Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo: Library, Catacombs & Montaza Gardens

Summary

Ancient wonders, lively markets and royal gardens on a Cairo to Alexandria journey

You’ll wander ancient catacombs by torchlight, see Alexandria’s famous library up close, stroll bustling markets and royal gardens with a local guide, and pause for lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s feeling echoes of old stories while sharing laughs with real people along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I’d always pictured Alexandria as just a name in history books. But standing outside the Library of Alexandria, with our guide Ahmed waving his hands around (he’s got this way of making facts stick), I caught the salty sea breeze and felt something shift. The building’s all sharp lines and sunlight bouncing off glass, but Ahmed kept pointing out little things—like the underwater statues they pulled up nearby. He even laughed when I tried to pronounce “Ptolemy” like a local. Not sure I nailed it.

The catacombs were colder than I expected—kind of damp, with that old stone smell you only get underground. It gets quiet down there, almost like your footsteps are too loud for all those centuries. We squeezed past another group and our guide told us about how Romans buried their dead here on three levels. I was surprised by how much art was carved into the walls—faces staring back at you in the torchlight. After that, we drove by Pompey’s Pillar (quick photo stop) and then walked through narrow streets where gold shops glittered next to women selling scarves in every color you can think of.

I liked watching fishermen fixing their nets near Quaitbay Castle—some were singing softly, which made everything feel slower somehow. The castle itself sits right where the Lighthouse used to be (one of those Seven Wonders), but honestly it’s the people around it that stick in my mind more than the stones. Lunch was simple but good—flatbread, grilled chicken, some salad—and we ate while looking out at Montaza Gardens where families strolled under palm trees. Kids were chasing each other across lawns near these faded royal palaces; it felt relaxed in a way Cairo never does.

By the time we crossed Stanley Bridge heading back to Cairo, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours. There’s something about seeing so many layers of history—and hearing locals joke about them—that makes you forget everything else for a bit. I still think about that view over the harbor at sunset; it wasn’t what I expected from an Alexandria day trip from Cairo, but maybe that’s why it sticks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Alexandria historical and cultural tour

• Pick up from Cairo hotel
• Travel to Alexandria
• Visit Library of Alexandria exterior
• Visit President Sadat Museum
• See statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy
• Tour Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa interior
• Photo stop at Pompay's Pillar
• Walk by Old Roman City excavation site
• Visit St. Mark Church interior
• Drive through Mansheya market area
• Pass by Unknown Soldiers Memorial
• Photo stop at Abbo Elabbas Mosque
• Walk by oldest funfair in Egypt
• View corniche and old harbour fishing boats
• Photo stop at Quaitbay Castle exterior
• Visit Montaza Gardens and royal palaces
• Return to Cairo hotel

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

It typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way by car between Cairo and Alexandria.

Is lunch included on this Alexandria day trip?

Yes, lunch is included if you select option 1 during booking.

What sites are visited inside versus outside?

You go inside the Library (if open) and Catacombs; other sites like Quaitbay Castle are viewed from outside for photos.

Are entrance fees covered in this tour?

Entry fees are included if you choose options 1 or 3 when booking your day trip.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and most areas are wheelchair accessible; specialized infant seats are also available.

Can I request a non-English speaking guide?

Tours in other languages may be available for an extra charge; otherwise you'll have an English-speaking guide plus audio guide support.

What days is the Library of Alexandria closed?

The library is closed Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays; access to reading areas requires an extra ticket.

Do children get discounted rates?

A child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo, transport by air-conditioned car with a qualified Egyptologist guide (if selected), all entry fees depending on your chosen option, plus a traditional lunch before heading back to your hotel in comfort.