Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo
Cairo, Egypt
Rating: 
Trip Type: Day Trips
Duration: 10 hours
Behold historical Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city on this full-day tour from Cairo. Travel to this beautiful Mediterranean coastal city, founded by Alexander the Great in 312 BC, to learn more about how it served as Egypt’s capital for nearly 1,000 years. Explore the spooky Roman catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa; see medieval Fort Qaitbey where Alexandria’s fabled lighthouse once stood; and marvel at the new Alexandria Library, a disc-shaped wonder that honors the ancient library. Lastly, visit the National Museum, where Greek, Roman and medieval displays chart the city’s tumultuous past.
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Behold historical Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city on this full-day tour from Cairo. Travel to this beautiful Mediterranean coastal city, founded by Alexander the Great in 312 BC, to learn more about how it served as Egypt’s capital for nearly 1,000 years. Explore the spooky Roman catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa; see medieval Fort Qaitbey where Alexandria’s fabled lighthouse once stood; and marvel at the new Alexandria Library, a disc-shaped wonder that honors the ancient library. Lastly, visit the National Museum, where Greek, Roman and medieval displays chart the city’s tumultuous past.
Meet your guide in central Cairo and board your air-conditioned coach with your guide. Then, enjoy the views on your approximately 3-hour journey to Egypt’s second-largest city.
Fringing the Mediterranean, Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 312 BC and is steeped in history. On arrival, head for the Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa. Spread over three levels, these gloomy tunnels are the world’s largest known Roman burial site. Descend by spiral staircase to peer at their chambers, frescos and sculptures. You'll also see the triclinium, a banqueting room where relatives held feasts for the dead.
Back in daylight, visit the former site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the long-gone structure that was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Walk the ramparts of Fort Qaitbey, the 15th-century citadel that stands on the lighthouse’s remains and absorb the ocean views.
Break for lunch (own expense) before your tour takes you to the new Alexandria Library. Inspired by the defunct ancient library, this 21st-century architectural wonder resembles a vast, sunlit disc. Head inside to marvel at its echoing reading rooms and chambers; the space houses around eight million books!
Finish at the impressive Alexandria National Museum. Here, stroll around the fascinating Greek and Roman relics, many recovered from under the sea, and the medieval and modern displays that tell the city's incredible story.
Afterward, return to your coach for your journey to Cairo and a drop-off at your original start point.
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