Why choose this Cairo tour ?
Begin your day with a guide meeting at your hotel and embark on a scenic three-hour drive from Cairo to Alexandria. Upon arrival, explore the Kom El Shoqafa necropolis, an ancient burial site with a unique blend of Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman elements. The catacombs, dating back to the 2nd century AD, feature a circular staircase used for body transport and were rediscovered in 1900.
Next, visit Pompey’s Pillar, a 30-meter red granite column erected around 300 AD in honor of Emperor Diocletian. Despite its name, it has no connection to the Roman Consul Pompey. The pillar stands on the site of the Serapeum, an ancient temple destroyed in 391 AD by a Christian mob led by patriarch Theophilus. Today, only the pillar remains of this grand structure, with nearby tunnels and artifacts on display in the Greco-Roman Museum.
Conclude your tour at the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress established by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay
Make the most of your Cairo adventure
What makes Discover Alexandria: Day Trip from Cairo a unique experience ?
The second attraction is Pompey’s Pillar. Despite its name, this 30-meter red Aswan granite column has no link to Pompey. Crusaders mistakenly believed it marked his burial site, but it was erected around 300 AD for Emperor Diocletian. The site was originally the Serapeum, Alexandria’s acropolis, dedicated to the god Serapis.
In 391 AD, Christian patriarch Theophilus led a mob to destroy the Serapeum and other pagan symbols, possibly including the Great Library of Alexandria. Today, only the pillar remains of the once-grand temple. Visitors can explore nearby tunnels and see artifacts like a life-size black basalt bull and a golden plaque at the Greco-Roman Museum.
Begin your day by meeting your guide at your hotel. Take a three-hour drive from Cairo to Alexandria. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to the city’s rich history. Start with the necropolis of Kom El Shoqafa, featuring a blend of Pharaonic, Hellenistic, and Roman influences. Explore the catacombs with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultural elements, including statues and tombs. A circular staircase, used to transport deceased bodies, leads down into the tombs from the 2nd to the 4th century AD. The site was rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into the access shaft. Three sarcophagi have been found to date.
The third stop is the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress on Alexandria’s Mediterranean coast. Built in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay, it stands on the eastern side of Pharos Island at the mouth of the Eastern Harbour.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
Discover Alexandria: Day Trip from Cairo Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Pick up and drop off with a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees ( optional)
- Lunch at a seafood restaurant overlooking the sea (optional)
- Bottle of water on board
- Professional tourguide
Not Included
- Gratuities
Trending Cairo Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Egypt discovery.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Africa/Cairo.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
