Alexandria Overnight
Two Mediterranean days — the catacombs, the Citadel on the Pharos site, the reborn Library, and an evening the day-trippers never see.
Overview
Alexandria as a day trip is a fine sprint; Alexandria overnight is a different city. This journey does the essential circuit properly — the three-level Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Citadel of Qaitbay standing on the exact footprint of the ancient lighthouse, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina — then stays for the hours that make the city make sense: the corniche promenade at dusk, seafood chosen by weight at a waterfront institution, and a slow morning through the Montaza Palace gardens and the Roman Amphitheatre before an unhurried return to Cairo. The Mediterranean pace is the point; one night here recalibrates an entire Egypt itinerary.
Itinerary
The ancient city
- Morning drive from Cairo on the desert road
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and Pompey's Pillar
- The Citadel of Qaitbay and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Dusk on the corniche and a waterfront seafood dinner
Palaces, Romans & return
- Montaza Palace gardens in the morning sea air
- The Roman Amphitheatre at Kom el-Dikka
- Relaxed drive back to Cairo by late afternoon
Included & not included
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout
- 1 night's accommodation in a seafront 4/5-star hotel
- Seafood dinner on the first evening
- All entrance fees to sites and monuments
- Lunch on each touring day
- Private air-conditioned transfers
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Bottled water every day
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa
- Tipping (gratuities)
- Personal expenses
- Optional extras — Abu Simbel, camel rides, dinner cruise, drinks
Good to know
Why stay overnight instead of the day trip?
The drive is five to six hours round-trip; as a day tour that leaves Alexandria only its midday. The overnight puts you there for dusk, dinner and morning light — the city's three best hours — for a modest extra cost.
When is Alexandria at its best?
April to October, when the Mediterranean climate is the whole point. In summer it runs 5–10 °C cooler than Cairo and becomes Egypt's own seaside escape.
Is the seafood really the thing to do?
Emphatically. You choose the fish by weight from the day's ice display and it arrives grilled or fried with Alexandrian sides. Your guide knows which corniche institutions deserve the reputation.
Is this journey right for you?
- Travellers who prefer a private, guided experience
- Those with a deep interest in ancient history and culture
- Visitors who want a curated itinerary rather than self-guided travel
- Anyone seeking high-quality, professionally managed logistics
- Travellers seeking large group or coach tours
- Budget-focused independent backpackers
- Visitors looking primarily for nightlife or beach holidays
Preparation reading
Guides to help you prepare for this journey.
Egypt Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to Egypt — visa requirements, the best time to go, getting around, top destinations, culture and practical essentials.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt's best travel season is October to April, when Nile Valley temperatures are mild and monuments are comfortable to explore. Here is what to expect season by season and destination by destination.
Egyptian Food Guide
A practical guide to Egyptian cuisine — the dishes to seek out, how Egyptians eat, where to find the best food, and what to expect for dietary requirements.
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Alexandria Sightseeing
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Citadel of Qaitbay on the old Pharos site and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, with a seafood lunch.
From Pyramids to the Sea
A compact northern journey — the Egyptian Museum, Alexandria's Greco-Roman layers, the Pyramids of Giza and medieval Cairo.
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