Alexandria: Private Day Tour Catacombs, Qaitbay & Roman Sites

Summary

Stories from Alexandria’s catacombs to the sea citadel, ancient stones and city scents

You’ll trace Alexandria’s tangled history from ancient catacombs to windswept sea walls on this private guided day tour. Expect laughter with your local guide, unexpected flavors at lunch, stories echoing through Roman ruins and citadels — plus hotel pickup so you can just focus on soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand where Alexander’s city meets the Mediterranean? I didn’t really know what to expect from a private Alexandria day tour — maybe just old stones and some stories. But right after our guide, Hossam, picked us up (he greeted us with this easy smile), the city started to feel more alive than I thought. Even the air outside the hotel was different — salty, mixed with a hint of diesel and fresh bread from a bakery across the street. We headed first to the Library of Alexandria. It’s massive. There were school kids everywhere, chattering in Arabic and French. The library was closed that day (Friday), so we just took photos outside — which honestly made me laugh because I’d been looking forward to seeing inside, but Hossam shrugged and said, “That’s Alexandria, always a surprise.”

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa were next. The steps down are damp and cool; you can smell earth and something faintly metallic. It’s strange how Greek, Roman, and Egyptian carvings all mix together down there — lions next to pharaohs. Hossam pointed out a spot where water sometimes seeps in during winter storms; he said his grandmother used to tell him ghost stories about this place when he was little. I tried picturing it by candlelight. After that we stopped for lunch at this local spot (I’m still not sure what half of what I ate was called), but the grilled fish was perfect — crispy skin, squeeze of lemon, nothing fancy.

Later we walked along the sea wall toward the Citadel of Qaitbay. Wind whipped around us; you could hear gulls fighting over scraps behind the fishing boats. The fortress itself is solid stone, pale against the blue sky — it sits right where the ancient lighthouse once stood. I kept thinking about all those centuries layered here: Romans arguing in marble amphitheatres (we visited that too), sultans building forts, now just us tourists wandering around taking photos and squinting at faded mosaics on marble floors. My shoes squeaked on wet stone in the amphitheatre — not exactly heroic but real enough.

We ended back at our hotel as dusk settled in — tired but sort of buzzing from everything we’d seen (and eaten). There’s something about Alexandria that sticks with you: maybe it’s that mix of sea air and history or just how everyone seems ready with a story if you ask. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip in Alexandria from your hotel or port, this one covers so much ground without feeling rushed… though my legs might disagree.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Alexandria city highlights tour

• Pickup from hotel at 9:00 am
• Visit New Library of Alexandria
• Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay
• Visit the Roman Theater
• Explore El Mursi Abu Elabas legacy
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

What sites are included on this private Alexandria highlights day tour?

The tour includes the Library of Alexandria (from outside if closed), Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Citadel of Qaitbay, Roman Amphitheatre, and more.

Is hotel pickup included for this Alexandria day trip?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your private tour.

Are entry fees covered in this Alexandria private tour?

Entry fees are included if you select that option during booking; otherwise they may be extra.

Is lunch provided during the full-day Alexandria tour?

A traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant is included if you choose that option when booking.

How long does the private guided day tour last?

The full-day tour typically starts at 9:00 am and lasts several hours until late afternoon.

Can families with infants join this Alexandria highlights tour?

Yes; specialized infant seats are available upon request for transfers.

Is public transportation available near these attractions?

Yes; public transportation options are available nearby most sites visited on this itinerary.

What languages do guides speak on this private tour?

The guides are licensed experts who speak English; other languages may be available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel or port pickup by private vehicle, entry fees if selected during booking, guidance from a licensed local expert throughout every stop (from catacombs to citadel), bottled water for refreshment along the way, plus an optional traditional Egyptian lunch before returning to your accommodation as evening falls.