Alexandria day tour from Cairo: Citadel, Catacombs & Library

Greco-Roman tombs, an Ottoman fortress on the Mediterranean, and a modern library built where the ancient one stood

A private day tour from Cairo to Alexandria with a professional Egyptologist guide, visiting the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Citadel of Qaitbay, and the modern Library of Alexandria. You'll see where Pharaonic and Greco-Roman art blend in the decorated tombs, stand at a fortress built on the site of the ancient lighthouse, and explore a contemporary cultural complex overlooking the coast. Hotel pickup and private air-conditioned transport are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa1h · entry included
2. Citadel of Qaitbay1h · entry included

Explore Alexandria's main attractions

• Visit Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• See Pompey’s Pillar
• Enjoy local food or seafood lunch
• Visit Qaitbay Citadel
• Tour modern Library of Alexandria

The experience

The tour starts at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, where the decoration of the tombs shows the blend of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman art that marks Alexandria's history. From there you move to Pompey's Pillar, a column built in honor of Emperor Diocletian that stands about 27 meters high with pink granite sphinx statues at its base, reachable by underground staircase. Your Egyptologist guide explains why the site carries its name and what each element reveals about the city's past.

Next comes the Citadel of Qaitbay, an Ottoman fortress built on the spot where the Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. The fortress overlooks the Mediterranean, and the location itself carries the weight of that history: the ancient lighthouse that guided ships for centuries gave way to this 15th-century stronghold. You'll have time to walk the fortress and take in the sea views. Lunch follows, and you choose between local Alexandrian street food (falafel, foul, liver sandwich, and the city's famous Azza ice cream) or a seafood meal at a restaurant, depending on which option you select at checkout.

The tour ends at the modern Library of Alexandria, a cultural complex built as a successor to the ancient library that once made the city the intellectual center of the Mediterranean world. On Fridays, when the library may be closed to entry, you'll see it from outside with a panoramic view instead. Your guide then returns you to your hotel in Cairo. The whole day runs 8 to 10 hours with all transport in a private air-conditioned car, a bottle of water, and a professional guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one of three other languages.

What’s included

• Professional Egyptologist guide in your choice of language.
• private air-conditioned car for all transfers between Cairo and Alexandria and between sites.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo.
• bottle of water.
• entrance fees to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Citadel of Qaitbay, and the modern Library of Alexandria (when open).
• lunch at a local restaurant or street food experience (depending on your selected option).
• all taxes and charges.
• tourist permit.

Options for this experience

3 options

Car and expert guide onlyGuide in 7 languages · 06:00, 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00Car and expert guide only, with pickup included

Modern car and guide, all tickets includedGuide in 7 languages · 06:00, 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00Pickup is included

Alexandria tour plus food tourGuide in 7 languages · 06:00, 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00During the tour, you will sample Alexandria's most famous local foods and desserts. History and culture! Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Explore Egypt tours

Is this one for you?Choose the guide-only option if you want to arrange your own meals and skip some sites, or pick the all-tickets option to have entry fees covered and lunch included so nothing slows the day down. The food tour option lets you sample local Alexandrian specialties instead of a sit-down meal, which suits travelers who want to taste the city rather than sit through a long lunch.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and why is it worth seeing?

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are underground tombs where Pharaonic and Greco-Roman art styles blend in the decoration, showing how Alexandria's cultures mixed during the Greco-Roman period. The site is one of the most famous attractions in the city and marks the beginning of the tour.

Can I choose what to eat for lunch on this tour?

Yes. You can select either local Alexandrian street food (including falafel, foul, liver sandwich, and the city's famous Azza ice cream), or a seafood meal at a restaurant. The choice depends on which tour option you book at checkout.

What is the Citadel of Qaitbay and where is it located?

The Citadel of Qaitbay is an Ottoman fortress built in the 15th century on the exact spot where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the main stops on the tour.

Is the modern Library of Alexandria always open to visitors on this tour?

The library is open to entry on most days, but if you visit on a Friday, it may be closed and you'll see it from outside with a panoramic view instead. Entrance is included when the library is open, depending on which option you select.

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria, and what kind of vehicle is used?

The full tour runs 8 to 10 hours including all stops and travel. Transport is by private air-conditioned car with hotel pickup and drop-off included, so you don't arrange your own transportation to or from Cairo.