Discover Alexandria: Day Trip from Cairo
Description
Begin your day with a guide meeting at your hotel and embark on a scenic three-hour drive from Cairo to Alexandria. Upon arrival, explore the Kom El Shoqafa necropolis, an ancient burial site with a unique blend of Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman elements. The catacombs, dating back to the 2nd century AD, feature a circular staircase used for body transport and were rediscovered in 1900. Next, visit Pompey's Pillar, a 30-meter red granite column erected around 300 AD in honor of Emperor Diocletian. Despite its name, it has no connection to the Roman Consul Pompey. The pillar stands on the site of the Serapeum, an ancient temple destroyed in 391 AD by a Christian mob led by patriarch Theophilus. Today, only the pillar remains of this grand structure, with nearby tunnels and artifacts on display in the Greco-Roman Museum. Conclude your tour at the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress established by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay
Tour Options
Itinerary
The second attraction is Pompey's Pillar. Despite its name, this 30-meter red Aswan granite column has no link to Pompey. Crusaders mistakenly believed it marked his burial site, but it was erected around 300 AD for Emperor Diocletian. The site was originally the Serapeum, Alexandria's acropolis, dedicated to the god Serapis. In 391 AD, Christian patriarch Theophilus led a mob to destroy the Serapeum and other pagan symbols, possibly including the Great Library of Alexandria. Today, only the pillar remains of the once-grand temple. Visitors can explore nearby tunnels and see artifacts like a life-size black basalt bull and a golden plaque at the Greco-Roman Museum.
Begin your day by meeting your guide at your hotel. Take a three-hour drive from Cairo to Alexandria. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to the city's rich history. Start with the necropolis of Kom El Shoqafa, featuring a blend of Pharaonic, Hellenistic, and Roman influences. Explore the catacombs with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultural elements, including statues and tombs. A circular staircase, used to transport deceased bodies, leads down into the tombs from the 2nd to the 4th century AD. The site was rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into the access shaft. Three sarcophagi have been found to date.
The third stop is the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress on Alexandria's Mediterranean coast. Built in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay, it stands on the eastern side of Pharos Island at the mouth of the Eastern Harbour.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your guide will contact you before the pickup time and tell you the details of the car
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(4)
We had a phenomenal experience touring Alexandria!!! Highly recommend visiting here. Our tour guide Manal was exceptional! She was very knowledgable, professional and patient. Allowed us plenty of time to explore each sight and answered all of our questions. Our driver Hussein was also amazing. Very safe and efficient driver who answered all our questions about the countryside as we drove the 2.5 hours from Cairo! We spent one day but I could easily spend more time as there is plenty to see. A must see place!
A special mention to our driver, Ahmed — despite the long hours on the road, the ride was impressively smooth. He was extremely vigilant, professional, and made safety a top priority, which really helped us relax and enjoy the trip. His calm and steady driving made a huge difference. Overall, it was a fun, memorable, and well-organized tour. Highly recommend!
Excellent experience, Abdul is very friendly, accommodating and enjoyable person. Would recommend to take this tour.
The day trip was well organized and exactly tailored to what we had suggested we wanted to see (e.g. the lesser known birthplace of the Greek Poet Kavafi). Both, guide and driver were really polite, friendly and handled everything competently. Besides, the lunch we went for was amazing! Thanks a lot!
