Total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027 – watch it with us in Luxor or Siwa Oasis. See eclipse trips
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Alexandria in a Day: Egypt’s Mediterranean City

Alexandria in a Day: Egypt’s Mediterranean City

Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and a fish lunch on the Corniche – how to spend a day in Alexandria from Cairo.

Alexander the Great founded it, Cleopatra ruled from it, and for centuries it was the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Alexandria today is busy, faded and charming, with a seafront that curves for miles and a sea breeze that Cairo can only dream of.

The drive from Cairo

From our base in Giza the desert road to Alexandria takes around three hours, which makes it a comfortable day trip. If you have time, stay a night and continue along the coast towards El Alamein or Siwa.

A day in the city

  • Kom el-Shoqafa – Roman catacombs where Egyptian gods wear Roman armour.
  • Pompey’s Pillar – a single granite column almost 27 metres high.
  • Qaitbay Citadel – the fort built where the Pharos lighthouse once stood.
  • The Bibliotheca Alexandrina – the modern successor to the ancient library, with museums inside.
  • Lunch on the Corniche, where you choose your fish and it is grilled while you wait.
12 HoursCairo & Giza, Alexandria

Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo

Roman catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel on the site of the Pharos and the new library, with a seafood lunch by the Mediterranean.

From $80
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When to go

Alexandria is pleasant most of the year. Summer is warm but fresher than Cairo; winter is mild, with the odd stormy day and rain blowing in from the sea.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one day enough for Alexandria?

One day covers the main sights comfortably. Stay overnight if you want to explore the old cafés and the seafront at an easier pace.

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