Alexandria Highlights Private Shore Excursion

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Discover the fascinating history, Mediterranean atmosphere, and cultural diversity of Egypt’s legendary coastal city with our Alexandria Highlights Private Shore Excursion. Created specifically for cruise passengers arriving at Alexandria Port, this private experience allows you to explore the city’s most important landmarks without the limitations of a large group tour.
Alexandria is completely different from Cairo and Giza. While Cairo is famous for the pyramids and ancient Egyptian civilization, Alexandria tells the story of a Mediterranean city shaped by ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic influences.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became one of the most important intellectual and commercial centers of the ancient Mediterranean. Today, visitors can still discover fascinating evidence of that history throughout the city.
Your private excursion combines archaeological monuments, medieval architecture, modern culture, Mediterranean scenery, and optional local cuisine.

Private Pickup at Alexandria Port
Your experience begins with convenient pickup directly from Alexandria Port.
Your professional Egyptologist guide and private driver will meet you at the agreed meeting point after your cruise ship arrives and you complete the necessary port procedures.
Because this is a private shore excursion, your schedule is organized specifically around your cruise.
When booking, please provide:
Cruise Ship Name
Arrival Time
Departure Time
Number of Travelers
Preferred Language
Mobility Requirements
Optional Attractions
Your guide will help you throughout the day and make sure you understand the history behind each location.

Discover the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Your first archaeological stop is the fascinating Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
Located underground, this ancient necropolis provides an extraordinary example of the cultural mixture that developed in Alexandria during the Greco-Roman period.
As you descend into the complex, you’ll discover burial chambers, corridors, columns, carved decorations, and architectural features combining Egyptian, Greek, and Roman traditions.
Your Egyptologist guide will explain the ancient funerary customs and the symbolism found throughout the site.
The catacombs are particularly interesting because they demonstrate how different cultures could coexist and influence one another.
Unlike the monumental pyramids of Giza, the catacombs provide a much more intimate look at ancient Alexandria and its people.
Important Information
The catacombs involve stairs and underground areas. Travelers with mobility limitations should inform us in advance so the itinerary can be adjusted where possible.

Visit Pompey’s Pillar
Continue to Pompey’s Pillar, one of Alexandria’s most recognizable archaeological monuments.
Despite its traditional name, the column was not constructed for Pompey.
The enormous red-granite column dates to the Roman period and is associated with Emperor Diocletian.
Your guide will explain the history of the column and the surrounding archaeological remains, including the ancient Serapeum area.
The monument provides an excellent opportunity to understand Alexandria during the Roman period, when the city remained an important center of trade, politics, culture, and religion.
The archaeological setting also provides excellent opportunities for photographs.

Optional Roman Amphitheatre at Kom El Dikka
If your cruise schedule allows, add the Roman Amphitheatre at Kom El Dikka to your itinerary.
This archaeological area provides another fascinating window into Roman and Byzantine Alexandria.
Explore the remains of the ancient theater and learn how public entertainment, education, and daily life developed in the city.
The wider archaeological area includes remains of Roman baths, lecture spaces, houses, mosaics, and other structures.
This optional stop is particularly recommended for:
History Enthusiasts
Archaeology Lovers
Roman History Fans
Architecture Enthusiasts
Photography Lovers
If your time in port is limited, your guide can recommend whether this stop is more suitable than another optional attraction.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Continue to the impressive Bibliotheca Alexandrina, one of modern Alexandria’s most recognizable landmarks.
The modern library was created as a tribute to Alexandria’s famous ancient Library and its role as a center of knowledge.
The complex today is much more than a traditional library.
Depending on your selected ticket and opening conditions, the complex can include access to areas such as:
Main Library
Museums
Specialized Libraries
Exhibitions
Research Centers
Planetarium
Cultural Facilities
The building’s distinctive circular architecture overlooking the Mediterranean makes it one of the city’s best photography locations.
Your Egyptologist guide can explain the connection between modern Alexandria and the intellectual legacy of the ancient city.

Mediterranean Corniche
After visiting the library, enjoy a private drive along Alexandria’s famous Mediterranean Corniche.
This part of the tour gives you an opportunity to experience modern Alexandria and its coastal lifestyle.
Enjoy views of:
Mediterranean Sea
Alexandria Harbor
Fishing Boats
Coastal Buildings
Local Cafés
Waterfront Streets
Depending on your schedule, your driver can make a short photo stop.
The Corniche is also a good opportunity to take a break from archaeological sightseeing and enjoy the sea breeze.

Qaitbay Citadel
Continue along the waterfront to the spectacular Qaitbay Citadel.
The fortress was constructed in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay on the traditional site of Alexandria’s ancient Pharos Lighthouse.
The Pharos Lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and although the original lighthouse no longer survives, the citadel provides an impressive connection to this extraordinary chapter of Alexandria’s history.
Explore the fortress and enjoy panoramic views across the Mediterranean and Alexandria’s Eastern Harbour.
Your Egyptologist guide will explain the military importance of the citadel and its role in protecting Alexandria.
Photography at Qaitbay
Qaitbay Citadel is one of the best photography locations on the tour.
You can capture:
Fortress Architecture
Mediterranean Views
Alexandria Harbor
Coastal Landscapes
Family Photos
Couple Photos
Group Photos
A professional photographer can also be added to your excursion.

Optional Abu El Abbas Mosque
Travelers interested in Alexandria’s Islamic heritage can add a visit to the Abu El Abbas El Mursi Mosque.
The mosque is one of the city’s most recognizable religious landmarks and provides a fascinating contrast to the earlier Greco-Roman monuments.
Your guide can explain the architectural characteristics and historical importance of the site.
Visitors should wear modest clothing when entering religious sites.

Optional Montaza Experience
If your cruise schedule allows sufficient time, consider extending your excursion toward the Montaza area.
Montaza offers a different atmosphere from Alexandria’s central archaeological district, with gardens, royal heritage, and coastal scenery.
Because cruise passengers have a fixed departure time, this extension should only be added when enough time is available.
Your guide can advise whether Montaza is practical based on your ship’s schedule.

Traditional Alexandria Seafood Lunch
No visit to Alexandria is complete without considering a local seafood experience.
If your schedule allows, enjoy an optional lunch at a carefully selected restaurant.
Possible dishes include:
Fresh Grilled Fish
Shrimp
Calamari
Seafood Rice
Grilled Seafood
Fresh Salads
Tahini
Egyptian Bread
If you don’t eat seafood, alternatives such as grilled chicken, kofta, rice, salads, or vegetarian dishes can be arranged.
Lunch is completely optional and can be removed if you prefer to maximize sightseeing time.

Private Transportation
Throughout the excursion, you’ll travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
This is particularly useful for cruise passengers because Alexandria’s attractions are spread across different parts of the city.
Your private vehicle allows you to move comfortably between attractions without joining a large bus.
Depending on your group size, transportation can include a:
Private Sedan
SUV
Minivan
Private Van
Bottled water is provided.

Flexible Private Itinerary
One of the biggest advantages of this excursion is flexibility.
The itinerary can be adjusted according to:
Cruise Schedule
Attraction Opening Hours
Traffic Conditions
Weather
Your Interests
Walking Pace
Group Size
For example, an archaeology-focused group may spend more time at the Catacombs and Roman Amphitheatre.
A family may prefer the Citadel and Mediterranean Corniche.
Couples may prioritize photography, the waterfront, and a seafood lunch.
The tour can be adapted accordingly.

No Compulsory Shopping
Your time in Alexandria is dedicated to sightseeing and enjoying the city.
There are no compulsory shopping stops.
You won’t be required to visit perfume shops, papyrus stores, carpet stores, or souvenir outlets.
If you’d like to purchase souvenirs, your guide can recommend suitable locations, but shopping is entirely optional.

Professional Egyptologist Guide
Your guide isn’t simply a driver or escort.
A professional Egyptologist guide accompanies you during the sightseeing portion and explains the history behind the monuments.
You can learn about:
Alexander the Great
Ptolemaic Egypt
Cleopatra
Greco-Roman Alexandria
Roman Alexandria
Early Christianity
Byzantine History
Medieval Alexandria
Islamic Architecture
The Ancient Library
The Pharos Lighthouse
This helps transform your visit from a series of sightseeing stops into a coherent historical journey.

Photography Opportunities
Alexandria is an excellent destination for photography because of the variety of landscapes and architectural styles.
Catacombs
Capture the unique underground architecture and ancient details.
Pompey’s Pillar
Photograph the enormous red-granite column surrounded by archaeological remains.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Use the modern circular architecture and Mediterranean setting as a contemporary backdrop.
Corniche
Capture the sea, harbor, boats, and local atmosphere.
Qaitbay Citadel
Enjoy spectacular coastal photography from one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks.
Professional photography can be added for:
Couples
Families
Honeymooners
VIP Travelers
Special Celebrations
Content Creators

Cruise-Schedule-Friendly Planning
Your cruise ship’s departure time is always a key consideration.
Because Alexandria is a major cruise port, we organize the excursion around your actual port schedule.
Please provide your cruise details when booking so we can determine the most practical itinerary.
If your ship has a shorter port stay, we can prioritize the essential attractions.
If you have a longer stay, optional attractions such as the Roman Amphitheatre, Montaza, Abu El Abbas Mosque, or a seafood lunch can be considered.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
The Alexandria Highlights Private Shore Excursion is ideal for:
Cruise Passengers
First-Time Visitors
Couples
Families
Solo Travelers
History Enthusiasts
Archaeology Lovers
Photography Enthusiasts
Architecture Lovers
Mediterranean Travelers
Greek & Roman History Enthusiasts
Travelers Who Prefer Private Tours

What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
Passport or Cruise ID
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Lightweight Clothing
Hat or Cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Camera or Smartphone
Power Bank
Personal Medication
Cash for Optional Purchases
For mosque visits, modest clothing is recommended.

Why Choose Let’s Explore Egypt?
At Let’s Explore Egypt, we specialize in private Egypt tours and cruise shore excursions.
Our goal is to provide a smooth experience from the moment you leave your cruise ship until you return to Alexandria Port.
Your private experience can include:
Alexandria Port Pickup & Drop-off
100% Private Transportation
Professional Egyptologist Guide
Private Driver
Bottled Water
Flexible Itinerary
Cruise-Schedule-Based Planning
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Pompey’s Pillar
Qaitbay Citadel
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Mediterranean Corniche
Optional Roman Amphitheatre
Optional Abu El Abbas Mosque
Optional Montaza
Optional Seafood Lunch
Optional Professional Photographer
No Compulsory Shopping Stops
24/7 Customer Support
Experience Alexandria Beyond the Surface
The Alexandria Highlights Private Shore Excursion is more than a simple city tour.
It is a journey through thousands of years of history.
Stand where ancient civilizations met, explore underground Roman-era burial chambers, admire the remains of one of the world’s most famous ancient cities, visit a medieval fortress overlooking the Mediterranean, and discover the modern cultural identity of Alexandria.
For cruise passengers who want to experience history, archaeology, Mediterranean scenery, and local culture without the stress of a shared group tour, this private excursion offers an ideal introduction to Alexandria.
Explore the ancient city. Discover its Mediterranean spirit. Experience Alexandria privately and at your own pace