Refreshing day in Alexandria
This day in Alexandria on February 12, 2025, was a good and quick way to discover historic sights of the city. The journey from Cairo to Alexandria will take you 2.5 hours, with a break about half way. Our driver was a friendly middle-aged man, not so fluent in English but that was not a problem. Note that all journeys by car from one monument to the other only took 10 minutes at the longest. We met with our guide for the day, Rewan, at the Al-Shoqafa Catacombs. Like us, you will go down the catacombs to see the funeral chambers, the art that still exists there (mostly carvings), and some bones of course. There is also a temple in the Catacombs' courtyard, that was find somewhere else in the city but brought there, with paintings from the era you can still see inside. Entrance ticket was 200EGP for one person. Secondly, we went to a temple, or its ruins. Most of it is outdoor, with an impressive column and two sphinxes standing in the middle. Then we went to two indoor galleries, the sanctuary and the library, still on the temple's compound. Entrance ticket was 200EGP for one person. Thirdly, we went to the library of Alexandria. It is a stunning building, modern - looking, with a long slanted roof, and floors looking like giant stairs from inside, so that from the top floor you are able to see all the other floors under you. Of course, a large collection of books in the building, 2.3 million according to our guide, if I remember well. Our guide Rewan gave us 40 minutes to explore the place, which was enough to stroll around and sit down for some quiet reading. Entrance ticket was 150EGP for one person. After that, it was lunchtime at Baranzino, a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. You get to choose between fish and rice, or chicken and fries plus pasta. Lunch is included in the price, but not drinks. You also get free sides with it, plus bread. We ate with our guide and driver. Once lunch was over, we headed to Qaitbay Citadel, built in the 1770s, if I remember well. After explanations from our guide Rewan, we were given 20 minutes to explore the compound. It's a bit short to explore each floor of the citadel and felt a bit rushed. 30 minutes would be a perfect time. Entrance ticket was 200EGP per person. After that, we took an optional boat ride for about 15-20 minutes. The price was 500EGP per person. You will have to pay this in addition to booking the day tour. Lastly, and the last optional activity, we went to a souvenir/papyrus/essential oils shop. As often in these, you get a welcome drink, a demonstration of what is available, and decide to buy or not. By 2.30pm, having arrived at 9.30am roughly, it was time to leave, drop our guide Rewan in the city, and go "home" to Cairo. Keep in mind that all the entrance tickets are not included in the tour that you pay for, and amount to 750EGP per person (1250EGP with the boat ride). Special thanks to Rewan, who was very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, energetic, and always keen to help us take our picture. We recommend!
corentinr771 · Feb 2025 · via Tripadvisor