Alexandria Day Trip: Catacombs, Citadel & Lunch from Cairo

Summary

Walk Roman ruins, descend catacombs, taste Alexandria’s coast

You’ll travel from Cairo to Alexandria with a local guide, exploring ancient amphitheaters and descending into mysterious catacombs before tasting fresh seafood by the harbor. Expect laughter, unexpected details, and moments where history feels close enough to touch.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing in Alexandria’s Roman amphitheater. We’d left Cairo early—still half-asleep when our guide, Hany, knocked on the van window with a grin and a paper cup of cardamom coffee. The drive was longer than I thought (maybe three hours?), but watching the Nile delta fields drift by made it feel like a slow reveal. By the time we reached Kom El-Deka, the air had that salty tang you only get by the sea.

Hany led us over cracked marble steps where you could still see old mosaic tiles peeking out—he said they used to throw parties here for hundreds of people. I tried to imagine that echoing laughter. The catacombs at Kom el Shoqafa were colder than I expected; damp stone walls and this faint smell of earth and something older. My shoes squeaked embarrassingly on the steps down, which made a couple of locals laugh (I laughed too). Hany pointed out carvings mixing Greek curls with Egyptian gods—he called it “a mashup before mashups existed.”

Pompey’s Pillar looked taller up close than in photos. It just sort of rises out of nowhere, surrounded by stray cats and school kids on field trips. Lunch was at this noisy spot near the port—fresh fish grilled with cumin, bread that flaked apart in my hands. I’m still thinking about that lemony tahini sauce. Afterward we stopped at the Library for photos (it’s huge), then walked along Qaitbay Citadel as seagulls screamed overhead and the wind whipped around us. There’s something about seeing where the old lighthouse stood that makes history feel less distant—even if you’re squinting through sea spray.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Alexandria day trip from Cairo

• Pick up from Cairo hotel
• Stop for coffee and restroom break
• Explore Roman amphitheater at Kom El-Deka
• Tour Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
• Visit Pompey's Pillar
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant
• Photo stop at Library of Alexandria
• Stroll along Qaitbay Citadel
• Return to Cairo hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Cairo to Alexandria?

The tour lasts one full day including pickup and drop-off times; travel between Cairo and Alexandria takes about 3 hours each way depending on traffic.

Is lunch included in this Alexandria day trip?

Yes, a seafood lunch at a local restaurant is included as part of your day trip experience.

What sites are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Kom El-Deka Roman Amphitheatre, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Library of Alexandria (photo stop), and Qaitbay Citadel.

Are entry fees covered in the booking?

If you book the option with entrance fees included, all site admissions are covered in your package.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cairo or Giza is included.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Who leads the Alexandria day trip?

An Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout your visit to provide context and answer questions.

Can I be picked up from Alexandria Port instead?

Pickup from Alexandria Port is available if you select that option when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairo or Giza (or Alexandria Port if selected), transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water for comfort on the road, entry fees if booked with that option, a guided walk through every major site with an Egyptologist guide who actually knows their stuff—and somewhere in there you’ll sit down for a proper seafood lunch before heading back as dusk creeps in.