Private Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo: Catacombs, Citadel & More

Summary

Customizable Alexandria Tour: Roman Ruins, Harbor Views & Local History

You’ll get to shape your own day in Alexandria—pick your favorite sights and let a local guide handle all the details. From ancient tombs to fresh seafood by the harbor, this tour gives you real stories and flavors of Egypt’s second city without any hassle.

What’s the experience like?

The drive from Cairo to Alexandria always feels like a reset—flat desert giving way to the salty breeze off the Mediterranean. Our guide, Ahmed, met us right at 7am, coffee in hand and already chatting about which sites we wanted to see most. The car was cool and comfy (which matters when the sun’s already up), and by the time we hit the corniche, you could smell the sea mixed with grilled corn from street vendors.

First stop: the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. I’d read about them before but nothing really prepares you for that first step down the spiral staircase—the air gets cooler and there’s this faint earthy scent. Ahmed pointed out carvings where Egyptian gods wear Roman armor, something I wouldn’t have noticed without him. He even showed us a spot where water sometimes seeps in after heavy rain; apparently locals say it’s good luck if you catch a drop on your hand.

The Citadel of Qaitbay sits right at the tip of the harbor. Seagulls circle overhead and fishermen shout to each other below. The stone walls are rough under your fingers—rebuilt after British shelling, as Ahmed explained—and if you squint past the crowds, you can almost picture the old lighthouse that once stood here. We wandered along the ramparts for a while; honestly, it’s easy to lose track of time just watching boats drift by.

Lunch was at Fish Market restaurant—big windows overlooking the water, fresh bread still warm from the oven, and grilled mullet that tasted like it had just come off a boat that morning. There’s always a bit of noise here: clinking plates, kids laughing, waiters calling out orders in Arabic and French.

The Alexandria National Museum surprised me. It’s tucked inside an old Italian-style mansion with creaky wooden floors and sunlight slanting through stained glass windows. The collection isn’t huge but it’s well laid out—mummies downstairs, Greek statues upstairs—and Ahmed knew little stories about half the artifacts. He even pointed out a photo of King Farouk I’d have missed otherwise.

We wrapped up at the Roman Amphitheatre—a quiet spot compared to other sites. You can actually sit on those old marble seats and imagine what it sounded like when crowds filled this place centuries ago. By late afternoon, there was a breeze off the sea and you could hear distant calls to prayer mixing with city traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Alexandria Historical Highlights

• Visit Citadel of Qaitbay
• Explore Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• Tour Alexandria National Museum
• See Roman Amphitheatre
• View Pompey’s Pillar and Serapeum Ruins
• Enjoy scenic drive and lunch at Fish Market

Top questions

Can I choose which attractions we visit?

Absolutely! You can pick four main sites from our list when booking—just let us know your preferences ahead of time.

Is lunch included? What if I’m vegetarian?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant with fish, chicken, or vegetarian options available—just mention dietary needs when booking.

How long does it take to drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

The drive usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees for your chosen attractions are included in your tour price—no need to bring extra cash for tickets.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is family-friendly and suitable for most fitness levels; strollers are welcome and guides can adjust pacing as needed.

What’s included

Your private tour includes hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza, an English-speaking guide who knows Alexandria inside out, all entrance fees for selected sites, bottled water throughout the day, comfortable air-conditioned transport, plus lunch at a local spot with fish, chicken or veggie choices. Just let us know if you have special requests—we’re happy to help make your day easy and memorable.