Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo: Egypt’s Mediterranean City

This Alexandria day trip from Cairo takes you north to Egypt’s second city on the Mediterranean coast and back in a single day. You can book it as a private tour for your party or join a group at a lower price.

What you will see

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC and became the capital of the Ptolemies, famous in antiquity for its lighthouse and its great library. Today it has a very different feel from Cairo, with a long seafront and a mix of Greco-Roman, Islamic and modern landmarks.

Among the city’s best-known sights are:

• Citadel of Qaitbay: a 15th-century fortress standing near the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse.
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: the modern library and cultural centre that recalls the ancient Library of Alexandria.
• Pompey’s Pillar and the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa: remains of the Roman city.

The exact stops on your day are confirmed when you book.

Good to know

The drive between Cairo and Alexandria takes up a good part of the day in each direction, so expect an early start and a late return. Alexandria is usually cooler and breezier than Cairo, so a light jacket can be useful outside summer.

Check what your chosen option includes, such as tickets and meals, before you travel. Comfortable shoes and sunglasses are useful for a day spent between the car and the city streets.