Excursion Alexandria museum & citadel tour at Alexandria

The rich and varied history of Alexandria is yours to discover during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Alexandria, Alexandria National Museum, Ancient Egyptian Artefacts, Tombs & Treasures

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Alexandria National Museum. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the museum, which exhibits over 120,000 artefacts, tombs, and treasures of ancient Egyptian royal families. Along the way, discover artefacts found at Dahshur in 1894, including the tombs of kings and members of the royal families of the Middle Kingdom. In addition, view the contents of the royal tombs of Tuthmosis III, Tuthmosis IV, Amenhotep III and Horemheb, along with the tombs of Yuya and Thuya. In addition, see artefacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun that number more than 3,500 pieces; 1,700 objects are displayed in the museum, with the remainder in storage.

Citadel of Qaitbay, Mediterranean Sea, Breath-Taking Views

Next, re-board your coach and head to the panoramic Citadel of Qaitbay. Situated along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea on the exact site of the Pharos Lighthouse (Lighthouse of Alexandria), the Citadel was established back in 1477 A.D. by Sultan Al-Ashraf al-Din Qait Bay as a defencive measure against the Turks, who were threatening Egypt at that time. An important part of the fortification system of Alexandria in the 15th century A.D., the Citadel was amongst the most important defensive strongholds, not only in Egypt, but also along the Mediterranean Sea coast. Restored by the High Council of Antiquities in the 20th century, the Citadel remains an important landmark of picturesque Alexandria to this day.

Abou Al Abbas Mosque, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Corniche Road, Alexandria Library

Following your visit to the Citadel of Qaitbay and breath-taking views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier. En route, exterior photo stops are made at some of the most renowned landmarks in Alexandria. Included are the Andalusian-style Abou Al Abbas Mosque, the most beautiful mosque in Alexandria, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located on the Corniche of Alexandria, and Alexandria Library, formerly one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Alexandria, National Museum, Artefacts, Tombs & Treasures, Citadel of Qaitbay, Abou Al Abbas Mosque, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Corniche, Alexandria Library

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 30 steps at the Citadel, and 50 steps at the Alexandria National Museum; a lift is available at the museum however, at times, might be out of order. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, local currency, or credit cards for purchases and tipping from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Cell phone camera photography is permitted at all venues. Infrastructure in Alexandria may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. The tour sequence may vary.