hassle of detailed planning, and who appreciate the stories and sights that make Alexandria a city of layers and legends.

You can check availability for your dates here: