Egypt Budget Day Trip to Alexandria from Cairo

You will meet our certified Egyptologist tour guide at your hotel in Cairo or Giza to begin your fantastic Egypt Budget Tour to Alexandria from Cairo.

We will drive for about 2.5 hours along the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, with a coffee break along the way. Upon arrival, we will start exploring Alexandria by visiting its two most famous Roman ruins, Pompey's Pillar, and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.

You'll first visit Pompey's Pillar, named after the Roman political and military leader Pompey. Despite its name, the pillar has no actual connection to him. Legend has it that Pompey betrayed his nation, fled the army during a critical time of war, and returned to his hometown, where he was eventually killed, and his head was displayed atop the pillar.

Next, you'll explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, carved into the bedrock during the reign of Emperor Antoninus in the 2nd century A.D. These tombs are considered the last great construction dedicated to the ancient Egyptian religion. The design and decorations of the Catacombs suggest that their construction spanned different periods between the 1st and 3rd centuries A.D.

Afterward, we'll visit the Islamic fortress of Alexandria, built by the Muslim ruler Qaitbey on the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, Pharos. The fortress is strategically located at the end of a narrow strip of land extending into Alexandria's Eastern Port. The lighthouse, which had stood for nearly two centuries, was already in ruins by the fifteenth century.

Once your Budget Alexandria Trip from Cairo is complete, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cairo. There's also an option to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch overlooking the Mediterranean harbor of Alexandria (optional with extra fees).