Top Rated Alexandria Day Tour From Cairo

Discover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Alexandria on this top-rated day tour from Cairo. Venture beyond the bustling streets of the Egyptian capital and learn about the ancient world, exploring the iconic Roman Catacombs and the towering Pompey’s Pillar. Marvel at the architectural wonder of the modern New Library of Alexandria, a testament to the city’s enduring legacy. As you savor local cuisine and enjoy a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast, you’ll uncover the rich tapestry that makes Alexandria a must-visit destination.

Key Points

Explore Alexandria’s rich history with an expert Egyptologist guide, visiting the Roman Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, and the New Library of Alexandria.
Immerse in the eerie, otherworldly atmosphere of the Roman Catacombs and uncover the secrets of Alexandria’s past.
Marvel at the striking architecture and extensive collections of the New Library of Alexandria, a testament to the city’s commitment to knowledge.
Savor the diverse flavors of Alexandria’s cuisine, including regional seafood dishes and traditional Egyptian specialties, at a local restaurant.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the rural Egyptian countryside before arriving at the sparkling Mediterranean coast of Alexandria.

Exploring Alexandria’s History

Alexandria’s history-rich sights transport visitors back to the city’s golden age as the intellectual and cultural heart of the ancient Mediterranean world.

Travelers will explore the 2nd-century Roman Catacombs, an expansive network of tunnels and halls that once served as burial grounds.

Next, they’ll marvel at Pompey’s Pillar, a towering 4th-century Roman triumphal column standing at over 70 feet tall.

The highlight for many is the New Library of Alexandria, an awe-inspiring modern building designed to evoke the grandeur of the ancient Ptolemaic library.

With an expert Egyptologist guide, guests will discover Alexandria’s captivating history and gain a deeper appreciation for this storied Mediterranean city.

Visiting the Roman Catacombs

Beneath the bustling surface of Alexandria lies a vast network of tunnels and chambers known as the Roman Catacombs, a captivating relic from the city’s ancient past.

Visitors can explore this subterranean necropolis, where:

Intricate carvings and reliefs adorn the walls, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of those laid to rest here.

Narrow passageways lead visitors through a labyrinth of tombs and chambers, some of which have been preserved remarkably well.

The air is cool and damp, creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

Visitors can imagine the lives and stories of the individuals who were entombed in these catacombs centuries ago.

The Roman Catacombs offer a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with Alexandria’s rich history and uncover the secrets of its past.

The Impressive New Library

After exploring the ancient Roman Catacombs, the tour continues to one of Alexandria’s modern marvels – the sleek and inspiring New Library of Alexandria.

Designed with the sun’s rays in mind, the library’s striking architecture features a massive glass-and-stone façade that reflects the surrounding light in mesmerizing ways.

With its state-of-the-art facilities, the library houses millions of books, manuscripts, and digital resources, making it a hub of scholarly research and cultural exchange.

Visitors can browse the extensive collections, attend lectures and events, or simply marvel at the building’s unique aesthetic.

The New Library of Alexandria stands as a testament to the city’s enduring commitment to knowledge and innovation.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

The tour then takes visitors to a local restaurant, where they can enjoy an enticing lunch and sample the diverse flavors of Alexandria’s cuisine.

The menu offers a variety of regional specialties, including:

Seafood dishes featuring fresh catches from the Mediterranean, such as grilled octopus or fried calamari.
Traditional Egyptian dishes like kushari, a hearty combination of rice, macaroni, lentils, and chickpeas.
Refreshing salads made with local produce, like the famous Alexandrian salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing.
Decadent desserts like baklava or om ali, a rich and creamy pastry dish.

Diners can savor their meal in a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, taking in the sights and sounds of this historic city.

Scenic Drive to the Coast

As the tour departs Cairo, travelers embark on a scenic drive through the rural Egyptian heartlands, gradually approaching the sparkling Mediterranean coast.

Along the way, the landscape transforms from bustling city to lush farmlands, dotted with palm trees and quaint villages. The drive offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Egypt’s countryside, with locals tending to their crops and herding livestock.

Passing through this rural idyll, the tour makes its way towards the northern shores, where the ancient city of Alexandria awaits. The contrast between Cairo’s urban sprawl and the tranquil countryside sets the stage for the history and grandeur that lies ahead in this storied Mediterranean metropolis.

Highlights of the Tour

Upon arrival in Alexandria, visitors first explore the impressive Roman Catacombs, an extensive network of underground tunnels and halls that date back to the 2nd century AD.

Next, they’ll marvel at the striking sun-shaped architecture of the New Library of Alexandria, a magnificent modern building housing millions of books and artifacts.

Travelers can then admire the towering Pompey’s Pillar, a 4th-century Roman monument that stands as a testament to the city’s storied past.

To cap off the day, guests enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Egyptian cuisine and taking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic Mediterranean metropolis.

Tour Inclusions and Details

This Alexandria day tour from Cairo includes a variety of amenities to ensure a convenient and comfortable experience. Travelers receive bottled water throughout the day, as well as an included lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Egyptian cuisine. Plus, the tour is led by a qualified Egyptologist guide who provides expert commentary and insights into the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited. Participants also benefit from round-trip private transportation, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to the Mediterranean coast.

Inclusions	Details	Additional Information
Bottled Water	Provided throughout the day	–
Lunch	Authentic Egyptian cuisine at a local restaurant	Vegetarian option available
Qualified Egyptologist Guide	Provides expert commentary and insights	–

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travelers to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

However, cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the tour aren’t eligible for a refund, and any changes requested within 24 hours of the tour’s start are also not accepted.

This policy ensures that the tour operator can effectively manage bookings and staffing while providing customers with a reasonable window to make adjustments.

Key things to keep in mind:

Cancellations made 24 hours or more before the tour receive a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour aren’t refundable.
Changes to bookings within 24 hours of the tour aren’t accepted.
The policy aims to balance customer flexibility with operational needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who may be able to accommodate requests to modify the included attractions or schedule within the tour’s constraints.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional sites. The tour provider is generally willing to customize the itinerary to match the traveler’s interests, though this may incur additional costs and require more time.

What Is the Dress Code Recommended for the Tour?

The tour recommends comfortable, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Light, breathable fabrics are advised given the warm Mediterranean climate. Travelers should wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking around historical sites.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, as long as they have moderate physical fitness.

Can the Tour Be Combined With Other Activities or Day Trips?

The tour can likely be combined with other activities or day trips, but this would need to be arranged separately. Travelers should check with the tour operator about customization options and any additional costs or logistics.