Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo: Citadel & Catacombs

Two thousand years of empires in one day on the Mediterranean coast

A guided day tour from Cairo to Alexandria covers the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa (a three-level Roman burial site blending Egyptian, Greek and Roman art), and the Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the site of one of the ancient world's seven wonders. The tour includes a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language; air-conditioned transport; entrance fees; and a bottle of water. The full day runs 10 to 12 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Alexandria's historic sites

• Visit Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• Tour Citadel of Qaitbay
• Photo stop at Roman Emperor Diocletian monument
• Visit the modern Library of Alexandria
• See Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

The Experience

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are the largest Roman burial complex in Egypt, carved three levels deep into the rock. What makes them unusual is how the layers of time show in the stone itself: the carvings and reliefs mix Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles because they were built during a period when all three cultures shaped Alexandria at once. You walk through chambers where that blend is visible in every detail.

The Citadel of Qaitbay stands on the harbor where the Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) once stood. The fortress itself is a 15th-century structure built from the same limestone, and it's a major photo stop with views across the Mediterranean. The tour also includes Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the oldest church in Africa and the historical seat of the Pope of Alexandria, plus the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern revival of the ancient library, now holding 8 million books. A monument to Diocletian rounds out the stops.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language and travels with you in an air-conditioned vehicle. Hotel pickup from Cairo is included, along with entrance fees to the sites and a bottle of water. You can arrange lunch at a local restaurant separately if you want to eat during the day.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport from Cairo.
• live guide in your chosen language.
• entrance fees to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Citadel of Qaitbay.
• visits to Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Diocletian monument.
• bottle of water.
• hotel pickup and return.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by we tours

Is this one for you?The 10- to 12-hour commitment means you leave Cairo early and return late, so this works best if you have a full day free and don't need time for other activities. If you prefer a shorter outing or want to explore other parts of Cairo the same day, a half-day option would suit you better.

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Top questions

What is the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa like to walk through?

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are carved three levels deep into rock and show a rare blend of Egyptian, Greek and Roman art in the same chambers, because they were built when all three cultures shaped Alexandria together. The scale is large (it's the biggest Roman burial complex in Egypt), and the cultural layers are visible in the carvings and reliefs throughout.

How long does the full tour take from Cairo?

The tour runs 10 to 12 hours total, which includes the drive from Cairo, time at each site and the return journey. Hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the booking.

What's included in the price?

Entrance fees to all sites, air-conditioned transport, a live guide, and a bottle of water are included. Hotel pickup from Cairo is also part of the tour. Lunch at a local restaurant can be added separately.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Public transportation options are available near the sites if needed.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language, depending on the option you choose at checkout.