• Fort Qaitbey - Constructed by Sultan Qaitbey in the 14th century, this charming fortress was intended to protect Alexandria from the Ottoman Empire’s advances. Despite his efforts, the Ottomans seized Egypt in 1512. The fortress remains strategically positioned on a narrow strip of land extending into Alexandria’s harbor from the corniche.

The fortress seen today is not the original structure. It suffered significant damage during the British bombardment of Alexandria amid a nationalist uprising against British dominance in 1882 and was reconstructed around the early 20th century.

As with many sites in Alexandria, the building itself is not the most important aspect of this location. Qaitbey chose this site to utilize an existing foundation—the legendary Pharos Lighthouse, which had fallen into ruins by the 14th century due to repeated earthquake damage.

• Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa - The Arabic name translates to “the mound of potshards,” referring to the broken dishes and plates that marked the area before the tombs were discovered below. This extensive complex of elaborately decorated tombs dates back to the Roman Era and is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.”

The tombs at Kom Al-Shuqafa are believed to have originally belonged to a wealthy Roman family that began using it for burials around the 2nd century AD. However, the complex was significantly expanded and used through the 4th century AD.

It contains numerous graves, including a mass grave of animal and human remains attributed to a mass execution in Alexandria by Roman Emperor Caracalla in 215 AD. The tombs are organized around a central spiral staircase that descends through several levels. The lower levels are flooded, but in the accessible areas, the tomb walls are richly decorated. They exhibit a unique blend of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian iconography, reflecting the era of their construction.

In early centuries AD Egypt, the Roman Empire was in control, but the influences of ancient Egypt and Greek culture, due to the legacy of Alexander and the Ptolemies, remained strong.

The figures carved into the tomb walls often combine the forms of ancient Egyptian gods with Roman and Greek attire or creatures from Greek and Roman mythology with pharaonic symbols.

• Alexandria National Museum - The Alexandria National Museum is housed in a former Italianate mansion, once the residence of a wood merchant. It also served as the United States consulate. The building, dating back to 1926, is surrounded by a large garden and includes a basement. The three-story palace was a gathering place for Alexandria’s upper-class society.

• Ancient Roman Amphitheater - Roman amphitheaters are large, circular or oval open-air venues with raised seating, built by the ancient Romans. They hosted events such as gladiator combats, venationes (animal slayings), and executions. Approximately 230 Roman amphitheaters have been discovered across the Roman Empire. Early amphitheaters date from the republican period, though they became more monumental during the imperial era.

• Pompey’s Pillar - A towering 30m column stands over the remnants of the ancient settlement of Rhakotis, the original township from which Alexandria developed. Known as Pompey’s Pillar, this column, carved from red Aswan granite, has been a prominent city landmark for centuries: a single, tapered shaft, 2.7m at its base, topped with a fine Corinthian capital. The column rises from the sparse ruins of the Temple of Serapeum, a magnificent structure that once stood here.

The column was named by travelers who recalled the murder of Roman general Pompey by Cleopatra’s brother, but an inscription on the base (once covered with rubble) states it was erected in AD 291 to support a statue of Emperor Diocletian.

Beneath the column, steps lead down to the ruins of the great temple of Serapis, the hybrid Greek and Egyptian god of Alexandria. Also located here was the ‘daughter library’ of the Great Library of Alexandria, said to have contained copies and overflow of texts. These scrolls were accessible to anyone using the temple, making it a significant intellectual and religious center in the Mediterranean.

The temple was attacked during the Jewish Revolt in AD 115–117, but it was the Christians who launched a final assault on pagan intellectuals in AD 391, destroying the Serapeum and its library, leaving only the solitary pillar standing. The site is now quite desolate, little more than rubble dotted with trenches and holes, with a couple of narrow shafts from the Serapeum to explore below, a few sphinxes (originally from Heliopolis), and a surviving Nilometer (a structure used to measure and record the Nile’s level in ancient times). The pillar on top is the only ancient monument remaining whole and standing in Alexandria today. The guards here can be somewhat assertive.

When taking a taxi here, request it by the Arabic name, Amoud Al Sawari. The fare should be LE30 to LE35 from Midan Saad Zaghloul.

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina - Deluxe Tours offers unique travel experiences that allow exploration of Alexandria from Cairo in a personalized way. A tour guide will pick you up at 07:00 am from your hotel in Cairo/Giza. Experience the wonders of the world up close with budget-friendly deals on customizable day tours to Alexandria from Cairo. A luxurious car will pick you up on time for a journey to Alexandria. See all the sights you wish to visit and enjoy a delightful lunch at the Fish Market restaurant, with a stunning front harbor view. Enjoy the scenic drive and all the city has to offer. Whether you prefer nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, Deluxe Tours has the perfect activity for you!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295398-d459902-Reviews-Alexandria_National_Museum-Alexandria_Alexandria_Governorate.html

• English Speaking tour Guide
• Library of Alexandria is always closed on Friday
• Bottled water
• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Lunch

• Tipping

A personalized private day tour from Cairo to Alexandria offers an opportunity to explore a remarkable city established by Alexander in 334 B.C., which served as Egypt’s capital for nearly a millennium. Today, Alexandria is recognized as Egypt’s second-largest city and its largest seaport. This tailored private day tour from Cairo, accompanied by an expert travel guide, allows visitors to explore their preferred attractions:

Select four activities from the available list to create a customized city tour. The package includes lunch, entrance fees, snacks, and bottled water.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.