Alexandria Day Tour: Qaitbay Citadel, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina

4.9 1 day Pickup included
History & CultureFamily Friendly

See the essentials of Egypt’s Mediterranean capital in one private day tour. This Alexandria sightseeing route covers Roman underground tombs, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and an optional seafood stop on the Corniche.

Licensed Local Guides
AC Private Transfers
Skip-the-Line Access
Free Cancellation
24/7 Support
Instant Confirmation

Highlights

  • Explore Alexandria’s Roman underground history at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
  • See Pompey’s Pillar and learn how the ancient Serapeum shaped the city
  • Walk the sea-facing walls and courtyards of the Citadel of Qaitbay
  • Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria’s modern cultural landmark
  • Travel with a private guide, hotel transfers and bottled water included
  • Add an optional seafood lunch on the Corniche with Mediterranean views

Quick facts

Tour type
Private guided day tour
Best for
First-time visitors, history lovers and travellers short on time
Main city
Alexandria
Pickup
From your hotel
Drop-off
At your hotel
Pace
Moderate, with walking at archaeological sites and the citadel

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private guide for the day
  • Entrance fees to the listed sightseeing sites
  • Lunch where included in your confirmed booking option
  • Bottled water during the day
  • All taxes and service charges

What's not included

  • Optional activities or meals not confirmed in the program
  • Egypt entry visa
  • Tipping and gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks beyond the bottled water provided during the day

Your Day-by-Day Itinerary

A curated journey through Egypt's most iconic ancient wonders — pace, stops, meals and insider tips designed by our local experts.

1 day
Total Duration
1 Day
Itinerary
7 Stops
Carefully Planned
Hotel Pickup
Included
Private Transfer
Just for You
Optional Add-ons
Make It Yours
Day 1
7 stops
  1. 1
    Stop 1Morning

    Hotel Pickup

    About 30 minutes, depending on hotel location

    Meet your private guide and driver at your hotel, then set out for a full day of Alexandria sightseeing. Your guide will outline the route and adjust the flow where needed for traffic and site access.

    Included
  2. 2
    Stop 2Morning

    Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

    About 1 hour

    Descend into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of Alexandria’s most atmospheric ancient sites. Expect cool underground air, carved burial chambers, a spiral stairway and details that blend Egyptian, Greek and Roman beliefs.

    Included
  3. 3
    Stop 3Late morning

    Pompey's Pillar

    About 45 minutes

    Continue to Pompey’s Pillar, where your guide explains the remains of the ancient Serapeum area and the role Alexandria played under Roman rule. The site is open-air, so a hat and water are useful on bright days.

    Included
  4. 4
    Qaitbay Citadel
    Stop 4Midday

    Qaitbay Citadel

    About 1 hour

    Head to the waterfront to explore the sea fortress at Qaitbay. Walk through stone passages and open courtyards while your guide connects the fort to the story of Alexandria’s ancient lighthouse and Mediterranean defenses.

    Included
  5. 5
    Stop 5Early afternoon

    Optional Seafood Lunch on the Corniche

    About 1 hour

    Pause along the Corniche for an optional seafood lunch. Your guide can help with a suitable restaurant, from grilled fish and shrimp to simpler local dishes if you prefer something lighter.

    Included
  6. 6
    Bibliotheca Alexandrina
    Stop 6Afternoon

    Bibliotheca Alexandrina

    About 1 hour

    Visit the modern library by the sea, an important cultural stop with striking architecture and exhibition spaces. Your guide will help you focus on the most relevant areas for the time available.

    Included
  7. 7
    Stop 7Late afternoon

    Drop-off

    Varies by hotel location and traffic

    Return to your hotel after the final visit. If time and traffic allow, your guide may point out extra Corniche views during the drive without changing the core included program.

    Included
Food & drink

Meals Included

Meals are not included on this tour — your guide will recommend the best local spots.

LunchOptional

Optional seafood lunch on the Corniche; included only if selected or confirmed in your booking option.

Destinations

Cities & Regions You'll Visit

Cover 1 destination in one carefully-paced day — no rushed stops, no logistics to figure out.

UNESCO & icons

Attractions You'll Visit

Each stop is hand-selected and timed to avoid the crowds. Tap any attraction for the full visitor guide, opening hours and history.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

A remarkable Roman-era underground burial complex where carved chambers, spiral stairs and Egyptian-Greek-Roman motifs show Alexandria’s layered identity.

Pompey's Pillar

Pompey's Pillar

A towering Roman column site with open-air ruins and traces of the Serapeum area, best understood with a guide who can explain what once stood here.

Citadel of Qaitbay

Citadel of Qaitbay

A 15th-century fortress on the Mediterranean waterfront, built near the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria and surrounded by sea views.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Alexandria’s modern library and cultural landmark, known for its dramatic circular reading room, exhibitions and contemporary architecture.

Logistics

Hotel Pickup

Free hotel pickup across Cairo & Giza
Pickup window: 07:30 – 08:30 AM

We pick you up from your hotel lobby. Exact time confirmed by email the day before. Airbnb and Nile Ritz-Carlton area pickups also available — just message us.

Good to know

Travel Essentials

Languages
English
Group size
Up to 12 travelers
Duration
1 day

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible vehicle on request (notify 48h ahead)
  • Service animals allowed
  • Most of the Giza Plateau is on uneven sand — comfortable walking shoes recommended
  • Stroller accessible
Pack smart

What to Bring

Egypt's sun is intense and most ancient sites are open-air. Pack light but bring these essentials.

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light, modest clothing suitable for city sightseeing
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • A light layer for air-conditioned interiors or breezy waterfront stops
  • Charged phone or camera
  • Small cash for personal expenses and tips
  • Any personal medication needed during the day
Book with confidence

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 0 hours before the experience

The free-cancellation window is not specified for this tour. Ozes will confirm the current cancellation terms before you pay.

Reserve now, pay later Mobile voucher accepted Instant confirmation

Key Stops

Catacombs of Kom El ShoqafaPompey's PillarQaitbay CitadelBibliotheca AlexandrinaAlexandria Corniche

Ozes Traveler Reviews

Share your experience

Add a real photo from your experience. JPG, PNG, or WebP only.

Sign in to share your experience.
Plan with Ozes

Tailor this trip with a real local expert

We start on WhatsApp so you can ask about dates, guide style, hotels, flights, children, pickup and route changes before anything is paid.

$112/ person Group rates available

No payment now. No pressure. We confirm the best plan manually first.

Local expert planning
Ask route, guide, hotel, timing and family questions before committing.
Flexible dates
Tell us your month and we shape the best option.
Made for your group
Adults, children, private style or group style are handled in the first message.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Alexandria Day Tour private?

Yes, this Alexandria day tour is private, with hotel pickup, drop-off and a guide for your group only.

How long does the Alexandria day tour take?

The tour usually takes a full day, with timing shaped by your hotel location, Alexandria traffic and the pace at each site.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, entrance fees to the listed sites are included in the tour unless Ozes confirms a different option before booking.

Is lunch included on this tour?

The seafood lunch on the Corniche is optional unless it is included in your confirmed booking option.

What should I wear for Alexandria sightseeing?

Wear comfortable walking shoes because the catacombs have steps and uneven surfaces, and Qaitbay Citadel includes stone walkways.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for families, but the catacombs may be less comfortable for very young children or anyone who dislikes enclosed underground spaces.

Will the itinerary always follow the same order?

The order can change depending on traffic, site conditions and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s visitor schedule.

What should I bring on the day?

Bring modest clothing, sun protection, a charged phone and any personal medication you may need during a full day out.

From · group rates
$112 /person