Rosetta Stone and Historic City Tour from Alexandria

Schedule: Daily Departures

Duration: Approximately 8 to 9 Hours

Pickup Time: 08:00 AM (Customizable based on your preference)

Pickup & Drop-off: Alexandria Hotels or Alexandria Port (Private Round-Trip Transfer)

Tour Highlights

Journey 65 km eastward into the fertile northern Nile Delta for a full-day private exploration of Rashid (Rosetta). Globally celebrated as the archaeological site where the Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799—providing the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics—Rosetta offers an authentic glimpse into Egypt’s historic maritime trade, rare Ottoman brick architecture, and riverfront heritage.

• Fort of Qaitbay (Citadel of Rosetta): Step inside the 15th-century defensive river stronghold built by Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, where French soldiers under Napoleon’s expedition discovered the trilingual Rosetta Stone.
• Nile-to-Mediterranean Boat Cruise: Board a private motorboat along the western branch of the Nile Delta to witness the confluence where the River Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
• Open-Air Ottoman Architecture Museum: Walk through preserved historic quarters boasting Egypt’s largest collection of Islamic domestic residences outside Cairo, recognized for intricate red-and-black pointed brick masonry, internal courtyard fountains, and multi-story wooden mashrabiya lattice screens.
• Rosetta National Museum (Arab Killy House): Explore the restored four-story mansion of former governor Arab Killy, displaying historical collections of Ottoman weaponry, coinage, textiles, and artifacts commemorating the 1807 Battle of Rosetta against the British Fraser expedition.
• Delta River Life & Craftsmanship: Observe local wooden boat-building workshops, bustling open-air markets, and rural fishing communities along the banks of the Nile.

Detailed Day Tour Itinerary

Morning Departure from Alexandria to Rosetta

• Your dedicated Ramasside Tours Egyptologist guide and driver greet you directly in your Alexandria hotel lobby or the passenger terminal gate at Alexandria Port at 08:00 AM holding a personalized name sign.
• Travel east in a private, climate-controlled vehicle across the fertile coastal plains of Beheira Governorate (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours drive).
• Along the scenic route, your guide shares insights into Rosetta’s pivotal role as Egypt’s primary Mediterranean commercial port prior to Alexandria’s 19th-century revitalization.

The Historic Fortress & River Nile Boat Excursion

• Fort of Qaitbay at Rosetta (Fort Julien): Arrive at the defensive stronghold guarding the western estuary of the Nile. Explore the stone battlements, garrison quarters, and the exact rampart location where French officer Pierre-François Bouchard uncovered the inscribed granodiorite slab that unlocked Egypt’s ancient script.
• Motorboat Cruise to the Confluence: Embark on a private riverboat excursion toward the estuary mouth. Enjoy views of date palm groves, quiet rural shores, and traditional fishing boats, reaching the open waters where the Nile merges into the Mediterranean Sea.

Ottoman Residences & Historic Quarters

• Rosetta National Museum: Tour the historic Arab Killy residence to discover exhibits dedicated to domestic life in the Ottoman era and regional maritime battles.
• Historic Merchant Houses: Take a guided walking tour through the cobblestone streets of old Rosetta. Visit landmark residences including the House of Amasyali and the House of Hassiba Ghazal, marveling at geometric brickwork, antique cedar wood ceilings, and operable lattice screens.
• Abu Shaheen Mill & Islamic Monuments: Inspect ancient granite-wheeled mills and historic mosques constructed with salvaged Roman and Byzantine columns.
• Lunch Stop (Optional): Enjoy an optional lunch featuring fresh Mediterranean and river fish at a local restaurant overlooking the water.

Afternoon Return to Alexandria

• Relax in air-conditioned comfort as your private vehicle returns westward along the coastal road to Alexandria.
• Arrive back at your Alexandria hotel or cruise port terminal in the late afternoon.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Private round-trip transportation between Alexandria and Rosetta in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout the tour
• Private motorboat cruise on the Nile River to the Mediterranean confluence
• All entrance tickets to scheduled sightseeing attractions (Citadel of Rosetta, Arab Killy House Museum, and Ottoman residences)
• Chilled bottled mineral water provided inside the vehicle
• All highway tolls, parking fees, service charges, and municipal taxes

Exclusions

• Entry visa to Egypt
• Optional lunch at Ocean View restaurant ($15 per person)
• Professional vacation photographer add-on
• Gratuities / Tipping

Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes

Executive Luxury Van Upgrade

Upgrade your road transit between Alexandria and Rosetta to an executive luxury van featuring extra legroom, plush reclining seats, dual-zone climate control, onboard Wi-Fi, and cold beverages.

Professional Vacation Photographer

Hire a professional photographer to accompany your tour across Rosetta’s historic brick mansions, riverbanks, and maritime fortress for $50 per day to capture high-resolution portraits.

Shore Excursion Assurance

For cruise passengers docking at Alexandria Port, this excursion includes direct passenger gate pickup and guaranteed on-time return well ahead of your ship’s departure.

Footwear Recommendation

Flat, closed-toe walking shoes are strongly recommended for walking along stone pavements and climbing the staircases of historic multi-story Ottoman houses.

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]