How long is the Alexandria sightseeing day tour from Cairo?

The Alexandria sightseeing day tour is a full-day excursion, lasting approximately 12 hours from pickup to drop-off. This includes about 5 to 6 hours of driving time to and from Alexandria, allowing roughly 6 to 7 hours for sightseeing at the various sites.

What is the pickup and drop-off process for this tour?

We arrange pickup and drop-off directly from your central Cairo hotel in specific zones, including Downtown, Zamalek, Garden City, Dokki, Mohandessin, and the Giza Plateau area. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed upon booking, typically in the early morning.

What is included in the Alexandria day tour price?

The tour includes return transfers from your Cairo hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed Egyptologist guide for the entire day, bottled water during transfers, and all entrance fees to the scheduled sites like the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Qaitbay Citadel.

What is not included in the tour price?

Lunch and any beverages not specified as included are not part of the tour price. Gratuities for your driver and Egyptologist guide are also excluded, as are personal expenses and admissions to any optional sites not listed in the itinerary.

Is the Alexandria day tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is generally suitable for children, though it involves a significant amount of driving. We recommend bringing snacks and entertainment for the car journeys. Our Egyptologists are experienced in engaging younger travellers with stories about ancient Egypt.

What should I wear and bring for the Alexandria day trip?

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing, especially during warmer months. Modest dress is advisable for religious sites. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and any personal medications you may need.

What is the group size for this tour?

This Alexandria day tour offers both private and small-group options. Private tours provide a more personalised experience and flexible pacing, while small-group tours offer a cost-effective alternative with a limited number of participants, typically no more than eight.

What are the main sites visited in Alexandria?

The tour typically visits key sites such as the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Citadel of Qaitbay. You will explore the ancient history and modern culture of Alexandria with your Egyptologist guide.

What is the best time of year to visit Alexandria from Cairo?

The best time to visit Alexandria is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, making extended outdoor exploration less enjoyable.

How much walking is involved in the Alexandria day tour?

The tour involves moderate walking at each site, including stairs at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and uneven surfaces at the Citadel of Qaitbay. Comfortable footwear is essential. The pace is flexible, especially on private tours.

Day Tour Cairo

Alexandria Day Tour, incl. Wadi Natrun Monasteries

Guided visits to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Qaitbay Citadel, with hotel pickup, licensed Egyptologist and air-conditioned transport

At a glance

Departs: Daily

The short answer

Alexandria Sightseeing Day Tour From Cairo is a 1-day private or small-group excursion covering the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Private
Small group

Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration: Full Day (about 12 hours door to door; approximately 10 hours on tour including drives)
Travel style: Private Guided Day Excursion or Small-Group Guided Day Excursion
Accommodation: N/A
Operated by: Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations: Cairo · Alexandria · Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa · Qaitbay Citadel
Includes: Central Cairo hotel pickup and drop-off · Air-conditioned vehicle · Licensed Egyptologist guide · Entrance fees to scheduled sites · Bottled water during transfers
Best for: First-time visitors to Egypt · History enthusiasts · Couples and families · Travelers based in Cairo
Guide languages: English

Best time to go

The best months are October through April, when Alexandria’s temperatures are generally milder and daytime sightseeing is more comfortable. Summer months can be humid and windy on the coast, and Fridays plus public holidays may bring heavier local traffic at main sights. During Ramadan, opening hours and lunch timing may be reduced, so departure and meal planning should be confirmed 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)
Licensed Egyptologist guide for the full day
Private or small-group vehicle options
Entrance fees to the scheduled sites are included
Central Cairo hotel pickup and drop-off arranged in confirmed zones
24/7 on-the-ground operational support

02 Overview

A first look

By mid-morning the Mediterranean breeze on Alexandria's corniche brings the smell of seaweed and frying fish, and the harbour light looks different from Cairo's Nile-side glare. Expect to move from open promenades to shadowed stone interiors, hearing our Egyptologist explain why Hellenistic street plans and Roman funerary art sit beside Coptic churches.

We arrange private or small-group vehicle options to reduce time spent queuing, rather than packing you onto a large coach. Your licensed Egyptologist meets you at pickup, guides the whole day, and handles site access and timing so you can focus on the city itself.

Background

The facts

Alexandria is Egypt’s main Mediterranean port city and one of the country’s most historically layered urban centers. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, it became a major Hellenistic capital and later remained important through the Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and modern periods. The drive from central Cairo to Alexandria is typically about 220 km each way and usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

A standard sightseeing day in Alexandria commonly includes the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern cultural complex on the eastern harbour that references the legacy of the ancient Library of Alexandria; the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a Roman-era funerary site with Greco-Roman and Egyptian features; and Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fortress built on the site associated with the ancient Pharos lighthouse. These sites are spread across the city, so local driving between stops is part of the itinerary.

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa were used from roughly the 2nd century CE and are reached by descending stairs into underground chambers, while Qaitbay Citadel sits on the Mediterranean corniche near the harbor. Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a contemporary landmark with reading rooms, exhibitions, and exterior architectural spaces that are often visited as part of a city tour.

Because this is a one-day excursion from Cairo, total touring time is limited by the road transfer. Visitors usually spend most of the day in transit and at scheduled monuments, with lunch and any optional site visits arranged separately unless included in the booking.

Named in this entry

Alexandria · Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa · Qaitbay Citadel · Pharos Lighthouse · Alexander the Great · Mediterranean Corniche · Roman Egypt · Hellenistic Egypt · Cairo

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This excursion suits travelers who want to see Alexandria in a single day from Cairo without arranging independent transport. It is a good fit for adults, older children, and first-time visitors who are comfortable with a long road journey and moderate walking at archaeological and city-center sites.

What lingers

01 Private A/C vehicle from Cairo; Alexandria is 220 km by road, approximately 2.5–3 hours each way.
02 Visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and Pompey's Pillar; standard entrance fees included.
03 Stop at Wadi Natrun to visit Coptic monasteries, including Deir Anba Bishoy and the Monastery of Saint Macarius.
04 Unlike coach tours, we operate this as a private day trip; timings adapt to monastery opening hours.
05 Operated by our Egyptologists; Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator handling permits and logistics.
06 Expect a 06:00–07:00 pickup, long drives, and walking on uneven stone at Kom el Shoqafa and monastery grounds.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike large coach day trips, this excursion uses private or small-group transport, which reduces waiting time and allows a steadier pace at each site. It is also structured around confirmed central Cairo pickup zones, so travelers do not need to arrange separate transport to a meeting point. Compared with overnight Alexandria stays, it is designed for visitors who want the main historical sites in a single day and then return to Cairo the same evening.

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

06:30 to 07:00 AM

Bundled in

Hotel pickup
Group Egyptologist
All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

Pickup and drop-off from central Cairo hotels (Downtown, Zamalek, Garden City, Dokki, Mohandessin and the Giza Plateau area; specific zones confirmed at booking)
Private or small-group air-conditioned vehicle for the day
Licensed Egyptologist guide for the full day
Bottled water during transfers
Entrance fees to the scheduled sites listed in the itinerary
Approximately 10 hours on tour, including drives

Not included

Lunch and any drinks not listed under inclusions
Gratuities for the driver and Egyptologist
Personal expenses and optional extras
Admissions to optional sites not listed in the itinerary

Tailor it

Make it yours

The excursion can be arranged as a private or small-group departure from confirmed central Cairo pickup zones. Optional changes may include extra time at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a lunch stop, or adding other Alexandria landmarks if time allows, subject to traffic and opening hours.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

We recommend this excursion for children aged five and older because of the walking, stairs and confined spaces in the Catacombs. Children aged 2 to 11 normally qualify for child pricing, infants under 2 travel free if they do not occupy a separate seat; exact child fares are set at booking. Strollers are impractical at the catacombs and at Qaitbay Citadel because of steps and narrow paths. If you are travelling with young children, tell us at booking so we can suggest seating arrangements and time breaks.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where: Hotel pickup — central Cairo hotels Map

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

On the ground

Your route

· In summary

This Alexandria day tour from Cairo includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Cairo, private or small-group air-conditioned transport, a licensed Egyptologist guide, bottled water, and entrance fees to the scheduled sites. The itinerary covers the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and Qaitbay Citadel. The road transfer each way is typically about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01 How long is the Alexandria sightseeing day tour from Cairo?

The Alexandria sightseeing day tour is a full-day excursion, lasting approximately 12 hours from pickup to drop-off. This includes about 5 to 6 hours of driving time to and from Alexandria, allowing roughly 6 to 7 hours for sightseeing at the various sites.
02 What is the pickup and drop-off process for this tour?

We arrange pickup and drop-off directly from your central Cairo hotel in specific zones, including Downtown, Zamalek, Garden City, Dokki, Mohandessin, and the Giza Plateau area. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed upon booking, typically in the early morning.
03 What is included in the Alexandria day tour price?

The tour includes return transfers from your Cairo hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed Egyptologist guide for the entire day, bottled water during transfers, and all entrance fees to the scheduled sites like the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Qaitbay Citadel.
04 What is not included in the tour price?

Lunch and any beverages not specified as included are not part of the tour price. Gratuities for your driver and Egyptologist guide are also excluded, as are personal expenses and admissions to any optional sites not listed in the itinerary.
05 Is the Alexandria day tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is generally suitable for children, though it involves a significant amount of driving. We recommend bringing snacks and entertainment for the car journeys. Our Egyptologists are experienced in engaging younger travellers with stories about ancient Egypt.
06 What should I wear and bring for the Alexandria day trip?

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing, especially during warmer months. Modest dress is advisable for religious sites. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and any personal medications you may need.
07 What is the group size for this tour?

This Alexandria day tour offers both private and small-group options. Private tours provide a more personalised experience and flexible pacing, while small-group tours offer a cost-effective alternative with a limited number of participants, typically no more than eight.
08 What are the main sites visited in Alexandria?

The tour typically visits key sites such as the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Citadel of Qaitbay. You will explore the ancient history and modern culture of Alexandria with your Egyptologist guide.
09 What is the best time of year to visit Alexandria from Cairo?

The best time to visit Alexandria is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, making extended outdoor exploration less enjoyable.
10 How much walking is involved in the Alexandria day tour?

The tour involves moderate walking at each site, including stairs at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and uneven surfaces at the Citadel of Qaitbay. Comfortable footwear is essential. The pace is flexible, especially on private tours.

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

Editorial review

Discovery Tours

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: EXC-CAI-143586

Aswan

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan, Day Tour

A full-day, return flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel with a guided visit to the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. You fly from Aswan International Airport (ASW) to Abu Simbel Airport (ABS), flight time about 40 to 50 minutes. We favour the flight option because road transfers take about three hours each way, which reduces time at the temples. Pickup is from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise gangway; expect to be ready 90 to 120 minutes before the scheduled domestic flight. Services are provided by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.

From $487

Aswan

1 Days

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan (Day Tour)

Drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel by road, a 280 km transfer taking about 3.5–4 hours each way. Our Egyptologist accompanies the transfer and guides you at both temples: the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. We normally depart before sunrise (around 3:00–3:30 AM) so you arrive for morning light and cooler temperatures; expect roughly two hours on site. Distinctive point of view: we prefer road transfers because they avoid airport queues and deliver a predictable schedule. Trade-offs: it is an early start and a long round trip, with limited shade at the site midday.

From $94

Cairo

2 Days

Alexandria Overnight Tour from Cairo

We transfer you from Cairo to Alexandria by private car, include one hotel night, and guided visits to Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Qaitbay Citadel. The drive is about 220 km (roughly 2.5–3 hours) depending on Cairo traffic. Unlike rushed single-day coach tours, our overnight schedule lets you visit the library at opening and see Kom el-Dikka and Kom el-Shoqafa without a late return to Cairo. Our Egyptologist accompanies the visits; our driver meets you in Cairo and handles transfers and luggage. Standard site entrance fees are included; optional extras or special-permit access are charged separately. Trade-offs: an early departure and roughly 220 km of driving each way.

From $229