Discovery Tours Egypt
Day TourCairo

Alexandria Overnight Tour from Cairo

Guided visit to Pompey’s Pillar, Kom El Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Roman Museum, with hotel pickup, guided tours and overnight in Alexandria.

At a glance

Length
2 days · 1 nights
Departs
Daily

The short answer

Alexandria overnight sightseeing tour from Cairo is a 2-day excursion covering Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Roman Museum in Alexandria, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Private
  • Cultural
  • Archaeology & history
Best for
  • Couples·
  • Solo traveller·
  • Groups·
  • Seniors

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Travel style
Guided Excursion with Overnight in Alexandria
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation arranged separately if requested
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Cairo · Alexandria · Pompey’s Pillar · Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa · Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Roman Museum (Alexandria)
Includes
Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairo · Qualified Egyptologist guide on the sightseeing day · Air-conditioned vehicle between Cairo and Alexandria · Lunch on the main sightseeing day · Entrance fees to listed sites
Best for
History enthusiasts · Travelers wanting a slower Alexandria visit · Couples and families · Private tour travelers
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

The best time to visit Alexandria is usually from October to April, when temperatures are milder and sea breezes make outdoor sightseeing more comfortable. Summer months can be humid and warm, though Alexandria is typically cooler than Cairo. During Ramadan and major public holidays, some opening hours and restaurant service patterns may change, so scheduling should be checked 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)
  • Egyptologist guide for the sightseeing day
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairo
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for intercity transport
  • Standard site entrance fees included unless stated otherwise

02Overview

A first look

By dawn the Corniche smells of sea and diesel, and Alexandria's low skyline slips into view as we drive along the Mediterranean coast. You will move from salty sea air to the cool, echoing chambers of Kom El Shoqafa, stand beside Pompey’s Pillar, and feel the modern hush of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in the morning light, all paced so the day never feels rushed.

We arrange every transfer and the overnight stay so your time in the city is quiet and usable, not a dash. Our Egyptologists lead the walking sequences and explain the Roman and Hellenistic layers on site; unlike same-day coach trips, this keeps a morning in Alexandria for softer light and fewer crowds.

Background

The facts

Alexandria is Egypt’s main Mediterranean port and was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. The city lies about 220 km northwest of Cairo, and the drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours each way depending on traffic and road conditions. An overnight stay allows visitors to see major sites without compressing all visits into a single same-day return.

Pompey’s Pillar is a free-standing Roman column in the Serapeum area, generally dated to the late 3rd century CE. Nearby, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are one of Alexandria’s best-known Roman-period funerary complexes, with underground chambers that combine Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic elements. The Roman Amphitheatre remains and the Roman Museum help explain the city’s Greco-Roman layers through sculpture, mosaics, and architectural fragments.

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern cultural landmark on the Corniche, opened in 2002 as a major library and research center. It is not an ancient monument, but it is often included because it represents Alexandria’s contemporary role as a center of learning. Most sightseeing routes in the city combine indoor and outdoor stops, so walking distances are moderate and visits are usually arranged with transport between sites.

An overnight in Alexandria is useful because the city is less congested early in the morning than during midday. It also gives time for a slower sequence of visits along the Corniche and in the central archaeological areas, with lunch commonly scheduled on the main sightseeing day.

Named in this entry

Alexandria·Pompey’s Pillar·Serapeum·Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa·Bibliotheca Alexandrina·Roman Museum·Roman Amphitheatre·Alexander the Great

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits adults and older children who are interested in Roman, Hellenistic, and modern Egyptian history. It is a good fit for travelers who prefer a private, guided city itinerary with moderate walking rather than a long, crowded day trip.

What lingers

  • 01Private transfer from Cairo to Alexandria – approximately 225 km (about a 3-hour drive) in an air-conditioned car.
  • 02Unlike most same-day runs from Cairo, we overnight in Alexandria to visit sites without rushed timings.
  • 03Guided visits to Kom El Shoqafa catacombs and Pompey's Pillar; standard site entrance fees are included.
  • 04We schedule the Roman Amphitheatre visit in the cooler morning to avoid midday heat and crowds.
  • 05Evening promenade at Montaza Gardens with time to walk the late-afternoon corniche before dinner.
  • 06Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator; your Egyptologist guide provides maps, reading recommendations, and contextual briefings.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a same-day Alexandria coach tour, this itinerary includes an overnight in the city so the next morning can be used for sightseeing before the return to Cairo. It is also more structured than self-driving, because pickup, transport, and guided site visits are arranged in advance. Compared with larger group excursions, a private format usually allows more control over pacing at each stop.

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

06:30 to 07:00 AM

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

  6. 6

  7. 7

  8. 8

  9. 9

  10. 10

  11. 11

  12. 12

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairo hotels
  • Services of a qualified Egyptologist guide for the sightseeing day
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle between Cairo and Alexandria
  • Lunch on the main sightseeing day
  • Entrance fees to the listed sites

Not included

  • Overnight accommodation in Alexandria if you require a specific hotel upgrade
  • Drinks unless specified with meals
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses and optional activities

Tailor it

Make it yours

The excursion can be arranged as a private tour or adapted for small groups depending on availability and budget. Common adjustments include adding a seaside lunch stop, extending time at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, or upgrading the Alexandria overnight accommodation if a specific hotel category is requested. The route can also be adjusted to prioritize more archaeology or more city views.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Minimum age is 5 years for this excursion due to staircases and confined spaces at the Catacombs. Child rates are available for ages 5 to 11; from age 12, full adult price applies. Strollers are not practical at Kom El Shoqafa because of steps and narrow passages; a baby carrier is more useful for infants. High chairs are not guaranteed at the included lunch venue; please tell us in advance if you require one so we can request it.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel pickup — central Cairo hotelsMap

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

On the ground

Your route

1Cairo2Alexandria

·In summary

This excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairo, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, an Egyptologist guide on the sightseeing day, lunch, and entrance fees to the listed sites. The itinerary covers Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Roman Museum in Alexandria. Overnight accommodation in Alexandria is arranged separately if a specific hotel upgrade is requested.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is the duration of the Alexandria overnight sightseeing tour?
    This is a two-day, one-night excursion from Cairo to Alexandria, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the city's main sites. You will depart from Cairo on the first morning and return to your Cairo hotel on the second afternoon.
  2. 02What is included in the tour price?
    The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Cairo hotels, an Egyptologist guide for the sightseeing day, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, lunch on the main sightseeing day, and entrance fees to all listed sites.
  3. 03What is not included in the tour price?
    Overnight accommodation in Alexandria is not included, allowing you to choose your preferred hotel. Drinks, unless specified with meals, gratuities for guides and drivers, personal expenses, and optional activities are also excluded.
  4. 04What kind of vehicle is used for transport to Alexandria?
    Transport between Cairo and Alexandria is provided in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. This ensures a comfortable journey for the approximately 2.5-hour drive each way.
  5. 05Will I have an Egyptologist guide throughout the tour?
    Yes, you will have a qualified Egyptologist guide for the main sightseeing day in Alexandria. They will provide insights into the history and significance of each site you visit.
  6. 06Is lunch provided during the tour?
    Lunch is included on the main sightseeing day in Alexandria. This allows you to enjoy a meal without needing to arrange it separately during your exploration.
  7. 07What are the main sites visited in Alexandria?
    The tour visits key Alexandrian landmarks, including Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Roman Museum. This provides a comprehensive overview of the city's ancient and modern history.
  8. 08How does this tour differ from a day trip to Alexandria?
    Unlike single-day excursions, this overnight tour includes a night in Alexandria. This allows for a more leisurely pace, avoiding the rush of a same-day return to Cairo and providing morning time in the city.
  9. 09What should I wear for visiting the sites in Alexandria?
    We recommend comfortable walking shoes as you will be exploring ancient sites. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for visiting religious or historical sites out of respect for local customs.
  10. 10Is this tour suitable for families with children?
    This tour involves walking at several historical sites and travel time between cities. While children are welcome, parents should consider if the pace and historical focus align with their children's interests and stamina.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy

Product ID: EXC-CAI-493110

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