Alexandria: Full Day Tour Catacombs, Citadel & Library with Lunch

Summary

Alexandria’s ancient tombs, Roman ruins & library in one day

You’ll wander ancient catacombs with an Egyptologist guide, snap photos at Pompey’s Pillar and Qaitbay Citadel, explore Alexandria’s modern library, and finish with fresh seafood by the sea. Expect laughter, local stories, and a few surprises along winding streets—a day that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salty air—somehow heavier than Cairo’s dust—and the way our guide, Hossam, grinned as he handed us cold water from the van. “You’ll need this,” he said. I didn’t really get it until we ducked into the Kom el Shoqafa catacombs. The stone was cool and damp under my hand, and there was this odd mix of Pharaonic carvings and Roman arches. Hossam pointed out a carved Anubis wearing Roman armor—I’d never seen anything like that before. He told us stories about ancient families buried here, but honestly, I kept thinking about how quiet it felt underground, just our footsteps echoing.

Back in the sunlight, we drove past Pompey’s Pillar—massive and kind of lonely against the sky. We stopped for photos (I tried to get a selfie but mostly got my thumb). Then came the Roman Amphitheater. It’s smaller than I pictured but standing on those old marble steps gave me goosebumps; you can see where people sat centuries ago. Hossam explained how they found sunken ruins nearby after a storm—I love that Alexandria keeps surprising people like that.

We wandered through Qaitbay Citadel next, right where the Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood (Hossam joked that if we squinted hard enough, we might see it). The wind off the Mediterranean made my hair stick to my face and I could smell grilled fish from somewhere down below. At Abu Abbas Mosque I tried to copy a local family taking photos—my scarf kept slipping and everyone laughed when I nearly tripped over a stray cat.

The last stop was the new Library of Alexandria. It’s huge and bright inside; sunlight spills across all these languages carved outside on gray stone. I didn’t expect to feel so small in a library—but there’s something about seeing kids reading under that dome that sticks with me even now. We finished with lunch at a seafood place overlooking the waves—fresh fish, lemon squeezed over everything, and noisy seagulls fighting for crumbs near our table. It felt like Alexandria itself: layered, restless, never quite finished telling its story.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Alexandria's historic sites

• Pick up from hotel by vehicle
• Visit Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• Stop for photos at Pompey's Pillar
• Tour Roman Amphitheater ruins
• Visit Citadel of Qaitbay fortress
• Photo stop at Abu Abbas Mosque
• Explore the Library of Alexandria
• Dine on fresh seafood with sea view

Top questions

How long is the full day tour in Alexandria?

The tour lasts approximately 8-9 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Alexandria day trip?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Downtown or Pyramids area.

What sites are visited on this Alexandria tour?

The itinerary includes Kom el Shoqafa catacombs, Pompey's Pillar (photo stop), Roman Amphitheater, Qaitbay Citadel, Abu Abbas Mosque (photo stop), and Library of Alexandria.

Is lunch included in this Alexandria full day tour?

If you choose the option with lunch included during booking, you’ll have fresh seafood by the sea.

Are entrance fees covered in this private tour?

If you select the entrance tickets option during booking, all entry fees are included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas visited are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this tour? Are strollers allowed?

Infants can join; strollers/prams are welcome and infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Will we have a local guide throughout the day?

Yes, an Egyptologist guide accompanies you for the entire day trip from Cairo to Alexandria.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from central Cairo or Giza hotels (including airport service), bottled water throughout your journey, entry tickets if selected during booking for all main attractions like Kom el Shoqafa catacombs and Qaitbay Citadel, guidance from an Egyptologist who shares stories at every stop—and if you’ve chosen it—a leisurely seafood lunch overlooking Alexandria’s coast before heading back in comfort.