Alexandria Highlights: All in One Day From Cairo

Discover the captivating blend of ancient wonders and modern charm that defines Alexandria. This vibrant city, once the epicenter of Greco-Roman civilization, now beckons visitors with its iconic landmarks, rich cultural heritage, and contemporary allure. Set out on a private tour that promises to immerse you in the city’s storied past while unveiling its present-day allure. From the imposing Qaitbay Citadel to the awe-inspiring Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, each stop on this carefully curated itinerary offers a unique glimpse into Alexandria’s enduring legacy. But there’s more to this enchanting destination than its historic sites – prepare to indulge in a delectable local lunch and explore the cutting-edge Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to knowledge and cultural exchange.

Key Points

• Comprehensive tour of Alexandria’s top attractions from Cairo, including the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Qaitbay Citadel.
• Visit the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina, honoring the city’s rich intellectual heritage.
• Explore the diverse cultural influences in the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, an extensive underground necropolis.
• Enjoy a local lunch and gain insights from a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide throughout the day.
• Experience the blending of ancient wonders and contemporary dynamism in Alexandria’s Corniche and vibrant markets.

Tour Highlights

On this private tour from Cairo, travelers will experience the highlights of Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city.

They’ll visit the iconic Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fort built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Next, they’ll explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a vast underground necropolis with Greco-Roman and Egyptian influences.

The tour also includes a stop at the stunning Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and cultural center honoring the city’s rich intellectual heritage.

Throughout the day, travelers will be accompanied by a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide, ensuring they gain valuable insights into Alexandria’s fascinating history and landmarks.

Itinerary Overview

Departing from Cairo in the early morning, the tour delves into Alexandria’s rich history and cultural landmarks.

Guests will explore the ancient Bibliotheque Alexandrina, a majestic modern library built on the site of the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria.

Next, they’ll visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a vast underground necropolis with Greco-Roman and Egyptian influences.

After a local lunch, the tour continues to Pompey’s Pillar, a towering Roman monument, and the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean coast.

Throughout the day, a qualified Egyptologist guide provides expert commentary, ensuring guests gain a deep understanding of Alexandria’s captivating past.

Exploring Alexandria

After exploring the ancient Library of Alexandria, guests delve deeper into the city’s storied past by visiting the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. This extensive underground necropolis dates back to the 2nd century AD and showcases a unique blend of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles.

Site	Description	Duration
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa	Underground necropolis with blended architectural styles	1-2 hours
Pompey’s Pillar	Towering Roman triumphal column	30 minutes
Montazah Palace Gardens	Expansive palace grounds and gardens	1-2 hours
Alexandria National Museum	Extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts	1-2 hours
Qaitbay Citadel	Impressive 15th-century seaside fortress	1 hour

Visitors then head to the Montazah Palace Gardens, a sprawling oasis of tranquility, before wrapping up the day with stops at the Alexandria National Museum and the iconic Qaitbay Citadel.

Unique Attractions

Visitors explore a treasure trove of unique attractions beyond the well-known historical sites. Alexandria’s bustling Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade, offers stunning views of the Mediterranean.

The city’s vibrant markets, like Khan el-Khalili, tempt with handcrafted goods and local delicacies. One can’t-miss site is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library commemorating the ancient Library of Alexandria. Its striking architecture and world-class exhibits celebrate the city’s intellectual legacy.

Lesser-known gems like the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, an underground necropolis, showcase Alexandria’s diverse heritage. These distinct experiences enrich visitors’ understanding of the city’s enduring character, blending ancient wonders with contemporary dynamism.

Cultural Immersion

How can visitors truly enjoy the cultural tapestry of Alexandria? The private tour from Cairo offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich heritage.

Accompanied by a qualified Egyptologist guide, travelers can explore ancient landmarks like the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, gaining insights into Alexandria’s storied past.

The tour also includes a visit to the Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, allowing visitors to experience the city’s vibrant religious traditions.

With the option to specify dietary requirements, the included lunch provides a chance to savor local cuisine, further enhancing the culture.

Through these carefully curated experiences, the tour ensures a comprehensive exploration of Alexandria’s captivating cultural offerings.

Dining Experience

The private tour’s included lunch offers travelers a chance to savor the local flavors of Alexandria.

The menu features a selection of traditional Egyptian dishes, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s culinary heritage. Vegetarian options are available for those with dietary requirements, ensuring a satisfying meal for all.

The lunch is served at a carefully chosen restaurant, providing an authentic dining experience complemented by the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

The qualified Egyptologist guide is on hand to offer insights into the cultural significance of the dishes, enriching the overall gastronomic journey.

With bottled water included, travelers can enjoy a refreshing accompaniment to their meal.

Travel Tips

When visiting Alexandria from Cairo, it’s advisable to pack comfortable walking shoes. The city’s streets are best explored on foot, allowing you to learn about the history and culture.

Plus, bring sun protection, as the Mediterranean climate can be quite warm. Staying hydrated is crucial, so having a refillable water bottle is recommended.

While a casual dress code is acceptable, it’s wise to pack a light sweater or jacket, as the sea breeze can be cool, especially in the evening.

Booking Information

Booking the "Alexandria Highlights: All in One Day From Cairo" tour is a straightforward process.

Travelers can select a pickup point or provide their location, with the tour starting at 7:00 am. The tour is priced from $89.99 per person, with the actual cost varying based on group size.

Flexible booking options are available, including:

• Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience.
• Reserve now and pay later option.
• Dietary requirements can be specified at the time of booking.
• Vegetarian option is available upon request.

The tour includes bottled water, lunch, a qualified Egyptologist guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and private transportation.

Exclusions are limited to food, drinks, and gratuities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size, but it’s a private tour, so the group size can vary. The price per person is mentioned, which suggests it’s a flexible group size based on the total number of participants.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour’s website doesn’t mention any discounts or special offers. The price range of $89.99 per person seems to vary based on group size. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any available promotions.

Can I Request a Different Pickup Location?

Yes, you can request a different pickup location. The tour provider allows you to select a pickup point or provide your own location if it’s not listed, so you can choose a spot that’s convenient for you.

Can I Modify the Itinerary or Activities?

Passengers can request modifications to the itinerary or activities, though these may incur additional fees. The tour operator should be contacted directly to discuss any customization options and associated costs prior to booking.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour allows for extended durations. Customers can request a longer tour for an additional cost. The operator provides flexibility to customize the itinerary and activities to meet the traveler’s needs.

Recap

This Alexandria highlights tour from Cairo offers an immersive experience, blending ancient wonders and contemporary charm in a single day. Travelers can explore iconic landmarks, discover Greco-Roman influences, and gain insights from an expert guide. The tour promises a perfect balance of history, culture, and local cuisine, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the rich heritage of this captivating city.