Alexandria, Egypt

Cruises from Alexandria

Alexandria — the pearl of the Mediterranean and Egypt's main gateway by sea to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza. This is a city founded by Alexander the Great himself, drawing travellers from all over the world. Egypt's second-largest city stretches in a narrow band along the country's northern coast, between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariout, on the western edge of the Nile Delta. Here, more than 2,300 years of history intertwine with a modern metropolis: the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Lighthouse of Pharos — lie beneath the waves near the Citadel of Qaitbay, a magnificent modern library has risen on the site of the legendary Library of Alexandria, and a morning coffee on the Corniche waterfront can easily lead to a daytime journey to the foot of the Pyramid of Khufu. 
For a cruise traveller, Alexandria is not just a point on a route map. It is Egypt's most-visited cruise port and one of the Mediterranean's major ports of call, from which travellers set out on day excursions to Cairo, Giza and Alexandria itself. Liners call here as part of Eastern Mediterranean cruises, round-the-world voyages and Suez Canal itineraries. The Port of Alexandria handles over 80% of all of Egypt's foreign trade and remains a key point on the cruise map of North Africa. 🚢

📋 Before setting off on a cruise to Alexandria or going ashore for a few hours during a port call, here is what you should know:
🇪🇬 Country: Egypt
📍 Region: Alexandria Governorate (Mediterranean coast)
👥 Population: around 5.2 million residents (the country's second-largest city)
📐 Length along the coast: about 32 km
🗣️ Languages: Arabic (official); English is spoken in the tourist areas
💶 Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP); euros and US dollars are readily accepted in souvenir shops
🕐 Time zone: EET (UTC+2) — the same as Kyiv
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean, with mild humid winters (+14…+18 °C) and hot dry summers (+28…+32 °C)
✈️ Nearest airport: Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) — 45 km from the city centre
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Port of Alexandria (code EGALY)
🗺️ Port structure: four harbours, the main one being the Western Harbour (handling about 60% of all cargo traffic)

🏛️ The history of Alexandria — from Alexander's city to Egypt's cruise gateway
⏳ Over 2,300 years of maritime history
The history of Alexandria is, first and foremost, the history of its harbour. In 331 BC, Alexander the Great founded the city on the site of a small fishing settlement called Rhakotis, choosing a strategically advantageous spot at the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and the Nile. The conqueror himself only sketched out the basic plan of the future capital and left to conquer Persia, while the construction fell to his successors — the Ptolemaic dynasty.
It was under the Ptolemies that Alexandria became the most important city of the Hellenistic world, rivalling even Athens. Here arose the legendary Library of Alexandria — the greatest collection of knowledge of antiquity — and the Mouseion, a kind of forerunner of the university, which attracted the greatest minds of the then-known world. And around 280 BC, a lighthouse over 100 metres tall was built on the island of Pharos — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which for more than a thousand years guided ships to one of the busiest harbours of antiquity. It is from the name of this island that the word for «lighthouse» derives in many languages of the world. 
⚔️ From the capital of the Ptolemies to a modern port
Alexandria stood at the heart of Mediterranean politics: it was here that the story of Cleopatra VII and her alliances with Rome unfolded, here that Pompey was killed, and here that Julius Caesar declared martial law. Through the Byzantine and early Islamic eras, the city endured countless changes, gradually losing its ancient grandeur: the Lighthouse of Pharos was destroyed by earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries, and in the 15th century Sultan Qaitbay built a fortress on its site — one that guards the entrance to the Eastern Harbour to this day. 
The 19th and 20th centuries brought Alexandria a cosmopolitan revival: Greek, Italian and Levantine communities settled here, shaping the city's unique character with its eclectic architecture — from Hellenistic colonnades to Ottoman mansions and Art Deco villas. 🏛️ And the year 2002 marked a symbolic return to its roots: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened on the waterfront — a modern library reviving the spirit of the ancient one. Today Alexandria is a bustling port, whose harbour, as in the days of the Ptolemies, never falls silent from international trade.

⚓ The Port of Alexandria — Egypt's gateway by sea
📊 The scale and structure of the port
The modern Port of Alexandria is not just cruise berths. It is Egypt's largest cargo port on the Mediterranean Sea, through which more than 80% of the country's entire foreign trade turnover passes. The port complex is divided into four harbours: the Western Harbour — the country's main seaport, handling about 60% of imports and exports; the Dekheila Port — to the west of the Western Harbour; the Eastern Harbour — a marina and yacht harbour near the historic centre; and the Abu Qir Port — for bulk cargoes. In the 2020s the port was actively modernised: the new container terminal (Pier 55) was granted as a concession to CMA CGM — one of the world's leaders in container shipping.
For a cruise traveller, the key facility is the passenger terminal in the Western Harbour. It was recently renovated, taking inspiration from the city's history: the building's architecture combines Pharaonic motifs with elements of the Roman era. Inside there are cafes and service areas, while taxis wait outside, ready to whisk you to the heart of the city in just a few minutes. ✨ Smaller liners sometimes berth closer to the Eastern Harbour, from where you can reach the main attractions on foot.

🚢 How the port welcomes travellers
Cruise liners usually call at Alexandria early in the morning — around 9 a.m. — since the vast majority of passengers head off on day excursions to Cairo and the pyramids that last almost the entire day. A passport is required to leave the port, and the Egyptian visa for cruise travellers is usually arranged in advance on board. Bear in mind that the formalities at the port entrance and exit are quite strict, so allow extra time to pass through the checks.

🏢 Which cruise lines operate from Alexandria
Many of the world's leading cruise brands call at the Port of Alexandria: MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, TUI Cruises, P&O Cruises, Azamara, Star Clippers and others. This makes Alexandria a convenient port of call for any Eastern Mediterranean cruise that includes a glimpse of Egypt's millennia-old civilisation. 🌍

💡 Interesting facts about Alexandria and its port
Getting to know the city will be more complete if you know a few not-so-obvious details:
🗼 The Lighthouse of Pharos was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stood for more than 1,500 years and collapsed due to a series of earthquakes. Its stone blocks were later used to build the Citadel of Qaitbay, which still stands on the same spot today.
📚 The Library of Alexandria was the greatest collection of knowledge of antiquity. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, opened in 2002, can hold up to 8 million books and has become a cultural symbol of the city's revival.
🏛️ Alexandria was the capital of Egypt for almost a thousand years. In the times of the Ptolemies and the Romans it was one of the three main centres of early Christianity, alongside Rome and Antioch.
🌊 Part of ancient Alexandria lies underwater. Since 2000, underwater archaeologists have been finding in the Eastern Harbour a submerged palace, ceremonial structures and port facilities of the ancient city — likely part of Cleopatra's palace quarter.
🛣️ Alexander the Great connected the island to the mainland. The causeway seven stadia long (the Heptastadion), built on his orders, linked the island of Pharos to the shore — over time it silted up and turned into the isthmus on which the old part of the modern city stands.
🚗 The Pyramids of Giza are about 220 km from the port. The journey by bus takes roughly 2.5–3 hours each way, so the excursion to Cairo lasts all day — from 12 to 14 hours.
💎 The word «pharos» comes from Alexandria. The name of the island of Pharos, on which the lighthouse stood, gave the root to words meaning «lighthouse» in many languages of the world.
🗿 Alexandria is older than most of the world's capitals. Alexander's city flourished when Rome was only beginning its rise, and the harbour itself has remained in operation for over 2,300 years.

📍 The main attractions of Alexandria and Egypt — must-sees for the cruise traveller
A cruise liner's port call in Alexandria usually lasts a full day, so it is important to decide your priorities in advance: set off on a long excursion to Cairo and the pyramids, or devote the day to Alexandria itself. You will find a detailed list with photos, addresses and opening hours in the «Sights and Places of Interest» section, and below is a brief overview of the landmark locations.
🐫 The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx — the main goal of most cruise travellers. The only surviving one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Pyramid of Khufu, about 139 metres tall, built from millions of stone blocks more than 4,500 years ago. Nearby is the enigmatic Sphinx, guarding the plateau.
🏛️ The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — a vast new museum near the pyramids, home to thousands of artefacts of Egyptian civilisation, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun's treasures. The most popular destination of the excursion from Alexandria to Giza.
🏰 The Citadel of Qaitbay — a 15th-century medieval fortress at the entrance to the Eastern Harbour, built on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Pharos from its very own stone blocks. It offers panoramic views of the sea and the city.
📖 Bibliotheca Alexandrina — the modern Library of Alexandria, an architectural masterpiece in the shape of a tilted solar disc. It stands on the site of the ancient library and holds millions of volumes, galleries and cultural spaces. From the roof there are wonderful panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea.
⚱️ The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa — an underground necropolis of the 2nd century AD, where Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary art are intricately combined. One of the city's most mysterious ancient monuments.
🏛️ Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum temple — the tallest ancient monolithic column outside Rome and Constantinople (about 27 metres), and beside it the ruins of a Roman temple complex with sphinx statues.
🌊 The Corniche waterfront — a lively coastal promenade along the Eastern Harbour, the heart of Alexandria's modern seaside life, with cafes, fish restaurants and a view of the Qaitbay fort.
🏺 The Alexandria National Museum — a collection of thousands of artefacts spanning all the eras of the city's history: from the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods to the Coptic and Islamic ones.

✨ Why choose a cruise that calls at Alexandria
Alexandria is a rare case of a port that opens up two grand civilisations at once within a single port call.
Firstly, it offers an unparalleled historical scale: in a single day you can see the Pyramids of Giza — the only surviving wonder of the ancient world — and return in the evening to the city founded by Alexander the Great. 🐫
Secondly, it is a blend of two dimensions: ancient Alexandria, with its lighthouse, library and catacombs, sits here alongside the Pharaonic Egypt of Cairo and Giza, which are just a stone's throw away. 🏛️
Thirdly, the port itself is a convenient gateway by sea: liners call here early in the morning, leaving a whole day for sightseeing, while the renovated terminal welcomes travellers with architecture in the Pharaonic and Roman styles. 🌊

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the ideal liner, itinerary and cabin, take care of the details of arranging your Egyptian visa and shore excursions, and offer exclusive rates from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean and other leading brands with which we cooperate as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference only and is accurate as of the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please check current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Alexandria

Alexandria is Egypt's main maritime gateway on the Mediterranean and the country's most popular cruise port. The journey from the airport to the pier has its own quirks: the nearest airport, Borg El Arab, sits 45–50 km from the port, while most international flights arrive in Cairo, 220 km to the south. The cruise terminal itself lies within the large industrial Western Harbour, about 2–3 km from the historic city centre and the Corniche waterfront — walking is technically possible but impractical. Below is a tried-and-tested step-by-step guide with all transfer options, current prices, and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯

📍 Exactly Where Alexandria's Cruise Port Is Located
The Port of Alexandria is Egypt's largest seaport, handling roughly three quarters of the country's foreign trade. Cruise ships are served in two main areas:

⚓ Passenger Cruise Terminal (Western Harbour) — the city's main cruise hub, where the vast majority of large liners dock:
• Modern passenger terminal — a two-storey building with a duty-free zone, a commercial and entertainment centre, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and currency exchange counters
• Berths — about 820 metres in total length, 9–12 metres deep, able to accommodate up to 4 large cruise liners simultaneously
• Capacity — the terminal serves up to 5,000 passengers at once
• Serves MSC Cruises, Costa, Celestyal, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Oceania, Azamara, and other operators
📌 GPS reference: Passenger Cruise Terminal, Al Bawabbah Thanyah, Western Harbour, Alexandria, Egypt
🚶 Distance to the city centre: about 2–3 km to the Corniche and the historic centre

⚓ El Dekheila Port — located 7 miles west of the main port, of which it is an extension. This is a modern complex with deep-water berths that occasionally receives the largest cruise liners when the main berths are occupied.
📌 GPS reference: El Dekheila Port, west of Alexandria, Egypt

❗ Important: the exact terminal for your liner is always stated on your cruise voucher. Check it 48–72 hours before boarding — the berth is sometimes changed when the port schedule is adjusted. A passport is required to leave the port area, and entry to Egypt requires a visa, usually arranged in advance or on board the liner.

✈️ From the Airport to the Cruise Terminal
You can reach Alexandria by air via two main routes — through the local Borg El Arab airport, or through Cairo's main airport, where most international flights arrive.

🛬 Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) — the nearest to Alexandria
Borg El Arab International Airport is located 45–50 km west of central Alexandria. The drive to the cruise port takes approximately 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.

🚕 Taxi — the fastest option
Taxis wait at the arrivals terminal exit. Many drivers have no meter or do not turn it on, so the fare should be agreed in advance.
• Travel time: 50–70 minutes
• Approximate cost: around 600–900 EGP (roughly 10–15 EUR) to the city centre and port
• Payment: mostly cash in Egyptian pounds
• Apps: Uber and Careem operate in Alexandria and let you avoid haggling — a convenient and transparent option
💡 Tip from Four Gates: keep the terminal address written in Arabic — not all drivers speak English.

🛬 Cairo Airport (CAI) — the main international hub
Most long-haul flights arrive at Cairo International Airport, 220–240 km from Alexandria. The drive along the motorway takes 2.5–3 hours.

🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
If you are flying into Cairo or travelling as a family or group with luggage, a private transfer is the optimal choice. The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign, help with your suitcases, and take you straight to the terminal at a fixed price.
• Cost from Cairo: from 50 EUR for a sedan (1–3 people), from 60 EUR for a minivan (4–5 people)
• Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
• Advantages: fixed price, English-speaking driver, flight monitoring, air conditioning, no waiting in queues
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking the cruise.

🚆 Train from Cairo — the budget option
Comfortable trains run between Cairo and Alexandria (departing from Ramses Station in Cairo to Misr Station in Alexandria).
• Travel time: 2–3 hours depending on the train type
• Cost: from 150 EGP (roughly 2.5 EUR) in first-class carriages for tourists — prices are higher than for locals
• From Misr Station to the cruise port — another 10 minutes or so by taxi
⚠️ Important: the train is inconvenient with large luggage, and the need for an additional transfer to the port offsets the savings. Cruise passengers are better served by a direct private transfer.

🏙️ From Central Alexandria to the Cruise Terminal
If you have spent a night or several days in a hotel in the centre, you have several ways to reach the liner:

🚕 Taxi from your hotel — the most convenient option. A ride from the centre or the Corniche takes 5–15 minutes and costs around 100–150 EGP (roughly 2–3 EUR). With Uber or Careem the price is clearer and there is no need to haggle.

🚋 Tram — the most budget-friendly way to get a feel for the city:
• Cost: nominal, around 5–10 EGP
• Alexandria's historic tram network is one of the oldest in Africa
• Note: the tram does not run directly to the cruise terminal — from the nearest stop you will need a taxi to the port gates
• Not recommended with large luggage — carriages are often crowded

🚌 Cruise line shuttle — many liners run their own shuttle buses from the terminal to a central point in the city (usually near the Corniche or the main sights). This is convenient for heading into town, and to return to the liner you simply wait for the return service.

🚶 On foot — theoretically possible but impractical:
• Distance: about 2–3 km to the centre
• The route runs through the industrial port area
• Not recommended in hot weather or with luggage; moreover, leaving the port is controlled and requires a passport

🗺️ What to See in Alexandria and Nearby
Alexandria is a city with more than two thousand years of history, founded by Alexander the Great. Most attractions are located 15–30 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal:
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina — a modern library opened in 2002 in honour of the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria
• Citadel of Qaitbay — a medieval fortress on the site of the famous Lighthouse of Pharos
• Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa — an underground necropolis blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art
• Montaza Palace and Gardens — a lavish royal residence with gardens on the coast
• The Corniche — a scenic seaside promenade running the length of the city

🏛️ Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza — the most popular excursion from the port. The journey takes 2.5–3 hours each way, making it a full-day trip usually organised by cruise lines or tour operators. In a single day you can see the pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum.
💡 Tip from Four Gates: if you plan an independent trip to Cairo, choose only a reliable provider with a guaranteed return before the liner's departure — being late means seeing your ship only from the shore.

♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Alexandria's cruise terminal is a modern two-storey building equipped with basic facilities for passengers with reduced mobility:
✅ The terminal building has lifts and ramps
✅ Private transfers can be booked with a specially equipped vehicle — mention your needs when booking
✅ The terminal has staff to assist with boarding — notify the cruise line in advance
⚠️ Please note: public transport (tram, local buses) is not adapted for wheelchairs — for passengers with reduced mobility, only a taxi or private transfer is recommended

⏰ When to Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
Most cruise lines open their check-in desks 3–4 hours before the liner departs. The optimal arrival times are:
🕐 MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises: 3–3.5 hours before departure
🕐 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Oceania: at your assigned check-in time (usually 30-minute windows)
🕐 Azamara, Silversea, Explora Journeys (luxury segment): any time after the terminal opens
❗ Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure. Allow for the time it takes to clear passport control when leaving the port — being late means seeing your liner only from the shore. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.

💡 Insider Tips from the Four Gates Group Experts
Over years of working with the Egyptian destination, our cruise specialists have gathered a set of tips that will save you time, money, and nerves:

🌅 Fly in a day before the cruise. Most flights arrive in Cairo, and the drive to Alexandria takes almost 3 hours. A flight delay could cost you the entire cruise — the liner does not wait. A night in Cairo or Alexandria removes all the stress.

💼 Book your transfer in advance. The distance from Cairo airport is considerable, and haggling with local taxi drivers plus the language barrier add to the hassle. A pre-booked transfer means a guaranteed price, an English-speaking driver, and zero waiting.

💶 Keep cash in Egyptian pounds on hand. Taxis, the tram, and small purchases are almost always paid for in cash. You can exchange currency at the terminal or in the city — the rate is roughly 1 EUR ≈ 60 EGP.

📄 Keep your passport within reach. Leaving the port area is controlled, and your passport will be needed each time. Arrange your Egypt visa in advance or check the procedure with your cruise line.

🚖 Use Uber or Careem. These apps work in Alexandria and Cairo, show a fixed price, and spare you the haggling and extra charges typical of street taxis.

🧥 Dress respectfully of local customs. Egypt is a Muslim country. For visiting the city and its sights, opt for more modest clothing, especially women.

💧 Drink only bottled water and keep it with you. The Egyptian heat is relentless, and tap water is not meant for drinking. Take water on excursions, especially to Cairo.

🏨 Choose a hotel along the Corniche. From there it is 10–15 minutes by taxi to the port, with the main sights, seafood restaurants, and sea views close at hand.

📞 Useful Contacts
Alexandria Port Authority (general information): +20 3 480 7917
Egypt Tourist Police: 126
Ambulance: 123
Police: 122
Emergency services (single number): 112
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53

The logistics of a cruise from Alexandria may seem complicated only at first glance. In reality, once you know the right options for your situation, you will easily get from the airport to the liner's gangway — and on your very first day find yourself amid two thousand years of Mediterranean history. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients with every stage: from choosing the optimal flight to Egypt to arranging a private transfer with a sign in the arrivals hall. Contact our manager — and your cruise from Alexandria will begin without any stress. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference only and is accurate as of the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant sites.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Attractions and Places of Alexandria: A Complete Guide for the Cruise Traveler

Alexandria — a city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, where the Hellenistic, Roman, Christian and Islamic eras are layered one upon another along a 20-kilometre Mediterranean waterfront. Here once stood the legendary Pharos Lighthouse — one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; here was housed the greatest library of antiquity; and today ancient catacombs sit alongside the futuristic Bibliotheca Alexandrina. For a cruise passenger with an 8–12 hour port call, the key is to make a strategic choice: stay in Alexandria itself or set out for a full day at the Pyramids of Giza. Below is a tried-and-tested guide to the key attractions, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours and precise instructions on how to reach each site from the cruise passenger terminal. 🎯

🏰 1. Qaitbay Citadel
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Qaitbay Citadel is a fortress that literally stands on the rubble of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was built on the very spot once occupied by the Pharos Lighthouse — the tallest structure of antiquity at over 100 metres, which operated for nearly 1,600 years before a series of earthquakes brought it down in the 14th century. ✨
🔹 The white-stone fortress stands on a narrow headland on the site of the former island of Pharos, surrounded by the sea on three sides — offering the finest panorama over the Eastern Harbour and the entire city front.
🔹 During construction, Sultan Qaitbay ordered the use of granite blocks from the ruined lighthouse itself — so part of the ancient wonder is still embedded in the fortress walls. 🪨
🔹 Inside there is a small maritime museum and a mosque — the oldest in Alexandria, preserved within the fortress walls.
🔹 The name of the island Pharos gave the root for the word «lighthouse» in many languages: phare (French), faro (Spanish, Italian), φάρος (Greek). 💡

📜 History:
The Pharos Lighthouse was built under Ptolemy II around 280–247 BC. It served as a beacon for seafarers throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages, until a series of powerful earthquakes between 956 and 1323 finally destroyed it.
In 1477–1479, the Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay erected a defensive fortress on the lighthouse ruins to protect Alexandria from the threat of the Ottoman Empire. The citadel survived centuries of sieges and rebuilding, was damaged by the British bombardment of 1882, and in the 20th century was restored and turned into a museum. Today it is one of Alexandria's main symbols.

🚢 How to get there from Alexandria's passenger port:
• Fastest (taxi): 10–15 minutes, 80–150 Egyptian pounds. The citadel is in the Anfushi district, on the western edge of the Eastern Harbour
• On foot along the Corniche: about 30–40 minutes by the sea — a scenic but hot route in summer
• As part of an organised tour: almost all Alexandria sightseeing tours include a stop at the citadel

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Adults (foreigners): about 200 Egyptian pounds (roughly 4 euros)
• Students (with international ID): 50% discount
• Children under 6: free
• Opening hours (2026): daily 9:00–17:00 (sometimes until 18:00 in summer)
⚠️ IMPORTANT: from 2026, payment at almost all Egyptian attractions is made mainly by bank card. Bring a card that works abroad. Access for visitors with limited mobility is restricted to the ground level only — the upper floors and towers have no lifts.

📚 2. Bibliotheca Alexandrina
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the revival of a legend. It stands near the site once occupied by the greatest library of the ancient world, founded under Ptolemy I, which held an estimated 700,000 papyrus scrolls and drew scholars of the calibre of Euclid, Archimedes and Eratosthenes. 🌅
🔹 The building was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. Its main hall takes the form of a giant tilted disc 160 metres in diameter, symbolising the sun rising over the Mediterranean.
🔹 The main reading room is one of the largest in the world, set over 11 cascading levels beneath a glass roof of more than 20,000 m².
🔹 The outer granite wall is engraved with symbols and letters from 120 different writing systems of the world — from hieroglyphs to modern alphabets. ✍️
🔹 The complex houses not only a book repository for millions of volumes but also four museums, a planetarium, several galleries and research centres.

📜 History:
The ancient Library of Alexandria declined over the centuries due to a combination of factors — funding cuts, political instability and fires. Its loss was one of the greatest cultural catastrophes in human history.
In the 1970s the idea of reviving the library took shape. The project was backed by UNESCO and the international community, and after almost two decades of construction the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina was ceremonially opened in 2002. Today it is a leading cultural and educational hub of Egypt and the entire Mediterranean.

🚢 How to get there from Alexandria's passenger port:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, 100–180 Egyptian pounds. Address: Corniche waterfront, Shatby district
• On foot along the waterfront: the library stands right on the Corniche, so it is quite reachable from the centre by the sea
• As part of a tour: a standard stop on most sightseeing tours

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Entry to the main library (foreigners): about 70–150 Egyptian pounds
• Antiquities Museum / Manuscripts Museum: separate tickets, each about 20–40 Egyptian pounds
• Combined ticket: grants access to the main library, the Antiquities Museum, the Manuscripts Museum and the free museums
• Opening hours (2026): Saturday–Thursday 10:00–19:00, Friday 14:00–19:00. Closed on public holidays
⚠️ IMPORTANT: on Friday morning the library is closed — viewing is possible only from outside. Ordinary visitors have access to the viewing level of the reading hall but not to the reading tiers themselves.

⚰️ 3. Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa are the largest Roman necropolis in Egypt and one of the so-called seven wonders of the Middle Ages. It is an underground labyrinth where three cultures intertwine in a remarkable way: ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman. 🕯️
🔹 The tomb was discovered entirely by chance in 1900, when a donkey fell into the entrance shaft — and so the world learned of a complex that had lain underground for almost two millennia. 🫏
🔹 The name «Kom el-Shoqafa» means «Mound of Shards» — from the heaps of pottery families left here after funerary meals.
🔹 The necropolis has three underground levels, carved into the bedrock; a spiral staircase shaft leads down to them.
🔹 In the main burial chamber the statues are carved in Egyptian style but dressed in Roman clothing and hairstyles — a unique blend of cultures found nowhere else in the world.

📜 History:
The catacombs began to be built in the 2nd century AD under the Antonine emperors. At first it was a private tomb for a wealthy family, but the complex later grew into a public necropolis used right up to the 4th century. The blend of Pharaonic, Hellenistic and early Roman motifs makes it the most eloquent monument of Greco-Roman Alexandria.

🚢 How to get there from Alexandria's passenger port:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, 100–180 Egyptian pounds. Karmouz district, next to Pompey's Pillar
• As part of a tour: almost always combined into one route with Pompey's Pillar and the Roman Amphitheatre — all three sites are close together

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Adults (foreigners): about 200 Egyptian pounds (roughly 4 euros)
• Students: 50% discount
• Opening hours (2026): daily 9:00–17:00
⚠️ Tip: it is cool and damp inside, and the descent by the spiral staircase is quite steep — comfortable shoes are essential. Phone photography is usually free; a professional camera may require a separate permit.

🏛️ 4. Pompey's Pillar & Serapeum
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Pompey's Pillar is the tallest ancient monument in Alexandria and the tallest monolithic triumphal column ever erected outside Rome. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the Roman general Pompey. 🏛️
🔹 The column of red Aswan granite, about 27 metres tall, was raised in 297–298 AD in honour of Emperor Diocletian — in gratitude for supplying grain to the city's starving inhabitants.
🔹 The mistaken name was given by the Crusaders, who assumed Pompey was buried beneath the column. In fact, the name has no historical basis.
🔹 The column stands on the site of the Serapeum — the magnificent temple of the god Serapis, which was the spiritual centre of Hellenistic Alexandria and a branch of the Great Library.
🔹 Nearby survive two granite sphinx statues and underground galleries where sacred scrolls and a statue of the sacred Apis bull were once kept. 🐂

📜 History:
The Serapeum was founded as early as the first Ptolemies as the principal temple of the cult of Serapis — a syncretic deity combining Egyptian and Greek features. Part of the library's book treasures was kept here. In 391 AD, by order of Emperor Theodosius I, the temple was destroyed by Christians as part of the campaign against paganism. Pompey's Pillar is virtually the only monumental structure of the complex to have survived to our day.

🚢 How to get there from Alexandria's passenger port:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, 100–180 Egyptian pounds. Karmouz district
• As part of a tour: combined with the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa (5 minutes apart)

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Adults (foreigners): about 200 Egyptian pounds (roughly 4 euros); the ticket usually covers both the column and the Serapeum
• Students: 50% discount
• Opening hours (2026): daily 9:00–17:00
⚠️ Tip: the visit takes only 30–40 minutes, so it is convenient to combine it with the catacombs and the amphitheatre in one short route.

🎭 5. Roman Amphitheatre of Kom el-Dikka
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Roman Amphitheatre in the Kom el-Dikka district is the only known Roman theatre found in Egypt and one of the best-preserved ancient structures in the city. 🎭
🔹 Like the catacombs, it was discovered by chance in the mid-20th century — during preparatory works for construction, marble rows of seats were uncovered on the site.
🔹 The amphitheatre has 13 semicircular tiers of white and grey marble brought from Europe, with seating for about 600 spectators.
🔹 Some seats are marked with Greek letters and numbers — an ancient forerunner of modern numbered tickets. 🔢
🔹 Nearby, Roman baths, residential villas with mosaic floors (the so-called «Villas of the Birds») and the remains of lecture halls of a late-antique university have been excavated.

📜 History:
The structure is dated to around the 4th century AD. It was first thought to be a theatre, but research has shown that in different eras it served both for musical performances and for public assemblies. The Kom el-Dikka archaeological park around the amphitheatre reveals a whole cross-section of life in Greco-Roman and Byzantine Alexandria.

🚢 How to get there from Alexandria's passenger port:
• Taxi: 10–15 minutes, 80–150 Egyptian pounds. Located in the centre, next to Misr railway station
• As part of a tour: conveniently combined with the catacombs and Pompey's Pillar

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Adults (foreigners): about 200 Egyptian pounds (roughly 4 euros)
• Students: 50% discount
• Opening hours (2026): daily 9:00–17:00
⚠️ Tip: exploring the Kom el-Dikka park takes 30–45 minutes. There is almost no shade here — bring a hat and water.

🕌 6. The Corniche, Abu al-Abbas Mosque and the Anfushi district
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Corniche is a 20-kilometre seafront promenade, the heart of Alexandria's urban life, lined with cafés, seafood restaurants and historic quarters. It is here that the Mediterranean spirit of the city is felt most keenly. 🌊
🔹 The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque — the most beautiful and largest mosque in Alexandria, built over the tomb of a 13th-century Andalusian Sufi saint. Its cream walls and tall minaret are the hallmark of the Anfushi district. 🕌
🔹 In the fishing quarter of Anfushi, authentic port life still bustles: here you can see wooden boats and the morning fish market.
🔹 At the eastern end of the promenade stands Stanley Bridge — a modern structure with decorative towers, a favourite spot for evening photos.
🔹 Along the Corniche, traditional horse-drawn carriages still ply the route — an inexpensive way to feel the atmosphere of old Alexandria. 🐎

📜 History:
The Corniche was laid out in its modern form in the early 20th century, when Alexandria was enjoying a cosmopolitan heyday as Egypt's main port and home to Greek, Italian and Levantine communities. The Abu al-Abbas Mosque in its present form was built in the 1940s on the site of an earlier shrine, and it became the spiritual centre of Muslim Alexandria.

🚢 How to get there from Alexandria's passenger port:
• On foot: the Anfushi district and the Abu al-Abbas Mosque are the closest zone to the port, reachable in 15–25 minutes
• Taxi: 5–10 minutes to the mosque, 80–120 Egyptian pounds

💶 Price:
• A stroll along the Corniche: free
• Entry to the Abu al-Abbas Mosque: free (donations welcome; dress should be modest, women should cover their heads)
• Horse-drawn carriage: from 150 Egyptian pounds for a short ride (always agree the price in advance)
⚠️ Note: when visiting the mosque you must remove your shoes, and shoulders and knees must be covered. Do not visit during the obligatory prayers.

🌳 7. Montaza Palace & Gardens
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Montaza Palace is the former summer residence of Egypt's monarchs, surrounded by lavish gardens covering more than 300 hectares right on the seashore. It is the greenest and most peaceful spot in Alexandria. 🌴
🔹 The palace is built in an unusual style combining Ottoman and Florentine motifs, with a distinctive tall bell tower in the Venetian manner.
🔹 The word «Montaza» translates as «a place of relaxation» — the name was given by the Khedive's court at the end of the 19th century.
🔹 In the park's bay, the royal yacht «Mahrousa» was once anchored — the very vessel on which King Farouk left Egypt after the 1952 revolution.
🔹 The palace itself is closed to visitors, but the gardens are open to all — here there are beaches, palm-lined avenues, bridges and quiet corners with views over the Mediterranean. 🌊

📜 History:
The first structure on the Montaza grounds — the Salamlek Palace — was built in 1892 by Khedive Abbas II Hilmi, the last of the Muhammad Ali dynasty. Later the larger Haramlik Palace was built here, becoming the summer residence of the royal family and used right up to the overthrow of the monarchy in 1952. Today the gardens are a public park and nature reserve.

🚢 How to get there from Alexandria's passenger port:
• Taxi: 30–40 minutes, 250–400 Egyptian pounds (the palace is on the eastern edge of the city)
• As part of a tour: often included in full-day sightseeing tours as a final, relaxing stop

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Entry to the gardens: a small fee, about 50–100 Egyptian pounds per person
• Opening hours (2026): the gardens are open daily, roughly from 8:00 until sunset
⚠️ Tip: Montaza is far from the other attractions — include it in your route only if you have enough time before returning to the ship.

🎨 8. Other attractions worth your attention
• 🏛️ Graeco-Roman Museum — one of Egypt's most important collections of Hellenistic and Roman antiquities, after a major restoration. Entry for foreigners about 400 Egyptian pounds.
• 🏺 Alexandria National Museum — artefacts from the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras in an elegant mansion. Entry about 200 Egyptian pounds.
• 💎 Royal Jewellery Museum — a sumptuous collection of jewellery of the Muhammad Ali dynasty in a historic villa. Entry about 220 Egyptian pounds.
• ⛪ St Mark's Cathedral — a historic Coptic church associated with the founder of Christianity in Egypt. Free entry.
• 🌉 Stanley Bridge — a modern architectural ornament of the waterfront with decorative towers. Viewing is free.
• 🐟 Anfushi fish market and restaurants — the best place to try fresh Mediterranean fish and the traditional dish «sayadeya».
• ⚠️ The Pyramids of Giza and Cairo — the main day-trip excursion from Alexandria, but it requires a whole day (more details in the itineraries below).

---

🗺️ Three self-guided itineraries from Alexandria's port in 9 hours
A cruise call in Alexandria usually lasts 8–12 hours. Here there is a fundamental fork in the road: either devote the day to Alexandria itself and see 4–6 attractions without rushing, or set out on a full-day excursion to the Pyramids of Giza some 220 km away. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.

🥉 Itinerary No. 1. Budget — Alexandria on your own
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: 700–1,000 Egyptian pounds + food

🕘 09:00 — Leave the passenger terminal
Take a taxi or arrange a driver for half a day (agree the price in advance).

🕘 09:15–10:00 — Abu al-Abbas Mosque and the Anfushi district
The zone closest to the port. View the mosque outside and inside, stroll through the fishing quarter.

🕙 10:00–11:00 — Qaitbay Citadel
Entry about 200 Egyptian pounds. Tour the fortress, panorama of the Eastern Harbour from the spot where the Pharos Lighthouse once stood.

🕚 11:15–12:30 — Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa + Pompey's Pillar
Two sites side by side. Entry about 200 Egyptian pounds each. Descent into the underground necropolis and a look at the granite column.

🕐 12:30–13:30 — Lunch at a seafood restaurant
Fresh fish and seafood in the Anfushi district or on the Corniche — from 200 Egyptian pounds for a full portion.

🕝 13:30–14:30 — Roman Amphitheatre of Kom el-Dikka
Entry about 200 Egyptian pounds. View the marble tiers and the archaeological park.

🕞 14:30–15:30 — Bibliotheca Alexandrina (exterior view + outer terrace)
Photos by the famous tilted disc; optionally — entry inside (~70–150 Egyptian pounds).

🕟 15:30–16:30 — Return to the port

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxi for half a day: 400–600 Egyptian pounds
• Entry tickets (3–4 attractions): 600–800 Egyptian pounds
• Lunch: 200–350 Egyptian pounds
💸 TOTAL: about 1,200–1,750 Egyptian pounds per person

🥈 Itinerary No. 2. Optimal — the Pyramids of Giza with a guide
⏱️ Total time: 10–11 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: from 90–130 euros per person + tickets

🕖 07:00 — Meet your guide and driver at the ship's gangway
A representative holds a sign with your name. Departure for Cairo in an air-conditioned vehicle.

🕖 07:00–10:00 — Transfer to Giza (~220 km, about 3 hours)
One rest stop on the way. The guide talks about the history and modern Egypt.

🕙 10:00–12:30 — The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
View the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos, a panoramic photo point, the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. Entry to the plateau about 700 Egyptian pounds.

🕧 12:30–13:30 — Lunch with a view of the pyramids or the Nile
A restaurant with a panorama — from 15–25 euros per person.

🕜 13:30–14:00 — Departure back to Alexandria

🕔 14:00–17:00 — Return transfer (~3 hours)

🕔 17:00–17:30 — Arrival at the port with time to spare before boarding

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private transfer + guide for the day: from 90–130 euros (cheaper per head for a group)
• Entry to the Giza plateau: about 700 Egyptian pounds
• Lunch: 15–25 euros
💸 TOTAL: from 110–170 euros per person
💡 Because of the considerable distance, a Giza tour is only realistic for a port call of 10–11 hours or more. Owing to road traffic, a time buffer is critically important — choose only an operator that guarantees your return to the ship.

🥇 Itinerary No. 3. Premium — a private excursion from 300 euros per person
⏱️ Total time: 9–11 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: 300–500 euros + tickets

🏆 What is included:
• ✅ A private driver meeting you with a sign right at the ship's gangway
• ✅ A comfortable car/minivan for the whole day
• ✅ A professional English-speaking licensed Egyptologist guide
• ✅ Skip-the-line tickets to all attractions (no waiting)
• ✅ Restaurant table reservation
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — Alexandria or Giza, your choice
• ✅ Guaranteed return to the ship before the boarding deadline

You can book through your cruise manager, or contact us by any convenient means:

Phones:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell):    +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar):   +380 97 653 05 53

Email us

Write to us

🕘 07:00 — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal

🕘 07:00–10:00 — Transfer to Giza with an Egyptologist guide
Along the way — an account of Egypt's history, with a rest stop.

🕙 10:00–13:00 — The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Valley Temple (skip-the-line)
A private tour with no queues, photos at all the iconic spots, and optionally — entry inside the Great Pyramid.

🕐 13:00–14:00 — Lunch at a restaurant with a view of the pyramids
Table reservation — the guide's responsibility.

🕝 14:00–17:00 — Return transfer to Alexandria
A comfortable rest in the car; time permitting — a brief stop at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

🕔 17:00–17:30 — Return to the port in a comfortable car

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private Egyptologist guide (day): from 200 euros
• Driver with car (day): from 150 euros
• Skip-the-line tickets (Giza): from 700 Egyptian pounds
• Lunch at a restaurant with a view of the pyramids: from 25 euros
💸 TOTAL: from 400 euros per group (for 2+ people — calculated per group, not per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private excursions from Alexandria's port — both around the city and to the Pyramids of Giza — with licensed guides, transfer from the ship's gangway and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Egypt will be perfectly planned to suit your tastes. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Important things to know before going ashore
🕐 The «all aboard» rule: you must return to the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you are late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it in the next port will be at your own expense. Because of the traffic risk on the Cairo–Alexandria road, this is especially critical for Giza excursions.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport plus your cruise Ship Card. A passport may be needed for some attractions and security checks.
💶 Money: from 2026, most attractions accept payment by bank card only, but also keep some cash in Egyptian pounds for taxis, tips and the market.
👟 Clothing: comfortable shoes for the uneven surfaces of the catacombs and the pyramids. For mosques — covered shoulders and knees, and a headscarf for women.
🚕 Taxis: always agree the price before getting in — meters often «don't work». For reliability it is better to arrange a half-day with a single driver.
☀️ Sun protection: in summer the temperature reaches +33 °C and above, and there is almost no shade at the archaeological sites. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
🤝 Tips (baksheesh): in Egypt this is common practice — keep small notes for attendants, drivers and waiters.
🕌 Friday: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina opens only after midday, and some establishments work reduced hours on the day of prayer.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference only and is accurate as of the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the respective sites.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by professionals

Add a review