Alexandria Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel & Roman Theatre Day Trip from Cairo
- Duration10 hours
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Overview
Travel from Cairo to Alexandria, the Mediterranean city founded by Alexander the Great, on a full-day shared tour with an Egyptologist guide. You visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Roman Theatre at Kom El Dikka and the Qaitbay Citadel on the harbour, and stop for a seafood lunch. The default option includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, entry tickets to the three sites, lunch and bottled water in an air-conditioned car. It suits history lovers and couples who want a long day by the sea.
Highlights
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, in an air-conditioned car
- Egyptologist guide throughout the day
- Entry tickets to the Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel and Roman Theatre in the default option
- Seafood lunch and bottled water included
- Mediterranean views along the Corniche
- A shared tour that avoids the hassle of trains and taxis
Full Description
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are the largest Roman-era burial site in Egypt, dating mainly from the second century AD. They were cut into the rock across three levels, reached by a spiral staircase, and the tombs mix Egyptian, Greek and Roman art in a way that is unique. Carved figures of gods in Roman dress, and a rock-cut banqueting hall where mourners once gathered, show how cultures blended in ancient Alexandria.
If you are searching for an Alexandria catacombs tour, this is the place your guide explains in context. Allow about an hour. The stairs are narrow and it can be humid below ground, so wear comfortable shoes.
The Roman Theatre at Kom El Dikka
The Roman Theatre at Kom El Dikka is the only Roman theatre found in Egypt. Its horseshoe of marble seating tiers, built around the fourth century AD, was discovered by accident in the 1960s while workers cleared land for a building. Beside it are the remains of Roman baths and lecture halls that were probably part of an ancient university quarter.
Visiting it gives you a sense of the classical city beneath modern Alexandria. Your guide points out the mosaics and marble details. It is an easy visit on flat ground, and the tickets are included in the default option.
Qaitbay Citadel on the harbour
The Qaitbay Citadel stands at the tip of a peninsula at the eastern harbour and was built in 1477 by the Mamluk sultan Qaitbay. It sits on the site of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a giant lighthouse that stood for centuries before earthquakes brought it down. Stones from the lighthouse were reused in the fort.
You can climb to the upper levels for wide sea views, and visitors ask for the best time to visit Qaitbay Citadel: late afternoon light on the water is lovely, but the visit is a rewarding stop at any time. Bring a hat because the breeze can be strong and the sun bright.
Lunch, the Corniche and the journey
Alexandria's Corniche is the waterfront road that sweeps along the Mediterranean, past old cafés and grand buildings, and the drive gives you a first impression of the city. The tour includes a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, which is a highlight for many travellers, but drinks during lunch are not included.
The road from Cairo to Alexandria takes about two and a half hours each way, so the day lasts around ten hours. Some sights, such as Pompey's Pillar or the library area, may be shown as time allows, and the order can change depending on traffic and site hours.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup in Cairo or GizaYour driver collects you at the time confirmed the day before, usually around 07:30.
- Drive to AlexandriaAbout two and a half hours in an air-conditioned car, with commentary from your guide.
- Catacombs of Kom El ShoqafaExplore the three-level Roman-era catacombs with your guide.
- Roman Theatre at Kom El DikkaSee the marble seating tiers and Roman remains.
- Seafood lunchLunch at a local restaurant, included in the default option.
- Qaitbay CitadelVisit the fifteenth-century fort on the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse.
- Drive back to CairoReturn to Cairo or Giza in the evening and drop-off at your accommodation.
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Cairo or Giza
- Transport by air-conditioned car
- Egyptologist guide
- Seafood lunch
- Bottled water
Not included
- Entry tickets to the sites (bought on the spot)
- Drinks during lunch
- Long-distance pickup outside central Cairo/Giza
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users, because of stairs and uneven ground at some sites
- Travellers who dislike long road journeys
- Pregnant women and people with back problems
Meeting point
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from your accommodation in Cairo or Giza. Your guide confirms the exact pickup time the day before, usually early in the morning. Pickup from areas far outside central Cairo or Giza may need an extra arrangement.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, with a hat and sun protection
- Bring your passport or ID in case of checkpoints
- Modest clothing is appreciated at religious and historic sites
- The default option includes entry tickets to the Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel and the Roman Theatre, and lunch
- Drinks during lunch, tips and long-distance pickups are not included
- The order of stops can change due to traffic and opening hours
- The tour is a long day of about ten hours
- Bring a camera, water and a light jacket for the sea breeze
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Alexandria day trip from Cairo cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, with or without entry tickets. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza are included in both options. Long-distance pickups outside central Cairo or Giza may need an extra arrangement.
How long is the Alexandria tour?
The tour takes about ten hours, with roughly two and a half hours of driving each way.
What is the difference between the options?
The default option includes entry tickets to the Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel and Roman Theatre, plus lunch. The other option includes lunch but not entry tickets, which you buy at each site.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A seafood lunch is included in both options, but drinks during lunch are not.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes for children who can manage a long day of travel. The catacombs have narrow stairs, so hold young children's hands.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and modest, light clothing. Bring sun protection, a camera, water and your passport or ID.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Usually yes if places remain, though early departures need time to arrange. Check the booking panel for availability on your date.
Is Alexandria worth visiting as a day trip from Cairo?
Yes. It shows a different side of Egypt, with Greek and Roman history, a Mediterranean coast and a cooler climate, in a single long day.
What is at the site of Qaitbay Citadel?
The citadel stands where the ancient Pharos lighthouse once stood, and stones from the lighthouse were used in the fort.
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