Alexandria Overnight Tour from Cairo
Private transfer from Cairo, guided visits to Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, plus one night in Alexandria.
At a glance
- Length
- 2 days · 1 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Alexandria overnight sightseeing tour from Cairo is a 2-day excursion covering Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Roman Museum in Alexandria, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 Days / 1 Night
- Travel style
- Guided Excursion with Overnight in Alexandria
- Accommodation
- Overnight accommodation arranged separately if requested
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Cairo · Alexandria · Pompey’s Pillar · Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa · Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Roman Museum (Alexandria)
- Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairo · Qualified Egyptologist guide on the sightseeing day · Air-conditioned vehicle between Cairo and Alexandria · Lunch on the main sightseeing day · Entrance fees to listed sites
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Travelers wanting a slower Alexandria visit · Couples and families · Private tour travelers
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The best time to visit Alexandria is usually from October to April, when temperatures are milder and sea breezes make outdoor sightseeing more comfortable. Summer months can be humid and warm, though Alexandria is typically cooler than Cairo. During Ramadan and major public holidays, some opening hours and restaurant service patterns may change, so scheduling should be checked 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)
- Egyptologist guide for the sightseeing day
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairo
- Air-conditioned vehicle for intercity transport
- Standard site entrance fees included unless stated otherwise
02Overview
A first look
Morning on Alexandria’s corniche brings a salt-laced breeze and the distant clatter of fishermen’s nets, a contrast with the cool shadowed chambers you will enter later that day. Expect compact walking sequences between sites, short pauses for coffee, and time on the promenade before evening falls.
Unlike same-day coach runs, our overnight timing preserves a morning visit in quieter light, not a hurried return to Cairo. We arrange all transfers and the hotel night, and one of our qualified Egyptologists leads the walking visits, explaining the Roman and Hellenistic layers on site and advising when to take photos or rest.
Background
The facts
Alexandria is Egypt’s main Mediterranean port and was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. The city lies about 220 km northwest of Cairo, and the drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours each way depending on traffic and road conditions. An overnight stay allows visitors to see major sites without compressing all visits into a single same-day return.
Pompey’s Pillar is a free-standing Roman column in the Serapeum area, generally dated to the late 3rd century CE. Nearby, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are one of Alexandria’s best-known Roman-period funerary complexes, with underground chambers that combine Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic elements. The Roman Amphitheatre remains and the Roman Museum help explain the city’s Greco-Roman layers through sculpture, mosaics, and architectural fragments.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern cultural landmark on the Corniche, opened in 2002 as a major library and research center. It is not an ancient monument, but it is often included because it represents Alexandria’s contemporary role as a center of learning. Most sightseeing routes in the city combine indoor and outdoor stops, so walking distances are moderate and visits are usually arranged with transport between sites.
An overnight in Alexandria is useful because the city is less congested early in the morning than during midday. It also gives time for a slower sequence of visits along the Corniche and in the central archaeological areas, with lunch commonly scheduled on the main sightseeing day.
Named in this entry
Alexandria·Pompey’s Pillar·Serapeum·Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa·Bibliotheca Alexandrina·Roman Museum·Roman Amphitheatre·Alexander the Great
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This excursion suits adults and older children who are interested in Roman, Hellenistic, and modern Egyptian history. It is a good fit for travelers who prefer a private, guided city itinerary with moderate walking rather than a long, crowded day trip.
What lingers
- 01Private transfer Cairo–Alexandria (approx. 225 km; about 2.75–3 hours), pick-up from Cairo hotel or Cairo airport.
- 02Guided visits to Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa with our Alexandria specialist Egyptologist.
- 03Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay and Pompey's Pillar; 90–120 minutes on the Corniche includes seaside walking and lunch stop.
- 04Overnight hotel in Alexandria included; morning option to visit Montaza Palace gardens before the midday crowd.
- 05We operate private-car tours only – not large coaches; a 07:00 departure avoids peak Cairo traffic on route.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a same-day Alexandria coach tour, this itinerary includes an overnight in the city so the next morning can be used for sightseeing before the return to Cairo. It is also more structured than self-driving, because pickup, transport, and guided site visits are arranged in advance. Compared with larger group excursions, a private format usually allows more control over pacing at each stop.
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
06:30 to 07:00 AM
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Cairo hotels
- Guided sightseeing with a qualified Egyptologist for the Alexandria visits
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer between Cairo and Alexandria
- Lunch provided on the main day of sightseeing
- Entrance tickets to the sites listed in the itinerary
Not included
- Any hotel upgrade cost for overnight accommodation in Alexandria
- Drinks except where explicitly included with meals
- Tips for the Egyptologist and driver
- Personal expenses and optional activities
Tailor it
Make it yours
The excursion can be arranged as a private tour or adapted for small groups depending on availability and budget. Common adjustments include adding a seaside lunch stop, extending time at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, or upgrading the Alexandria overnight accommodation if a specific hotel category is requested. The route can also be adjusted to prioritize more archaeology or more city views.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Minimum age for this excursion is five years because the Catacombs include steep stairs and narrow passages. Child rates apply for ages 5 to 11; from age 12 full adult price applies. Strollers are not practical at Kom El Shoqafa due to steps and confined spaces; a baby carrier is more useful for infants. High chairs at the included lunch venue cannot be guaranteed; tell us at booking if you need one and we will request it from the restaurant.
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
·In summary
This excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairo, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, an Egyptologist guide on the sightseeing day, lunch, and entrance fees to the listed sites. The itinerary covers Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Roman Museum in Alexandria. Overnight accommodation in Alexandria is arranged separately if a specific hotel upgrade is requested.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Alexandria overnight sightseeing tour?
This is a two-day, one-night excursion from Cairo to Alexandria, designed for a more relaxed exploration of the city's key sites. You will depart from your Cairo hotel on the first morning and return to the same hotel on the second afternoon.02What is included in the price of this tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Cairo hotels, the services of a qualified Egyptologist guide for the sightseeing day, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, lunch on the main sightseeing day, and entrance fees to all listed sites.03What is not included in the tour price?
Overnight accommodation in Alexandria is not included, allowing you to select your preferred hotel. Additionally, drinks not specified with meals, gratuities for guides and drivers, personal expenses, and optional activities are excluded.04What kind of transport is used for the journey to Alexandria?
Transport between Cairo and Alexandria is provided in a modern, air-conditioned private vehicle. This ensures a comfortable journey for the approximately 2.5 to 3-hour drive in each direction.05Will an Egyptologist guide accompany me throughout the tour?
Yes, you will have a qualified Egyptologist guide for the main sightseeing day in Alexandria. They will offer detailed insights into the history and significance of each location you visit.06Is lunch provided during the Alexandria tour?
Lunch is included on the main sightseeing day in Alexandria. This arrangement allows you to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant without needing to make separate plans during your exploration.07Which main sites will I visit in Alexandria?
The tour covers significant Alexandrian landmarks, including Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Roman Museum. This itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of the city's ancient and modern heritage.08How does this tour compare to a standard day trip to Alexandria?
Unlike single-day excursions, this overnight tour includes a night in Alexandria. This allows for a more leisurely pace, avoiding the rush of a same-day return to Cairo and providing valuable morning time in the city before crowds arrive.09What should I wear for visiting the sites in Alexandria?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient sites. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for religious or historical sites, respecting local customs and traditions.10Is this tour suitable for families with children?
This tour involves walking at several historical sites and travel time between cities. While children are welcome, parents should consider if the pace and historical focus align with their children's interests and stamina.
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
Product ID: TOU-CAI-423813
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