Day Trip from Cairo to Alexandria: Explore History and Culture
Enjoy a Full Day in Alexandria
Start your adventure in Alexandria with breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your journey to Egypt's second capital. After your meal, you’ll embark on a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive, offering beautiful views along the way.
Qaitbay Citadel
Your first stop is the Qaitbay Citadel,The Citadel of Qaitbay, built in the 14th century by Sultan Qaitbay, is a stunning fortress located on a narrow promontory in Alexandria's harbor. Originally constructed to defend against the Ottoman Empire, it now stands as a historical landmark.
The fortress was rebuilt in the early 20th century after sustaining damage during the British bombardment in 1882. Notably, it sits on the site of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse, with many stones from the lighthouse integrated into its structure.
Today, the citadel houses a small naval museum and offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past. The surrounding area is popular with families and fishermen, featuring restaurants and ice cream shops, making it an ideal spot to enjoy scenic sea views.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
After the citadel, head to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, located on the Alexandrian Corniche, is a modern architectural marvel opened in 2002 to honor Alexandria's rich history as a center of learning. The original Great Library, founded in the 3rd century BC, was famous for preserving ancient knowledge until its destruction around 31 BC.
The new library features an impressive main reading room, space for nearly 9 million books, specialized libraries, a conference center, art galleries, and a planetarium. Its exterior is adorned with characters from 120 languages, reflecting the diverse knowledge once housed in the Great Library.
Lunch
It’s time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Savor delicious traditional seafood dishes.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
After lunch, continue your journey by visiting the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, dating back to the 2nd century AD. They are a unique example that combines Egyptian and Greco-Roman elements. The catacombs consist of three tiers, but the lower level is filled with groundwater.
Visitors enter through a spiral staircase that leads to a circular vestibule, where columns support the vaulted ceiling. On one side is the banquet hall (triclinium), where families could gather for mourning and meals, featuring stone benches carved into the rock.
The burial chamber contains three sarcophagi adorned with scenes reflecting funerary rituals, such as depictions of Anubis. The decorations blend traditional Egyptian elements with Roman forms, illustrating the cultural influences of the period.
The Kom El-Shuqafa Catacombs are one of the major tourist attractions in Alexandria, offering a deep insight into the city’s rich history and culture.
Roman Theatre
Conclude your tour at the Roman Theatre,The Roman Amphitheater in Alexandria is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city and is the only one of its kind in Egypt. It is located in an area known as Kom El Dekka, which means "hill of rubble." This name was given by the historian El Neweiry in the early twentieth century when he discovered piles of sand resulting from the excavation of the Mahmoudiya Canal.
The amphitheater was discovered by chance in 1960 during sand removal work for a government building, revealing an important historical site that showcases architectural influences from Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. The theater hosted artistic events until the seventh century and features marble seating for approximately 600 spectators.
Its design includes granite columns and beautiful arches, making it a significant historical landmark where visitors can explore the beauty of Roman architecture and the rich history of Alexandria.
Return to Cairo
After a wonderful day, return to your hotel in Cairo, reflecting on the amazing experiences and rich history of Alexandria.
