Alexandria as a daytrip and worth it?
 

I am in the final planning stages of a trip to Egypt and Jordan for next month. I had planned on a day in Alexandria for sightseeing from Cairo but sense that some people think that it is not worthwhile seeing. Our family enjoys Roman ruins and the seafaring-would Alexandria be worth the effort or should we do something else? If not Alexandria, what would you add to an extra day in Cairo to see or do as a daytrip. Thanks!

If you like Roman ruins then you may enjoy Alexandria but they don't compare with what you can see in Italy, Ephesus, etc.The trip makes for a very long day. I regretted doing it and the cost was excessive through GCT.I personally went to Egypt to see ancient egyptian ruins. If you are not visiting Sakkara from Cairo then I feel that would be a better day trip. Also, I feel that at least six hours is needed for the museum.You will get opposing opinions on this topic but hopefully they will assist you in making up your mind.

It also depends on how much time you have. If time is very limited and your primary reason for visiting Egypt is for ancient Egyptian ruins, as twelveoaks said, I'd skip it. If you have a good bit of time, I'd say it's worthwhile, especially since you say you enjoy Roman ruins. I liked the catacombs a lot - ranked them in my "top 10 list" (I noticed you commented on my trip report - thanks!). How much time do you have in Egypt, and what's the rest of your itinerary look like?
Karen

Next year when we go to Egypt I was thinking of spending a night or two in Alexandria. We have almost a month. I put that on my list to Ahamed. We do have a week in Heraghada-a time share. With 26 nights I think it will be doable-Want to spend about 5 nights in Jordan-plus the Nile Cruise. I'll let him sort it out & fine tune it later.
Ohhhh too much to think about-I'll think about it tomorrow Chris

I've been to Alexandria many years ago, so this last trip we skipped it and we don't regret it for a minute. It's a bumpy 3.5 drive each way and being winter in Alexandria means a lot of places will be closed up as it's a middle eastern summer beach getaway place. I agree that your day would be much better spent at Saqqara (with a GOOD Egyptologist guide) or in the Egyptian Museum which really needs 2 visits.

I was there in February and did not find the road to Alexandria to be a bumpy ride at all. Quite the contrary. It's four lane highway most of the way and the road is pretty good.

Would you train or drive in a van with guide to Alexandria? If you have a choice of 3/4 things to see in the one day which ones would you choose?

I would train with a guide if you decide to go.

As for what to see: catacombs, library, Fort Qaitbey, and maybe Pompey's Pillar (not a must-see). The town itself is interesting. Try to make time for some strolling.

The Graeco-Roman Museum also gets high marks (in guidebooks), but it was closed when we were there.

The catacombs were my favorite thing in Alexandria.