A Day Trip to Alexandria: Exploring the Cultural and Historical Delights

1. 9:00 AM: Alexandria National Museum
   Located in the historic Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, the museum exhibits artifacts and relics dating back to the Pharaonic era, Roman Empire, and Islamic reign of Egypt. Witness the city's cultural evolution through the ages and learn about its archeology and history.
   Distance: 10 minutes (0.8 miles) from your location
   Time Spent: 2 hours
2. 11:30 AM: Citadel of Qaitbay
   One of the medieval masterpieces of Alexandria, this fort stands strong on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea for over five centuries. Gain insight into the city's war history and naval defense strategies from its distinct combination of Mamluk, Ottoman, and Arab architecture.
   Distance: 20 minutes (1.3 miles) from Alexandria National Museum
   Time Spent: 1 hour
3. 1:00 PM: Lunch at Mamoura Beach
   Take a break from the sightseeing and enjoy tasty traditional Egyptian cuisine. Seafood delicacies remain the most loved dishes served in Alexandrian restaurants. Try grilled fish with tahini sauce or fried calamari.
   Distance: 25 minutes (2.1 miles) from Citadel of Qaitbay
   Time Spent: 1 hour
   Estimated Cost: $10-$20
4. 2:30 PM: Bibliotheca Alexandrina
   Modeled after the ancient Library of Alexandria, this state-of-the-art building stands as a monument of knowledge and learning. Explore its halls drenched in natural light, corridors of bookshelves, and dome-shaped planetarium – all embellished with artistic and scientific accolades.
   Distance: 13 minutes (2.2 miles) from Mamoura Beach
   Time Spent: 2 hours
5. 4:30 PM: Pompey's Pillar
   Ancient and imposing, Pompey's Pillar stands 25 meters tall in the heart of Alexandria. This monolithic column is more than 2000 years old, and it is said that General Diocletian erected it in honor of Pompey.
   Distance: 10 minutes (1.5 miles) from Bibliotheca Alexandrina
   Time Spent: 30 minutes
6. 5:00 PM: Montaza Palace
   End the day on a royal note with a visit to Montaza Palace, a former residence of the Egyptian royalty. Walk around the beautifully manicured gardens and avenues of palm trees overlooking the Mediterranean. The palace features Islamic, Ottoman and Florentine elements in its design, presenting a beauty beyond compare.
   Distance: 20 minutes (3.3 miles) from Pompey's Pillar
   Time Spent: 1 hour

Time and Costs Estimates

• Alexandria National Museum (2 hours, $5)
• Citadel of Qaitbay (1 hour, $3-$6)
• Lunch at Mamoura Beach (1 hour, $10-$20)
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina (2 hours, $5-$10)
• Pompey's Pillar (30 minutes, $1-$3)
• Montaza Palace (1 hour, $3-$6)
• Total Estimated Costs: $27-$50

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you may like to explore Aboukir while in Alexandria. Add 2-3 hours to your itinerary to visit Aboukir Naval Museum, where you can dive into the heroic history of the Egyptian navy. Alternatively, if you have less time, skip the Montaza Palace and head to the Qaitbay Beach for a leisurely evening before dinner.