Alexandria Layover Tour from Borg El Arab Airport

Schedule: Daily Departures

Duration: Approximately 7 to 8 Hours

Pickup Time: Coordinated with your flight arrival time

Pickup & Drop-off: Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) or Alexandria Airport / Hotels

Tour Highlights

Transform your flight transit into a cultural expedition with a private layover tour of Mediterranean Alexandria. Directly departing from Borg El Arab Airport (HBE), this fully guided shore and city transit tour explores classical Greco-Roman sites, historic religious landmarks, vibrant coastal markets, and royal Mediterranean palace gardens.

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Discover the iconic modern library complex, housing up to 8 million books, the open courtyard featuring statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I, the main reading hall, Sadat Museum, and Impressions of Alexandria Museum.
• Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El Dikka): Explore the marble-tiered theater and view the open-air displays of sunken pharaonic monuments recovered from Alexandria's Eastern Harbor.
• Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral: Visit the historical seat of the Coptic Pope and the oldest Christian church in Africa, founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist.
• Historic Old Town & Traditional Souks: Walk through ancient downtown alleys, baroque-influenced architecture, and the vibrant Zan’et El Setat market.
• Citadel of Qaitbay & Eastern Harbor: Capture panoramic photos of the 15th-century maritime fortress built on the exact site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, alongside traditional fishing boat harbors.
• Montaza Palace & Royal Gardens: Stroll through 150 acres of royal gardens, admire the Salamlek and Haramlek Palaces, and cross the historic bridge to the Tea Island facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Detailed Day Tour Itinerary

Airport Meet & Greet

• Your dedicated Ramasside Tours Egyptologist guide and driver greet you at Borg El Arab International Airport holding a personalized name sign.
• Board a private, climate-controlled vehicle to begin your curated tour of Alexandria.

Morning: Classical Architecture & Ancient Sanctuaries

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Tour the architectural masterpiece overlooking the sea. Explore the open plaza displaying statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I salvaged from the seabed, visit the main reading hall, the Sadat Museum, and the Impressions of Alexandria exhibition.
• (Note: The library is closed on Fridays and public holidays).
• Roman Amphitheatre: Tour the preserved 4th-century marble amphitheater at Kom El Dikka, accompanied by the open-air display of Greco-Roman columns and underwater pharaonic antiquities recovered from the bay.
• Saint Mark’s Cathedral: Step inside the historical foundation church of African Christianity, housing relics of Saint Mark.
• Historic Downtown & El Nabi Daniel Mosque: Walk through historic downtown districts displaying European-Egyptian eclectic architecture. Pass by the revered El Nabi Daniel Mosque, historically associated with ancient scholars and early traditions surrounding the tomb of Alexander the Great.

Midday: Local Flavors & Bustling Quarters

• Lunch Break (Optional): Savor a fresh Mediterranean seafood meal overlooking the coast or dine at the legendary local institution Mohamed Ahmed, renowned for authentic Egyptian dishes and visited by international royalty and dignitaries.
• Traditional Souks & Mansheya: Walk through the historic market streets of Zan'et El Setat and the gold quarter, experiencing local craftsmanship and spices.
• Abu El Abbas Mosque & Corniche Drive: Stop for photos outside Alexandria's largest and most intricate Islamic monument, the Mosque of Abu El Abbas El Mursi. View the active fishing port with traditional wooden boats, fishermen repairing nets, and seaside promenades.
• Citadel of Qaitbay: Stop outside the imposing 15th-century defensive stronghold erected on the exact site of the Pharos Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Afternoon: Royal Montaza Palace & Scenic Return

• Drive east along the 30-kilometer Corniche, stopping briefly at the King of Mango for fresh local fruit juice and viewing the Unknown Soldier Memorial.
• Montaza Palace Gardens: Explore the lush royal estate of King Farouk, the last reigning monarch of Egypt. Stroll through the scenic palm gardens, view the Flemish-Italianate architecture of the Haramlek and Salamlek palaces, and cross the bridge to the Tea Island overlooking the sea.
• Stanley Bridge: Pause for photos at the modern landmark Stanley Bridge with sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean coastline.
• Transfer back in comfort to Borg El Arab Airport with ample time for your departing flight, or drop-off at your Alexandria hotel.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Private round-trip airport transfers from/to Borg El Arab Airport (or Alexandria Airport) in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
• Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout the tour
• Entrance tickets to all itinerary sites (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Roman Amphitheatre, Montaza Gardens)
• Chilled bottled water in the vehicle
• All service charges, road tolls, and municipal taxes

Exclusions

• Entry visa to Egypt (On-arrival assistance available upon request)
• Meals and drinks outside itinerary
• Optional seaside restaurant lunch ($15 per person)
• Gratuities / Tipping

Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes

Executive Luxury Van Upgrade

Upgrade your layover transit to a luxury executive minivan or Mercedes Sprinter with extra legroom, dual-zone climate control, onboard Wi-Fi, and cold refreshments.

Professional Vacation Photographer

Hire a professional photographer to accompany your tour across Alexandria's monuments and coast for $50 per day to capture high-resolution portraits.

Mediterranean Seafood Lunch

Add a full seafood lunch at an oceanfront restaurant along the Corniche for an additional $15 per person (advance notice requested).

Packing Tips & Dress Code

Flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended for walking on historic stone pavements. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appropriate when visiting mosques and churches.

Child Policy

• 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge
• 2 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour rate
• 12+ years: Full adult rate

For reservations, custom flight timings, and private VIP upgrades, contact us at: [email protected]