Full Day Alexandria Tour from Cairo: Catacombs, Citadel & Gardens

Summary

Alexandria Day Trip: Catacombs, Qaitbay & Montaza Gardens

You’ll cover Alexandria’s highlights in just one day—from ancient catacombs to seaside citadels—with a local guide who knows all the shortcuts and stories. It’s a relaxed pace but you’ll see more than you’d expect without feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

Our driver pulled up just as the city was waking up—Cairo’s morning air still cool, a bit dusty. The guide was already waiting with my name on a little sign (spelled right, which honestly surprised me). We set off for Alexandria before the traffic got wild. The drive took about 2.5 hours; I watched the landscape shift from city chaos to open fields dotted with date palms and roadside tea stalls. Bottled water and some sweet snacks were passed around—nothing fancy, but it hit the spot.

First stop: the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Down in those tunnels, it’s quiet and a little chilly even when it’s hot outside. Our guide explained how Roman and Egyptian styles mix down there—columns next to carved Anubis heads. There’s a faint musty smell you only get underground. Afterward, we headed over to Pompey’s Pillar—honestly, it looks taller in person than in photos—and then wandered through the old stones while our guide told stories about ancient Alexandria.

The sea breeze picked up as we reached Qaitbay Citadel. You can hear gulls squabbling overhead and see fishermen fixing their nets by the harbor wall. We had time to walk along the ramparts; I snapped a few photos with my phone—hard not to with that view. Lunch wasn’t included but our guide pointed out a street vendor selling fresh fava bean sandwiches nearby (I grabbed one; totally worth it). Last stop was Montaza Palace gardens—a green escape with palm trees and families picnicking on faded blankets. By late afternoon, we were back in Cairo, tired but glad we’d squeezed so much into one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full Day Alexandria Tour

• Visit Alexandria city and landmarks
• Visit Abo El Abbas Mosque
• Explore Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• Visit Pompey Pillar and Montaza Gardens

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

It usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way depending on traffic and road conditions.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but your guide can recommend good local spots or street vendors along the way.

Are there any stairs or difficult walking parts?

The catacombs have stairs and uneven ground, but most other sites are easy to walk around. Let your guide know if you need extra help.

Can infants join this trip?

Yes, infants are welcome—they’ll need to sit on an adult’s lap during transport for safety.

What’s included

Your ride is air-conditioned (which really helps after midday), bottled water is provided throughout the trip, and there are some light snacks for the road. A knowledgeable local guide leads you at every stop so you don’t miss any details.