10 Reasons Why a Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo Is Worth It
This trip to Alexandria was undertaken at the end of an Egypt tour in April 2022. We had a friend living in Cairo at the time and she suggested that a day trip to Alexandra would be well worth it. She was not wrong. Here are my thoughts on why you should consider a day trip to Alexandria from Cairo.
So now that you have decided to take the long-awaited trip to Egypt, you are starting to look for things to do to fill your days and explore as much of this incredible and historic country. You will most likely begin your journey in Cairo with further travel to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings or Aswan to see the Temple of Abu Simbel. Perhaps you will plan a Nile cruise itinerary to see all the temples along the river of life through the center of Egypt. But have you considered taking a day tour to Alexandria from Cairo?
With so many things to do in Cairo, such as visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, or the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, you may be asking yourself, is it worth taking the day trip to Alexandria? In short – YES!
Read on to discover the 10 reasons why a day tour to Alexandria from Cairo is worth it.
So, where is Alexandria, Egypt?
Alexandria has one of the most picturesque locations in all of Egypt, and it is located on the country’s north shore, right on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became one of Egypt’s most important trading centers.
Lighthouses served as maritime warning systems in the early days to protect the local community and trade. Unfortunately, this Lighthouse and much of the ancient city succumbed to severe destruction and collapse following earthquakes and several wars. What remains are some interesting landmarks and a fantastic coastal vibe demonstrated by the warm and welcoming Egyptian people in this seaside community.
How Do I Get to Alexandria from Cairo?
There are a few different ways to get to Alexandria.
Train – One of the best options is to take the train. Between Cairo and Alexandria, there are several trains daily, between 6 am and 10.30 pm, with two different classes of service to choose from. The faster, newer trains take approximately 2.5 hours from Ramses Train Station in central Cairo to Misr Train Station in central Alexandria. The slower trains usually take 3.5 hours for the same journey due to stops along the way. Ticket prices range from 73 EGP (US$4.65) to 130 EGP (US$8.30).
Bus – A variety of bus companies offer hourly services between Cairo and Alexandria between 5 am and 11 pm. Despite being convenient in terms of time, the bus stations in Alexandria are not centrally located. Bus ticket prices range from 95 EGP (US$6) to 145 EGP (US$9.25), and travel time is roughly 3.5 hours.
Organized Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo – Several companies offer day tours to Alexandria from Cairo, but one of the best I have seen is through Get Your Guide. Their Full Day Historical Alexandria Tour includes all the highlights, a knowledgeable guide, and convenient Cairo pick-up locations.
Private Tour – Taking a private tour is one of the best options. An experienced local guide and driver can help make your visit to Alexandria a better experience. You can customize many excursions based on your interests. They can not only show you the highlights, but you will also be able to make additional or unscheduled stops as you desire. Prices can vary, so shop around. Get your Guide provides some private tour options, but your hotel in Cairo may also be able to recommend someone. Prices vary, so be sure to negotiate and settle the price before the journey. Generally, the price is 600-800 EGP ($32- 50 USD).
Read on to discover why you should take the day tour to Alexandria from Cairo to explore Egypt’s Mediterranean port city.
1. Great Escape from the City of Cairo
If you have ever been to Cairo, even for a few hours, you will quickly discover that this sprawling city of almost 30 million people does not sleep. The traffic is chaotic, follows no pattern, and virtually ignores all traffic signs and road markings. To make matters worse, the constant honking provides no reprise for weary travelers arriving from distant corners of the world. You should exercise caution when walking in many parts of the city, as it is a game of roulette.
However, if you venture out and book a day tour to Alexandria from Cairo, you will discover that Alexandria has a VERY different feel than Cairo. Yes, it still has cars honking and vehicles creating their traffic patterns, but the drivers seem to respect each other better and are more polite and patient than they are in Cairo.
Besides being an escape from the hustle and bustle of Cairo, the city of Alexandria is cooler. During the warmer months, this is an excellent reprieve from the exhausting heat of this arid country.
2. A Beautiful Drive
There is nothing more relaxing than a beautiful drive on a relaxing weekend. Whether visiting Cairo or living there, the drive to Alexandria is much more comfortable than driving through the streets of Cairo. Just outside of town, you start to feel the anxiety fade away.
Passing through some of the smaller communities reminds you that you are not alone on the road. However, the density of these towns is nothing compared to Cairo.
Scattered along the highway are several rest stop areas that will provide fuel, food, and even a few other shops. Often, local merchants sell farm produce as well. There were a number of merchants on the shoulder or even in the center median of the highway, which was somewhat surprising. This is entirely unheard of in North America, much less legal. Just imagine the safety infractions that would arise from such practice. Regardless of the rules, it is a nice drive, nonetheless.
3. Cosmopolitan Town
Alexandria quickly became a vital commercial hub linking the Mediterranean, the Nile Valley, the Middle East, and Asia as a port city. Alexandria was also a center of knowledge that attracted academics and scholars worldwide. The seaside community has been home to a variety of peoples and cultures over the centuries. On a day tour to Alexandria from Cairo, you will begin to see this combination of influences through art, culture, religion, and architecture.
According to my tour guide from my latest Egypt tour in 2022, this wide-ranging mix of cultures and architectural styles makes Alexandria significant on its own and across Egypt. There is evidence that the Greeks and Romans played an essential role in the development of Alexandria, and their differing styles are prevalent throughout this beautiful city.
4. Alexandria is a Stunning Seaside Community
With its Mediterranean climate of warm, humid summers and mild, rainy winters, Alexandria became the desired location when Egyptians wanted to escape the searing heat of Cairo. The coastal road from the Citadel (and former Lighthouse) to the Montaza Palace became the primary road for trade, accommodation, and entertainment.
Beach clubs, hotels, and seaside restaurants line most of this promenade today. Walking along this coastal zone is a great way to enjoy the pleasant seaside breeze as you view the beauty of the Mediterranean. Along most of its length, there is a boardwalk, pier, or sidewalk to stroll along the water.
5. Gateway to Egypt – Exploring the Citadel and the Lighthouse of Alexandria
According to legend, Alexander the Great discovered Alexandria. His companion, the Greek historian Ptolemy declared himself king and became the ruler of Egypt upon Alexander’s death. It was Ptolemy that commissioned the construction of the Lighthouse to serve as a maritime coastal warning system. Following a series of catastrophic events, the Lighthouse perished. The Citadel, which stands in the exact location today, used many of the Lighthouse’s stones during construction.
The Citadel, or Qaitbay Castle, built in the 15th century, is considered one of Alexandria’s most fantastic tourist attractions, as it overlooks the Mediterranean Sea that separates Europe and Africa. It was built in this location to protect Egypt from the north side. Of interest to many of Egypt’s rulers, the Citadel became an important Bastien during the Ottoman Empire. It was believed that this castle must be fortified to protect Egypt at all costs, as Alexandria was the gateway to all of Egypt. Fortunately, the fortress withstood the advances of the Ottoman Empire as they took control of Egypt in 1512.
Today, visiting the Citadel is like taking a trip through time. Getting up close and touching the stones lets you imagine the ferocity of the battles that must have taken place here. The surrounding seaside atmosphere is somewhat calming as you look across the bay or out into the sea. Inside the Citadel is a small naval museum showcasing some of the histories of the area. The Citadel is one of the highlights of any visit to Alexandria.
6. Home to the Archives at the Great Library of Alexandria
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the city’s cultural hub and one of Egypt’s most prominent modern landmarks. It offers room for eight million books and houses four museums and art galleries, 15 permanent exhibitions, and a planetarium.
Initially, the Library was one of the ancient world’s largest and most important libraries. As Egypt was divided by several dynasties, including the Greeks and Romans, it became essential to retain documents and artifacts pertaining to each. In addition, a library such as this provided a means of attracting scholars and aiding in matters of ruling and governing the kingdoms. Furthermore, it was well positioned as Egypt was the ideal habitat for the papyrus on which many documents were written.
Today, the Library is a legacy of one of the most important buildings of the ancient world. On the outside wall of the main building are letters written in 120 different languages living and dead. They do not form words but are a symbolic part of the structure. A day tour to Alexandria from Cairo would not be complete without a visit to The Library. Be sure to check their website for opening hours.
7. Sits Upon the Largest Roman Burial Site at the Catacombs
The Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs represent a series of ancient catacombs (underground cemeteries) that date back to Egypt’s Roman Period (30 BC-AD 395). Today they are a reminder that Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all formed part of Alexandria’s history. Its walls are embellished with visual, spiritual, and artistic elements from these various cultures and traditions. This cultural fusion allows us to understand better the cosmopolitan nature of Alexandrian society in the Middle Ages. The entrance is adorned with two striking columns reminiscent of a Greek temple and decorated with distinctive ancient Egyptian motifs.
Inside, the spiral staircase leads down to the main burial chambers. Several narrow passageways lead to additional burial rooms. Throughout the labyrinth are constant reminders of the cultural diversity of the history of Alexandria.
8. Ruins of the Ancient Roman Amphitheater
The ruins of the Ancient Roman Amphitheater are well preserved and represent an important cultural aspect of the city. This amphitheater would have provided entertainment for several hundred people, and theatrical or musical performances would offer a break from everyday life. It is said that a particular area of the amphitheater is so well structured that a human voice can be heard with little electric amplification. During my day tour to Alexandria from Cairo, this theory was tested and is true!
The theatre comprises an audience section made from marble, granite columns, and thick limestone walls. There were an additional five compartments on top of the audience structure which were believed to host royals or public figures during performances. Like other structures in Alexandria, this amphitheater was destroyed by earthquakes in addition to natural degradation by the sun and rain. The ruins today represent some of the Romans’ beautiful and magnificent architectural skills.
If you are looking for other similar sites like this around the Mediterranean, Travel for A while has a great article on Amazing Roman Theatres and Amphitheaters by the Mediterranean.
9. View Royal Lifestyle and Gemstones at the Royal Jewelry Museum
The Royal Jewelry Museum was established to display the holdings of the Alawi Family, who ruled Egypt for more than 150 years, from 1805 to 1952. Built-in 1919, it reflects the refined tastes of royalty. Paintings, gilded ceilings, and mosaics decorate many of the palace’s rooms. Serving as a palace for Princess Fatima al-Zahra, this beautiful complex was transformed into a jewelry museum in 1986. It displays dazzling jewelry made to beautify the queens and princesses of the royal family in Egypt.
The museum displays the possessions collected by the family and reflects their lavish lifestyle. The 11,500 pieces of jewelry and collectibles are numbered and categorized. Upon entering the palace, there is strict adherence to cleanliness, and you will be required to place shoe covers on your footwear to protect the floors. Incidentally, cameras are not permitted, and security will turn you away or confiscate them if you have them. Cell phones seem to be permissible, though.
10. Experience Great Food
It goes without saying that when you arrive in a port city on the Mediterranean you are going to find some fantastic food. Alexandria is no exception! Seafood, of course, is the specialty, and several places, both small and large, offer some excellent seafood choices. If you find yourself along the seaside promenade, you will also be pleasured with exceptional sea views. In the evening, seats at these restaurants will fill up quickly as they may offer outstanding sunset views.
One of the more well-known seafood restaurants is the Greek Club, located along the waterfront and just steps away from the Citadel. Also known as the White and Blue, you would be wise to book reservations for the evening meal as prime waterfront views are the attraction.
I can also vouch for Athineos located further along the bay. It not only has fantastic seafood dishes, but it also has impressive views of the waterfront. Meals were abundant, and the atmosphere was typically Greek.
If you venture off the waterfront and explore the backstreets, you will also find some tempting Egyptian dishes.
It is interesting to note that in the seafood market area, there are public seafood grills where you can cook your freshly purchased seafood. A cooking fee of about 80 EPG ($4 USD) allows you to experience the freshest meal possible.
Is Alexandria worth visiting?
Absolutely! Alexandria offers much more than the few attractions I have highlighted. A day tour to Alexandria from Cairo will show you a different side of the historic and ancient civilization that thrived in Egypt. If you have the time, stay overnight, and explore some of the other local attractions.
Still haven’t decided on Egypt? Why not start with how to plan your first trip to Egypt and take it from there? Or perhaps you are wondering if Egypt is suitable for a family.
If you have done this day trip, I would love to hear your comments.
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I learned so much about Egypt and Alexandria in this post. Very interesting and inspiring Laura!