# Alexandria Day Tour, incl. Wadi Natrun Monasteries

> Book an Alexandria day tour from Cairo with a licensed Egyptologist, hotel pickup, entrance fees, and private or small-group transport. Reserve now.

Source: https://discoverytoursegypt.com/day-tours/cairo/alexandria-day-tour-from-cairo-bibliotheca-citadel/
Operator: Discovery Tours Egypt

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.

## Key Facts
- Locations: Cairo, Alexandria, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Wadi Natrun
- From: $174 per person
- Fitness level: Easy

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

## 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

## Itinerary
### Day 1: Effortless Departure from Cairo
Your day begins with a prompt pickup from your Cairo or Giza hotel lobby. Meet your professional driver and our Egyptologist, then board a premium, air-conditioned vehicle stocked with mineral water and artisan snack boxes. You settle in for a scenic drive through the fertile Nile Delta toward the Mediterranean coast, while your Egyptologist outlines the day’s stops and local history. We meet you at your hotel lobby, not a distant assembly point.
- Prompt hotel lobby pickup
- Air-conditioned vehicle with snacks
- Scenic Nile Delta drive
Duration: 3 hours approx · Meals: Artisan snack box and mineral water included.

### Day 2: Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
On arrival in Alexandria you head straight to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Your Egyptologist explains the three-level necropolis, where pharaonic, Greek and Roman architectural elements merge in funerary chambers and a spiral stair. We provide pre-arranged Discovery Tours Egypt tickets so you bypass the ticket queue. Unlike unguided visits, your guide points out the hybrid iconography and burial customs room by room.
- Three-level subterranean necropolis
- Hybrid pharaonic-Greek-Roman motifs
- Spiral staircase and burial chambers
Sites: [Kom el Shoqafa](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/alexandria/kom-el-shoqafa/)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 3: Bibliotheca Alexandrina
You arrive at the ultra-modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, about 225 km northwest of Cairo, roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive. You walk the library’s circular exterior and public plaza while your Egyptologist explains how the building honours the ancient Library of Alexandria and the scholars who once worked on these shores. The guided visit focuses on the architecture, the library’s role in modern scholarship, and the historical context of the original institution.
- Ultra-modern circular architecture
- Guided history of ancient scholars
- Walk the public plaza
Sites: [Bibliotheca Alexandrina](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/alexandria/bibliotheca-alexandrina-entry-ticket/)
Duration: 1 hour · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 4: Seafront Lunch, Alexandria
You arrive at a handpicked sea-view restaurant on Alexandria's Corniche, with direct views of the Mediterranean Sea. You'll enjoy a sit-down meal featuring the catch of the day and regional mezze while a local host explains typical Alexandrian seafood preparations. This is a relaxed, breezy pause mid-excursion; we choose venues frequented by local residents rather than tourist-only spots, so the menu reflects current seasonality and local sourcing.
- Sea-view restaurant on the Corniche
- Fresh catch of the day
- Traditional regional mezze
Duration: 1 hour · Meals: Lunch at a handpicked sea-view restaurant.

### Day 5: Citadel of Qaitbay
You arrive at the Citadel of Qaitbay on Alexandria's eastern harbour, built in the 15th century on the exact site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Your Egyptologist explains the fortress's coastal defences while you wander the ramparts, taking panoramic, salty-aired views of the Mediterranean. Learn how the citadel guarded the harbour for centuries, then return to the meeting point for onward transfer.
- Built on Lighthouse site
- Walk the 15th-century ramparts
- Panoramic Mediterranean views
Sites: [Qaitbay Citadel](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/alexandria/qaitbay-citadel/)
Duration: 1 hour · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 6: Montaza Palace Gardens
You arrive for a refreshing, leisurely stroll through the expansive Montaza Palace gardens, once the royal retreat. Your Egyptologist explains the site's royal past and the layout of formal flower beds, palms and seaside promenades. Expect easy, level paths for most of the route and ample photo opportunities of the palace's dramatic, sprawling architecture against the sea. This visit provides a calmer, scenic ending to a busy sightseeing day.
- Formal flower beds and palms
- Photograph palace by the sea
- Leisurely, shaded promenades
Duration: 45 minutes · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 7: Scenic Return to Cairo
At the agreed meeting point and departure time, re-board your private, air-conditioned vehicle for the drive back to Cairo. As the afternoon sun softens, our driver handles the route while your Egyptologist remains on hand to discuss Khufu, Memphis or the day’s sites. Sit back and enjoy the changing Nile-side and desert landscape, or use the time to review photos and ask questions about what you saw.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Egyptologist available onboard
- Nile-side and desert views
Duration: 3 hours approx (depends on hotel location) · Meals: No meals at this stop.

## FAQ
### 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 travelers 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.

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Full page (with photos, live pricing, and booking): https://discoverytoursegypt.com/day-tours/cairo/alexandria-day-tour-from-cairo-bibliotheca-citadel/