Morning Pickup – Start of the Alexandria Historical Tour

Your Alexandria Historical Tour begins with pickup from your hotel or chosen location in Alexandria. The journey starts with an introduction to the city’s fascinating past, setting the stage for the monuments you will explore.

Stop 1 – Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

The first highlight of the Alexandria Historical Tour is the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the most unique burial sites in Egypt. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, these underground tombs represent a rare blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic traditions.

Descending through spiral stairs, you will enter chambers carved directly into the rock. The main burial chamber features statues and reliefs combining Pharaonic symbolism with Roman dress and Greek influence. This extraordinary fusion makes the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa one of the most important Greco-Roman monuments in Egypt.

Your guide will explain the symbolism, burial customs, and religious transitions that shaped this remarkable necropolis. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa perfectly illustrate Alexandria’s multicultural identity.

Stop 2 – Pompey’s Pillar

Next on the Alexandria Historical Tour is Pompey’s Pillar, a monumental Roman column rising nearly 27 meters high. Despite its name, the pillar is not related to Pompey but was erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd century AD.

Standing in the ancient Serapeum complex, Pompey’s Pillar is one of the largest Roman triumphal columns outside Rome. From this vantage point, you can imagine the grandeur of ancient Alexandria during the Roman period.

Your guide will explain the historical context of the Serapeum temple, the god Serapis, and how Alexandria became a key Roman administrative center. The visit to Pompey’s Pillar adds monumental scale to the Alexandria Historical Tour.

Stop 3 – Roman Amphitheatre

Continuing the Alexandria Historical Tour, you will visit the Roman Amphitheatre located in Kom El-Dikka. Discovered in the 20th century, this semi-circular marble structure dates back to the 4th century AD.

The Roman Amphitheatre once hosted musical performances, public gatherings, and civic events. Its white marble seating tiers remain remarkably preserved, offering a vivid image of Roman urban life in Alexandria.

Excavations around the Roman Amphitheatre revealed baths, villas, and lecture halls, indicating that this area was once a vibrant academic district. The site strengthens Alexandria’s reputation as a center of knowledge during the Roman era.

Stop 4 – Qaitbay Citadel

The Alexandria Historical Tour then takes you to the majestic Qaitbay Citadel. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, the fortress stands on the exact location of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Qaitbay Citadel served as a defensive stronghold protecting Egypt’s northern coast from invasions. Its thick stone walls and strategic towers reflect advanced medieval military architecture.

Walking through the Qaitbay Citadel, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The structure symbolizes continuity, as stones from the fallen lighthouse were reused in its construction.

The Qaitbay Citadel is not only a military monument but also a cultural icon that defines Alexandria’s skyline.

Stop 5 – Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The final highlight of the Alexandria Historical Tour is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria.

This architectural masterpiece represents a global center for knowledge and dialogue. Its tilted granite façade engraved with scripts from different languages reflects humanity’s shared intellectual heritage.

Inside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, visitors can explore exhibitions, reading halls, and cultural spaces that celebrate the spirit of the ancient library.

Ending the Alexandria Historical Tour here creates a powerful contrast between ancient ruins and modern innovation.

Return Transfer

After completing all visits, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The Alexandria Historical Tour concludes with a deeper understanding of one of Egypt’s most fascinating cities.