From Alexandria Port: Private Guided Day Tour of Alexandria
A curated journey through the ancient Mediterranean capital, from Roman ruins to the legendary library, tailored exclusively for cruise passengers.
This private Alexandria shore excursion offers cruise travelers a rare opportunity to experience the city's most iconic landmarks without the distractions of a group tour. From the moment you arrive at the port, a dedicated guide and driver are at your service for the entire day.
Alexandria carries centuries of layered history across its streets and monuments. The city served as the intellectual and cultural heart of the ancient Mediterranean world, and traces of that legacy remain visible in its Roman-era sites, its medieval fortifications, and its modern tribute to the ancient library.
This itinerary is designed for travelers with limited time ashore who want to cover the essential highlights of Alexandria in a single, well-organized day. The pace is relaxed, the routing is logical, and an authentic Mediterranean lunch is included at a local restaurant.
Tour Highlights
Stand before Pompey's Pillar, a towering Roman triumphal column erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian at the close of the 4th century.
Explore the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the largest Roman burial site in Egypt, with three underground levels carved directly into the rock.
Visit Qaitbay Citadel, the 15th-century fortress built on the precise site where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.
Tour the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the contemporary cultural complex conceived as a revival of the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria.
Enjoy a fully private experience with a dedicated licensed guide and driver, ensuring personalized attention throughout the day.
Savor a sit-down Mediterranean lunch at a local Alexandria restaurant, included as part of the tour.
Benefit from round-trip private transfers directly between Alexandria Port and every attraction on the itinerary.
Tour Itinerary
1
Meet and Greet at Alexandria Port
Your guide and driver will meet you dockside holding a sign with your name, completing all formalities and transferring you comfortably to the first site.
2
Pompey's Pillar and the Temple of Serapis
Erected at the end of the 4th century in honor of Emperor Diocletian, this towering granite column was originally part of the grand Temple of the Serapis complex. Your guide will explain the religious and political significance of the site within the Roman city of Alexandria.
3
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Descend into the largest Roman cemetery in Egypt, a multi-level necropolis cut directly into the bedrock, blending Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman funerary traditions in a single underground complex.
4
Mediterranean Lunch at a Local Restaurant
A break for an included lunch at a local Alexandria restaurant, featuring regional Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed setting.
5
Qaitbay Citadel
Built in 1477 on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, this seaside fortress offers commanding views over the Eastern Harbour. Your guide will trace the history of the original lighthouse and the Ottoman-era fortifications that replaced it.
6
Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Return to Port
The tour concludes with a visit to the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a landmark of contemporary architecture and cultural ambition. Your driver will then transfer you directly back to your cruise ship at Alexandria Port.
What Is Included
Included
Private licensed tour guide for the full day
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
Round-trip transfers from Alexandria Port to all sites
Entrance fees to Pompey's Pillar
Entrance fees to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Entrance fees to Qaitbay Citadel
Entrance fees to Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Authentic Mediterranean lunch at a local restaurant
Meet and greet service at Alexandria Port
Not Included
Gratuities for guide and driver
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Beverages not included in the set lunch
Travel insurance
Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
This tour is designed exclusively for cruise passengers docking at Alexandria Port. Timings are coordinated with your vessel's schedule — please have your ship departure time available when booking.
Duration
Approximately 6 hours, subject to port clearance and traffic conditions in Alexandria.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a light layer for air-conditioned sites, and your passport or cruise identification card.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy at the time of booking. Shore excursion policies may differ from standard tour policies due to cruise scheduling.
Accessibility
The Catacombs involve descending stairs and uneven surfaces. Travelers with limited mobility should contact us prior to booking to discuss suitability.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. The difficulty level is easy, making it accessible for families, seniors, and first-time visitors to Alexandria.
Reserve Your Private Alexandria Tour
Secure your private guided day tour of Alexandria directly from the port and make the most of your time ashore with expert guidance and seamless logistics.
Yes. This shore excursion is designed specifically for travelers arriving by cruise ship at Alexandria Port. Transfers depart from and return to the port terminal.
What happens if my cruise ship is delayed or arrives late? ▼
Your guide will monitor vessel arrivals and adjust accordingly. It is recommended to communicate your ship's scheduled docking time at the time of booking.
Is lunch suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions? ▼
The included Mediterranean lunch is served at a local restaurant in Alexandria. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so arrangements can be made.
Are entrance fees to all four sites included in the tour price? ▼
Yes. Entrance fees to Pompey's Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina are all included in the tour price.
How many people will be in my tour group? ▼
This is a fully private tour. The vehicle, guide, and itinerary are dedicated exclusively to your party for the entire duration of the excursion.
What is the dress code for visiting the sites? ▼
Modest clothing is respectful and recommended when visiting cultural and historical sites in Egypt. Shoulders and knees should ideally be covered, particularly at religious or heritage monuments.
Alexandria Shore ExcursionCruise Port TourPompey's PillarQaitbay CitadelCatacombs AlexandriaBibliotheca AlexandrinaPrivate Egypt TourAlexandria Day TripRoman History EgyptMediterranean LunchEgypt Cultural TourAlexandria Port Excursion
This tour operates exclusively out of Alexandria Port, Egypt's primary Mediterranean cruise terminal, located in the city of Alexandria in the Alexandria Governorate on the northern coast of Egypt. Alexandria sits at the western edge of the Nile Delta along the Mediterranean Sea and is Egypt's second-largest city. The sites visited on this itinerary — Pompey's Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina — are all located within the historic urban core of Alexandria, spanning the Karmouz, Anfushi, and downtown districts. The city is approximately 225 kilometers north of Cairo and is a major stop on Mediterranean cruise itineraries. This tour is designed for travelers arriving by sea and is geographically contained within the city limits of Alexandria, with all logistics departing from and returning to the cruise terminal.
Type: Shore Excursion | Destination: Alexandria, Egypt | Region: North Africa, Mediterranean Coast | Sites Covered: Pompey's Pillar, Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel, Bibliotheca Alexandrina | Format: Private | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 6 Hours | Traveler Type: Cruise Passengers, History Travelers, Cultural Tourists | Includes: Lunch, Transfers, Entrance Fees
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