Exploring the rich history of Alexandria from Cairo has never been easier. This full-day private tour takes travelers on a captivating journey through the city’s most iconic sites, led by a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide. From the towering Citadel of Qaitbay to the serene Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, each destination offers a glimpse into Alexandria’s remarkable past. With convenient round-trip transportation, delectable lunch, and health-conscious precautions, this tour provides a seamless and secure experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this ancient Mediterranean hub, the wonders of Alexandria await your discovery.
Key Points
- A full-day private tour from Cairo to the historic city of Alexandria, covering key sites like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, Citadel of Qaitbay, and Pompey Pillar.
- Guided by an knowledgeable Egyptologist, providing personalized insights into the cultural and historical significance of the landmarks.
- Includes transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, ensuring a hassle-free and comprehensive experience for travelers.
- Offers wheelchair accessibility and safety measures like sanitized vehicles and mandatory mask requirements during the tour.
- Flexible pickup options and free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, catering to the convenience of travelers.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This full-day private tour of historic Alexandria whisks visitors away from Cairo for an immersive exploration of the ancient city’s top sights.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide, the tour includes visits to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, Citadel of Qaitbay, and Pompey Pillar, providing personalized insights into Egypt’s rich history.
Over the course of 10 hours, guests will discover the iconic landmarks that have made Alexandria a hub of cultural and historical significance.
Lunch, entrance fees, and round-trip hotel transportation are all included, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover Alexandria’s past, this private tour offers an engaging and informative way to explore the city.
Inclusions and Amenities
A multilingual Egyptologist tour guide accompanies guests throughout the tour, providing expert commentary and insights into the historic sites.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.
Travelers will ride in a private deluxe vehicle stocked with bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks to stay refreshed during the excursion.
Plus, all gratuities are covered, eliminating any need for out-of-pocket expenses.
For those interested, an optional visit to the Alexandria Library can be arranged, though the entrance fee isn’t included in the tour price.
The tour’s inclusions and amenities ensure a comfortable, informative, and hassle-free exploration of Alexandria’s renowned landmarks.
Health and Safety Measures
The tour operator has implemented comprehensive health and safety measures to protect travelers during the historic Alexandria tour. Vehicles are thoroughly sterilized according to guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Health. Plus, all tour guides and drivers wear masks throughout the duration of the tour. Hand sanitizer is readily available inside the vehicles for added peace of mind. To further ensure traveler safety, customers are also required to wear masks during the tour. The transportation and tour surfaces are wheelchair accessible, making the experience inclusive for all.
| Health & Safety Measures | Details |
|---|---|
| Sterilized Vehicles | Per Ministry of Health guidelines |
| Masked Guides & Drivers | Worn throughout the tour |
| Hand Sanitizer | Available in vehicles |
| Mandatory Masks | Required for customers |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | For transportation and tour surfaces |
Pickup and Scheduling Information
Pickup for the historic Alexandria tour is available from hotels, hostels, motels, and private apartments located in Cairo and Giza, with a start time of 6:30 AM.
This full-day private tour provides the flexibility to depart from your accommodation, ensuring a seamless start to your day. Customers will have the freedom to choose their preferred pickup location, making it convenient for those staying across the Cairo and Giza areas.
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, allowing for last-minute changes. Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so travelers can plan their schedules accordingly.
Traveler Reviews and Feedback
Traveler reviews of the historic Alexandria tour present a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 4.5 based on 18 reviews.
While some customers provided positive remarks about the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable lunch experiences, others had complaints regarding the tour content and the effectiveness of the guide.
Some reviewers expressed frustration about the limited access to the Alexandria Library, as the entrance fee isn’t included.
Plus, a few travelers noted concerns about the condition of certain sites, such as the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa.
Exploring Bibliotheca Alexandrina
At the heart of Alexandria’s rich cultural heritage stands the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and research center that pays homage to the city’s storied past as a renowned center of learning.
During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore this impressive architectural landmark, which houses millions of books, scrolls, and manuscripts.
The highlight is the main reading room, a vast circular space with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Guests can also visit the Planetarium, Art Museums, and Antiquities Museum, each offering a unique glimpse into Alexandria’s intellectual and artistic legacies.
With its captivating exhibits and innovative design, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a must-see destination on this comprehensive Alexandria tour.
Discovering Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa are a must-see highlight of the Alexandria tour, offering visitors a chance to explore the city’s ancient Greco-Roman heritage.
Descending underground, guests will encounter an expansive necropolis carved from solid rock, featuring intricate designs that blend Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles.
This multi-level labyrinth of tombs, chambers, and stairwells provides a fascinating glimpse into the burial practices of the past.
As visitors explore the catacombs, they’ll discover ancient sarcophagi, wall carvings, and remnants of the funerary rituals that once took place here.
The sheer scale and historical significance of this archaeological site make it a captivating stop on the Alexandria tour.
Visiting Citadel of Qaitbay and Pompey Pillar
After exploring the ancient catacombs, the tour moves on to the impressive Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress that commands a strategic location along the Alexandrian coastline.
Constructed on the ruins of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this imposing castle offers visitors panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and a glimpse into Alexandria’s rich military history.
The tour then continues to the Pompey Pillar, a towering 88-foot-tall column that stands as a testament to the city’s Roman heritage.
Highlights of visiting the Pompey Pillar include:
- Examining the intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions on the column
- Learning about the pillar’s connection to the Roman ruler Diocletian
- Admiring the sweeping vistas of Alexandria from the pillar’s base
- Discovering the site’s role in the city’s ancient religious practices
- Exploring the ruins and archaeological remains surrounding the Pompey Pillar
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?
The tour allocates time for visiting each major site, though the exact duration may vary. Typically, guests can expect to spend 1-2 hours exploring each attraction, allowing them to fully experience the highlights of the historic Alexandria tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate special interests. The private Egyptologist guide is flexible and can adjust the itinerary or focus based on the traveler’s preferences to enhance their experience.
Is Photography Allowed at All the Historical Sites?
Photography is generally allowed at most historical sites in Alexandria. However, visitors should check with their tour guide or site staff for any specific restrictions or photography regulations before taking pictures. Using flash may be prohibited in certain areas.
What Is the Typical Group Size for This Private Tour?
This is a private tour, so the group size is typically just the traveler(s) and their personal guide. The tour operator ensures a personalized experience with no other participants. The maximum group size is usually limited to 2-3 people.
Are There Any Additional Costs Not Covered in the Package?
According to the information provided, there are no additional costs covered in the package apart from the optional visit to the Alexandria Library, whose entrance fee is not included. The tour provides a comprehensive experience with all other expenses accounted for.
Recap
This full-day private tour from Cairo allows travelers to explore Alexandria’s rich history and cultural treasures.
Highlights include the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, Citadel of Qaitbay, and Pompey Pillar, all led by a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide.
With included transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to explore Alexandria’s iconic sites while adhering to health and safety measures.
