A Guided Day Tour in Alexandria: Exploring Egypt’s Mediterranean Gem
A Guided Day Tour in Alexandria is a captivating journey through one of Egypt’s most historic and picturesque cities. Known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria boasts a rich blend of ancient history, cultural landmarks, and stunning coastal views. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the city’s iconic sites, uncovering its fascinating past and vibrant present. From ancient ruins to modern marvels, this tour offers a perfect introduction to Alexandria’s unique charm.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are one of Alexandria’s most fascinating archaeological sites. This underground necropolis, dating back to the 2nd century CE, features a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. Explore its intricate carvings, statues, and burial chambers, which reflect Alexandria’s role as a cultural melting pot.
Historical Insight: The catacombs were used as a burial site for wealthy families and are a testament to the city’s diverse heritage.
Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum
Pompey’s Pillar is a massive Roman column that stands as a symbol of Alexandria’s ancient grandeur. Nearby, the ruins of the Serapeum (Temple of Serapis) offer additional insights into the city’s religious and cultural history.
Historical Insight: The pillar was erected in honor of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, while the Serapeum was a center of worship for the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis.
Qaitbay Citadel
The Qaitbay Citadel is a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast offers stunning views of the sea.
Historical Insight: The citadel was constructed to protect Alexandria from invaders and stands as a symbol of the city’s historical significance.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was the largest library in the ancient world. This architectural masterpiece houses millions of books, museums, and cultural exhibits.
Historical Insight: The library celebrates Alexandria’s legacy as a center of knowledge and learning, attracting scholars from around the world.
Montaza Palace and Gardens
End your day at Montaza Palace, a beautiful royal residence surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The palace and its grounds offer a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Alexandria’s modern history.
Historical Insight: Built in the early 20th century, Montaza Palace served as a summer residence for Egypt’s royal family.
This guided tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Alexandria’s rich history and culture. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain in-depth insights into the city’s ancient and modern landmarks, making this a truly enriching experience. The combination of historical sites, cultural attractions, and scenic views makes Alexandria a must-visit destination.
A guided day tour in Alexandria is a journey through time, offering a deeper understanding of the city’s rich heritage. From the ancient catacombs to the modern library and the serene Montaza Gardens, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Alexandria’s unique charm.
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. It lies at the western edge of the Nile River delta. Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great,[9] Alexandria grew rapidly and became a major centre of Hellenic civilization, eventually replacing Memphis, in present-day Greater Cairo, as Egypt’s capital. Called the “Bride of the Mediterranean” internationally,[10] Alexandria is a popular tourist destination and an important industrial centre due to its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez.
Ancient Egypt Tours representative pick you up from your hotel in Alexandria, start one of our Alexandria hotels transferred to discover the catacombs of kom El shofaqa also known as the hill of treasure, regarded as a huge necropolis and royal cemetery that dates back to the second century AD. The necropolis has a unique mixture of Roman, Hellenistic and pharaonic art elements reflected in the paintings on the wall, and the style of the statues, funeral objects and tombs. The archaeological site was one of the seven wonders in the Middle Ages.
Then Move to One of the remarkable structures that was built during the reign of (emperor Diocletian) in Egypt is Pompey’s pillar. The column is now standing in the heart of Alexandria on top of a temple ruin’s which was built during the Ptolemaic kingdom in 297 AD. The pillar’s base diameter is 2.71 Meter and was carved out of red granite brought from Aswan city. The net weight of the pillar is 285 ton and reaches 26 meter high with the base. The prime sight was built to commemorate the victory of Emperor Diocletian over an Alexandrian revolt.
Then Move to the Roman theatre we see today at Alexandria city is a typical form Roman theatre, consisting of audience section made of marble, granite columns, five compartments and based on thick limestone walls. The theatre used to host huge ceremonies and events with a capacity of 600 spectators. The audience section consisted of 13 rows made of white marble and the supported columns were made of granite exported from Aswan city south Egypt. The five compartments on the top of the audience section probably were used to host some royals or public figures during performances and was covered by ceilings in the shape of domes supported by granite columns to protect the audience from the sun and rain. In the 6th century A.D, an earthquake hit Alexandria and destroyed most of these structures leaving only some ruins that still stands until today, reflecting the beautiful and magnificent architectural skills that Romans had.
Than Move to Bibliotheca Alexandria the Alexandria library which presented knowledge for over 600 years until it was burn in the third century, it has a religious purpose for once it was mainly designed as a temple held many rare manuscripts, the new library of Alexandria renovation was in 2002 coasted about 200 million $, designed by a Norwegian architect, this article will discuss the ancient bibliotheca and the new version of the library as they both share the same heritage and knowledge.
Than Move to castle is square shaped with 150 meter area surrounded by the middle sea from each side, the first floor contains a mosque and defense hall that allow soldiers to pass easily and defense the walls during wars, the second floor contains chambers and halls while the third floor consist of a huge throne chamber where Qaitbay sultan used to watch the sailing ships towards Alexandria shores, also has an oven for making wheat bread for the soldiers living in the citadel lighthouse of Alexandria It is replaced by the citadel the lighthouse height is almost 150 meters ,it was dedicated for Poseidon the god of the sea as known to the Greeks and it was decorated by marble statues , the lighthouse was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world ,mainly was designed to guide mariners and sailors ,but unfortunately was destroyed by the earth wake , in 1477 Qaitbay sultan built his military castle on the ruins of the old lighthouse and some said that the citadel was built from the lighthouse left ruined stones.
Stanley Bridge the Stanley Bridge or the Stanley Bridge, as it is known in Egypt, is a bridge built to improve the flow of traffic on the Alexandria Corniche. unknown soldier The Monument to the Unknown Marine Soldier is located in the Mansheya area of Alexandria. It was built by the Italian community in Alexandria in 1933 AD to honor Khedive Ismail, and she made a statue for him in the middle of the top of the monument, then it was turned into the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in 1965 AD, and the statue of Khedive Ismail was removed from the monument. Back to Hotel
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 90 $ |
| 2 -3 | 60 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 50 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 40 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 35 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
