Schedule: Daily Departures
Duration: Approximately 10 to 12 Hours
Pickup Time: 07:00 AM (Customizable based on your preference)
Pickup & Drop-off: Cairo or Giza Hotels (Private Round-Trip Transfer)
Tour Highlights
Escape the bustle of Cairo for a full-day private journey to Alexandria, Egypt’s historic Mediterranean jewel. Accompanied by a licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide in a private, climate-controlled executive vehicle, you will explore world-renowned cultural landmarks, Greco-Roman antiquities, historic commercial souks, and royal seaside estates.
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Tour the iconic modern library complex, view the open-air plaza featuring statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I salvaged from the sea bed, and admire the exterior granite wall inscribed with scripts from around the globe.
- Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El Dikka): Walk through the preserved 4th-century marble auditorium and explore the open-air archaeological park displaying submerged pharaonic relics recovered from the Eastern Harbor.
- Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral: Visit the foundational seat of Christianity in Africa, established in the 1st century AD by Saint Mark the Apostle.
- Old Town & Historic Bazaars: Stroll through Alexandria’s historic quarters to see Italian and French baroque architecture, explore Zan'et El Setat, and browse the traditional gold market.
- Citadel of Qaitbay & Eastern Harbor: Stop for panoramic photographs outside the 15th-century maritime fortress erected on the exact footprint of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Montaza Palace & Royal Gardens: Stroll through 150 acres of lush seaside grounds, admire the Florentine-Ottoman styled Haramlek and Salamlek palaces, cross the bridge to the Tea Island, and drive past the landmark Stanley Bridge.
Detailed Day Tour Itinerary
Morning Departure from Cairo to Alexandria
- Your private Ramasside Tours Egyptologist guide and driver greet you directly in your Cairo or Giza hotel lobby at 07:00 AM holding a personalized name sign.
- Travel northwest along the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Highway in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with a comfortable rest stop).
- Along the drive, your guide introduces the history of Alexandria from its founding by Alexander the Great in 331 BC to its role as the Mediterranean center of learning and trade.
Classical Landmarks & Intellectual Heritage
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Begin your visits at the seaside library complex. Walk across the vast open-air granite plaza to view the statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I discovered on the nearby seabed, admire the architecture, and capture photos.
- (Note: The library is closed on Fridays and public holidays; reading hall access requires an additional ticket).
- Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El Dikka): Explore the 13-tiered marble theater, remnants of Roman residential structures, and the open-air exhibit of ancient columns, capitals, and pharaonic statues raised from the Mediterranean seafloor.
- Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral: Step inside the historical spiritual heart of African Christianity to view ancient iconography and learn about its 1st-century foundation.
Old Town Bazaars, Coastal Mosques & Maritime Forts
- Old Town Walking Tour: Walk through historic downtown districts displaying European and Mediterranean architectural facades.
- Mansheya & Zan'et El Setat: Wander through the lively alleys of Zan'et El Setat and the gold quarter, browsing traditional textiles, spices, and artisan items.
- Lunch Break (Optional): Enjoy lunch at a contemporary Mediterranean seafood restaurant overlooking the water or dine at Alexandria’s culinary landmark Mohamed Ahmed, renowned for authentic Egyptian specialties and frequented by international dignitaries.
- Mosque of Abu El Abbas El Mursi (Photo Stop): Stop outside the city's grandest and most beautiful mosque, admiring its cream-colored domes and soaring minaret. View the neighboring traditional fishing harbor filled with colorful wooden boats and fishermen mending nets.
- Citadel of Qaitbay: Stop outside the imposing 15th-century Mamluk defensive fort built directly upon the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse for spectacular seaside photos.
Afternoon: Royal Montaza Grounds & Return to Cairo
- Drive eastward along the scenic Corniche, making a short stop at The King of Mango for fresh local fruit juice and a quick photo stop at the Unknown Soldier Memorial.
- Montaza Palace Gardens: Explore the seaside estate of King Farouk, the last reigning monarch of Egypt. Walk through palm-shaded walkways, view the Haramlek and Salamlek palaces, cross the historic bridge to the Tea Island, and look out over the royal Mediterranean beaches.
- Stanley Bridge Drive: Drive across Alexandria's modern suspension bridge, taking in panoramic views of the bay.
- Settle into your private vehicle for a comfortable return drive to Cairo, arriving back at your hotel in the evening.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Private round-trip transfers between Cairo/Giza and Alexandria in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout the tour
- Entrance tickets to all itinerary sites (Bibliotheca Alexandrina exterior/plaza, Roman Amphitheatre, and Montaza Gardens)
- Chilled bottled mineral water inside the vehicle
- All highway tolls, parking fees, service charges, and municipal taxes
Exclusions
- Entry visa to Egypt
- Optional lunch and beverages
- Reading hall entrance ticket inside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Professional vacation photographer add-on
- Gratuities / Tipping
Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes
Executive Luxury Van Upgrade
Upgrade your overland transit between Cairo and Alexandria to an executive luxury van featuring extra legroom, plush reclining seats, dual-zone climate control, and onboard Wi-Fi.
Professional Vacation Photographer
Hire a professional photographer to accompany your day trip and capture high-resolution portraits across Alexandria’s classical monuments and coastal gardens for $50 per day.
Footwear Recommendation
Flat, closed-toe walking shoes are strongly recommended for walking across ancient stone pavements and traditional cobblestone markets.
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, customized departure hours, and private VIP upgrades, contact us at: [email protected]