Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo: Catacombs, Citadel & Local Lunch

Summary

Alexandria’s ancient echoes, seaside walks and real Egyptian flavors

You’ll feel Alexandria come alive—from echoing catacombs beneath your feet to breezy walks along Qaitbay Citadel’s walls and lunch where locals gather. Expect moments of quiet awe inside mosques and laughter over strong tea—with all travel sorted from Cairo so you can just take it in.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always pictured Alexandria as just another old city by the sea, but I was wrong. The drive from Cairo (yeah, it’s long—bring snacks) gave me time to watch the desert blur into something softer, almost blue-green as we got closer. Our guide, Ahmed, kept pointing out things I’d have missed: a fisherman waving from a battered boat, the way the air shifts when you hit the coast. I remember rolling down the window near the Corniche and getting this salty breeze mixed with car exhaust and grilled corn — weirdly comforting.

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa were colder than I expected, even in June. There’s this hush underground that makes you whisper without meaning to. Ahmed explained how Roman and Egyptian styles mix here — lions next to lotus flowers — and I tried to imagine what kind of people built all this. At one point my shoe squeaked on the stone steps and echoed so loud I almost laughed out loud (but didn’t). After that we wandered through the Roman Amphitheatre; marble seats still warm from the sun. Some kids were climbing where actors once stood — nobody seemed to mind.

Lunch came just when I needed it: simple fish cooked with cumin and lemon at a place where locals actually eat (not fancy at all, which is perfect). The tea was strong enough to wake up anyone who’d dozed off in the van. We stopped outside the Alexandria Library—closed Fridays, so just photos—and then walked along Qaitbay Citadel’s walls. The sea crashed against rocks below while an old man sold peanuts in paper cones. That view stays with me; something about light bouncing off water and stone makes you quiet for a second.

We finished at Abu Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque. I tried saying its name right—Li laughed at my attempt—and watched families coming in for prayers, shoes lined up outside like little boats. It felt peaceful there in a way that surprised me. On the drive back to Cairo, everyone sort of drifted off or stared out at dusk over endless fields. I still think about that day sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day guided tour in Alexandria

• Pickup from Cairo hotel at 7:00 AM
• Drive to Alexandria (about 2.5 hours)
• Visit Catacomb of Kom El-Shoqafa
• Visit Roman Theater with mosaic floor
• Visit Alexandria Library (photos outside if Friday)
• Visit Qaitbey Citadel and walk Corniche
• Lunch at local restaurant (beverages not included)
• Visit El Mursi Abu Elabas Mosque
• Drive back to Cairo hotel (about 2.5 hours)

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

The drive takes about 3 hours each way between Cairo and Alexandria.

Is lunch included in this Alexandria day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant is included if you select that option.

Can you enter the Alexandria Library during this tour?

No, the library is closed on Fridays; you can take photos from outside instead.

What are some main sites visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs, Roman Amphitheatre, Qaitbay Citadel, Abu Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque, and see the Corniche.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Cairo or Giza areas.

Are entrance fees covered?

Entry fees are included if you choose that tour option during booking.

How much time do you spend sightseeing in Alexandria?

The itinerary allows about 4–5 hours for sightseeing within Alexandria itself.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

This tour may not be recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza by private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees if selected, bottled water for the road, a traditional Egyptian lunch (if chosen), plus plenty of stories from your local guide before returning in the evening.