Alexandria Private VIP Day Tour with Guide and Lunch
Ancient catacombs, a legendary citadel, and a Mediterranean lunch — all in one remarkable day from Cairo.
This Alexandria private day tour brings you face to face with over two millennia of layered history along Egypt's northern coast, from Roman burial chambers to a 21st-century library that carries the name of the ancient world's greatest repository of knowledge.
The journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned drive from Cairo and unfolds across a carefully sequenced set of landmarks that spans Greco-Roman antiquity, medieval Islamic architecture, and contemporary cultural design. A dedicated guide accompanies you throughout, providing context that transforms each site from a monument into a story.
Unlike group excursions, this private format allows you to set your own pace, linger where curiosity calls, and travel without the friction of coordinating with strangers. The experience concludes with a return transfer to Cairo, giving you the full arc of the day without logistical concern.
Tour Highlights
Descend into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial complexes ever discovered in Egypt.
Stand beside Pompey's Pillar, a towering Roman triumphal column, and explore the surrounding ruins of the Serapeum Temple.
Walk the ramparts of Qaitbay Citadel, the 15th-century fortress built on the foundations of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Tour the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural landmark housing museum galleries and vast reading halls on the Mediterranean waterfront.
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a well-regarded restaurant with views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Travel with a knowledgeable private guide who provides historical context tailored to your interests throughout the day.
Transfer comfortably between Cairo and Alexandria in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
Itinerary
1
Departure from Cairo
Your guide and driver meet you at your Cairo hotel for a comfortable 2.5 to 3-hour drive along the Desert Road to Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city and its primary Mediterranean port.
2
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Descend into this remarkable multi-level necropolis, dating to the 2nd century AD, where Roman, Greek, and ancient Egyptian funerary traditions converge in a unique hybrid of carved reliefs and burial chambers.
3
Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum
Visit the largest ancient monolith in Egypt outside of Luxor and Aswan, erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian, and explore the excavated remains of the temple complex that once stood around it.
4
Qaitbay Citadel and Seafood Lunch
Explore the 15th-century citadel constructed by Sultan Qaitbay on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, then enjoy a traditional seafood meal at a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean coastline.
5
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Tour the modern successor to the ancient Library of Alexandria, opened in 2002, which houses extensive museum collections, a planetarium, and reading halls beneath its distinctive slanted disc roof facing the sea.
6
Return to Cairo
Your driver escorts you back to Cairo in the private vehicle, arriving at your hotel in the evening after a full and well-paced day along the northern coast.
What Is Included
Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
Expert private tour guide throughout the day
Round-trip transfer from Cairo hotel
Traditional seafood lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant
Entrance fees to Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Entrance fees to Qaitbay Citadel
Entrance fees to Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Not Included
Gratuities for guide and driver
Personal travel insurance
Beverages not included in the set lunch
Optional souvenir purchases
Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Please read the details below carefully before booking to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
Duration
Approximately 11 hours in total, including 5 to 6 hours of travel time between Cairo and Alexandria (round trip) and roughly 5 hours of guided sightseeing.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light jacket for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina interiors, a valid passport or ID, and a camera if desired.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies are confirmed at time of booking. Review the terms provided on the booking page before completing your reservation.
Accessibility
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa involve narrow stairways and low ceilings and are not suitable for guests with mobility impairments. Most other sites have accessible pathways at ground level.
Age Range
This tour is rated Easy and is suitable for most ages. Children are welcome; parents should note the staircase descent at the catacombs site. No minimum age is required.
Reserve Your Private Alexandria Day Tour
Secure your spot for a fully guided, private full-day excursion from Cairo to Alexandria — covering ancient catacombs, a storied coastal fortress, a world-class library, and a fresh seafood lunch by the sea.
The drive from Cairo to Alexandria typically takes between 2.5 and 3 hours each way depending on road and traffic conditions. The vehicle is private and air-conditioned for comfort throughout the journey.
Is the tour suitable for children and elderly travelers?▼
Yes, the tour is rated Easy and is generally suitable for all ages. The main exception is the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, which require descending narrow staircases, and may not be appropriate for guests with limited mobility or very young children.
What type of food is served at lunch?▼
Lunch consists of traditional Egyptian seafood dishes served at a well-regarded restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. If you have dietary restrictions, notify the operator at the time of booking so arrangements can be considered.
Are entrance fees to all sites covered?▼
Entrance fees for the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina are included in the tour. Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum site visit are included as part of the same excursion zone.
Is this a private tour or a shared group tour?▼
This is a fully private tour. The vehicle, guide, and driver are dedicated solely to your party for the entire day, allowing a flexible and personalized pace throughout Alexandria.
Where exactly does the tour start and end?▼
The tour begins and ends at your Cairo hotel. Your driver and guide will pick you up from the lobby in the morning and return you there in the evening after the full itinerary is complete.
Alexandria Day TourCairo to AlexandriaPrivate Tour EgyptCatacombs Kom El ShoqafaQaitbay CitadelBibliotheca AlexandrinaMediterranean EgyptGreco-Roman EgyptEgypt Historical TourVIP Egypt TourSeafood Lunch AlexandriaFull Day Excursion Egypt
This tour operates as a full-day private excursion departing from Cairo, Egypt, and traveling north to Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city situated on the Mediterranean coast. Alexandria sits approximately 220 kilometers northwest of Cairo along the Desert Road and serves as one of the most historically layered destinations in North Africa. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the city was once the intellectual and cultural capital of the Hellenistic world, home to the ancient Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Alexandria — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Key sites visited include the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in the Karmouz district, Pompey's Pillar near the Serapeum plateau, the Qaitbay Citadel on the Eastern Harbour peninsula, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina on the Corniche waterfront. The tour is ideally suited for travelers based in Cairo who wish to experience Alexandria's Greco-Roman, medieval, and modern heritage within a single well-organized day.
Destination: Alexandria, Egypt | Region: North Africa | Departure City: Cairo, Egypt | Tour Type: Private Full-Day Cultural and Historical Excursion | Key Sites: Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, Serapeum Temple, Qaitbay Citadel, Bibliotheca Alexandrina | Includes: Lunch, Guide, Transfers | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 11 Hours | Traveler Profile: History Enthusiasts, Cultural Travelers, Families, Couples, Solo Travelers
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