Egypt Discovery
From per person£86
ExcursionCairo

Alexandria & Wadi Natrun, Day tour from Cairo

Hotel pickup in Cairo, guided by a licensed Egyptologist in an air-conditioned vehicle; visits to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Qaitbay Citadel, approximately 10 hours

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Alexandria Sightseeing Day Tour From Cairo is a 1-day private or small-group excursion covering the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Private
  • Small group
Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full Day (about 12 hours door to door; approximately 10 hours on tour including drives)
Travel style
Private Guided Day Excursion or Small-Group Guided Day Excursion
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Cairo · Alexandria · Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa · Qaitbay Citadel
Includes
Central Cairo hotel pickup and drop-off · Air-conditioned vehicle · Licensed Egyptologist guide · Entrance fees to scheduled sites · Bottled water during transfers
Best for
First-time visitors to Egypt · History enthusiasts · Couples and families · Travelers based in Cairo
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

The best months are October through April, when Alexandria’s temperatures are generally milder and daytime sightseeing is more comfortable. Summer months can be humid and windy on the coast, and Fridays plus public holidays may bring heavier local traffic at main sights. During Ramadan, opening hours and lunch timing may be reduced, so departure and meal planning should be confirmed in advance.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
  • Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
  • Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
  • Licensed Egyptologist guide for the full day
  • Private or small-group vehicle options
  • Entrance fees to the scheduled sites are included
  • Central Cairo hotel pickup and drop-off arranged in confirmed zones
  • 24/7 on-the-ground operational support

02Overview

A first look

By mid-morning the Mediterranean smells of salt and frying fish along Alexandria's corniche, and the harbour light reads differently from Cairo's Nile-side glare. Expect to move from open promenades and sea-salt air into cool, shadowed stone as you pass from the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and then to Qaitbay Citadel; our Egyptologist will point out the city's Hellenistic street plan, Roman funerary details, and early Coptic traces as you walk.

We arrange private or small-group air-conditioned vehicles to reduce time spent queuing, rather than packing you onto a large coach. Your licensed Egyptologist meets you at pickup, guides the entire day, and manages site timing and access so you can focus on the places themselves.

Background

The facts

Alexandria is Egypt’s main Mediterranean port city and one of the country’s most historically layered urban centers. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, it became a major Hellenistic capital and later remained important through the Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and modern periods. The drive from central Cairo to Alexandria is typically about 220 km each way and usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

A standard sightseeing day in Alexandria commonly includes the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern cultural complex on the eastern harbour that references the legacy of the ancient Library of Alexandria; the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a Roman-era funerary site with Greco-Roman and Egyptian features; and Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fortress built on the site associated with the ancient Pharos lighthouse. These sites are spread across the city, so local driving between stops is part of the itinerary.

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa were used from roughly the 2nd century CE and are reached by descending stairs into underground chambers, while Qaitbay Citadel sits on the Mediterranean corniche near the harbor. Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a contemporary landmark with reading rooms, exhibitions, and exterior architectural spaces that are often visited as part of a city tour.

Because this is a one-day excursion from Cairo, total touring time is limited by the road transfer. Visitors usually spend most of the day in transit and at scheduled monuments, with lunch and any optional site visits arranged separately unless included in the booking.

Named in this entry

Alexandria·Bibliotheca Alexandrina·Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa·Qaitbay Citadel·Pharos Lighthouse·Alexander the Great·Mediterranean Corniche·Roman Egypt·Hellenistic Egypt·Cairo

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits travelers who want to see Alexandria in a single day from Cairo without arranging independent transport. It is a good fit for adults, older children, and first-time visitors who are comfortable with a long road journey and moderate walking at archaeological and city-center sites.

What lingers

  • 01Visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina – modern library and manuscript collections; our guide allocates 45–60 minutes inside the reading complex.
  • 02See Qaitbay Citadel on Alexandria's Eastern Harbour – built on the Lighthouse of Alexandria's historic site; 30-minute visit.
  • 03Explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Pompey's Pillar; entrance fees are included where standard.
  • 04Visit Wadi Natrun's monasteries: Deir Anba Bishoy, Deir el‑Suryan and Deir Abu Maqar; expect 60–90 minutes on-site.
  • 05We use a private air‑conditioned car and driver; expect an early start and extended driving time.
  • 06Operated by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologist accompanies departures.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike large coach day trips, this excursion uses private or small-group transport, which reduces waiting time and allows a steadier pace at each site. It is also structured around confirmed central Cairo pickup zones, so travelers do not need to arrange separate transport to a meeting point. Compared with overnight Alexandria stays, it is designed for visitors who want the main historical sites in a single day and then return to Cairo the same evening.

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

06:30 to 07:00 AM

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

  6. 6

  7. 7

Bundled in

  • Hotel pickup
  • Group Egyptologist
  • All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Pickup and drop-off from central Cairo hotels (Downtown, Zamalek, Garden City, Dokki, Mohandessin and the Giza Plateau area; exact collection zones confirmed at booking)
  • Private or small-group air-conditioned vehicle for the day
  • Licensed Egyptologist guide for the full day
  • Bottled water provided during transfers
  • Entrance fees for the scheduled sites listed in the itinerary
  • Approximately 10 hours on tour, including driving time

Not included

  • Lunch and any drinks not specified under inclusions
  • Gratuities for the driver and Egyptologist
  • Personal expenses and optional extras
  • Admissions to optional sites not listed in the itinerary

Tailor it

Make it yours

The excursion can be arranged as a private or small-group departure from confirmed central Cairo pickup zones. Optional changes may include extra time at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a lunch stop, or adding other Alexandria landmarks if time allows, subject to traffic and opening hours.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

We recommend this excursion for children aged five and older because of the walking, confined spaces and steep steps in the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Children aged 2 to 11 usually qualify for child pricing; infants under 2 travel free if not occupying a seat. Exact child fares and age brackets are set at booking. Pushchairs and full-size strollers are impractical at the catacombs and at Qaitbay Citadel due to steps and narrow paths; a compact carrier or sling works better. Tell us when you book if you travel with young children so we can suggest breaks, seating arrangements and any safety measures.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel pickup — central Cairo hotelsMap

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

On the ground

Your route

1Cairo2Alexandria

·In summary

This Alexandria day tour from Cairo includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Cairo, private or small-group air-conditioned transport, a licensed Egyptologist guide, bottled water, and entrance fees to the scheduled sites. The itinerary covers the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and Qaitbay Citadel. The road transfer each way is typically about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Alexandria full-day sightseeing tour from Cairo?
    The Alexandria full-day sightseeing tour is an extended excursion, typically lasting around 12 hours from your initial pickup to the final drop-off. This duration includes approximately 5 to 6 hours of driving time, allowing for about 6 to 7 hours dedicated to exploring the sites in Alexandria.
  2. 02What is the pickup and drop-off process for this tour?
    We arrange convenient pickup and drop-off directly from your central Cairo hotel. This includes areas such as Downtown, Zamalek, Garden City, Dokki, Mohandessin, and the Giza Plateau. Your specific pickup time will be confirmed upon booking, usually in the early morning.
  3. 03What is included in the Alexandria day tour price?
    The tour price covers return transfers from your Cairo hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed Egyptologist guide for the entire day, bottled water during transfers, and all standard entrance fees to scheduled sites like the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Qaitbay Citadel.
  4. 04What is not included in the tour price?
    Lunch and any drinks not explicitly listed as inclusions are not part of the tour price. Gratuities for your driver and Egyptologist guide are also excluded, as are personal expenses and admissions to any optional sites not detailed in the itinerary.
  5. 05Is the Alexandria day tour suitable for children?
    Yes, the tour is generally suitable for children, though it does involve considerable driving. We suggest bringing snacks and entertainment for the car journeys. Our Egyptologists are skilled at engaging younger travellers with stories about ancient Egypt.
  6. 06What should I wear and bring for the Alexandria day trip?
    We recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing, particularly during warmer months. Modest dress is advisable for religious sites. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and any personal medications you may require.
  7. 07What is the group size for this tour?
    This Alexandria day tour offers both private and small-group options. Private tours provide a more personalised experience and flexible pacing. Small-group tours offer a cost-effective alternative with a limited number of participants, typically no more than eight.
  8. 08What are the main sites visited in Alexandria?
    The tour typically visits key sites such as the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Citadel of Qaitbay. You will explore the ancient history and modern culture of Alexandria with your Egyptologist guide.
  9. 09What is the best time of year to visit Alexandria from Cairo?
    The best time to visit Alexandria is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, making extended outdoor exploration less enjoyable.
  10. 10How much walking is involved in the Alexandria day tour?
    The tour involves moderate walking at each site, including stairs at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and uneven surfaces at the Citadel of Qaitbay. Comfortable footwear is essential. The pace is flexible, especially on private tours.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days
Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days
50% refund
Within 14 days
No refund – date changes considered case by case

Editorial review

Discovery Tours

Last updated 18 May 2026Product ID: EXC-CAI-143586

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