In Search of the Real Cleopatra - Full Day Tour from Cairo

Our first stop is Taposiris Magna (3.5 hour from Cairo), an ancient city that was once a bustling hub of commerce, religion, and politics. For those of us in search of the real Cleopatra, the most intriguing aspect of Taposiris Magna is the legend that she and Mark Antony were once buried here, and their tombs have yet to be discovered. Many archaeologists continue to search for this elusive tomb, maybe you'll find it?

In addition to looking for Cleopatra’s tomb, you can visit the centrepiece of Taposiris Magna, the Temple of Osiris. This is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt and is dedicated to the god of the afterlife. The temple features stunning columns, intricate carvings, and awe-inspiring hieroglyphics. There is also a fascinating network of underground tombs, where some of Egypt's most powerful rulers and elites were laid to rest.

Once we have finished exploring Taposiris Magna we'll have a scenic 45 minute drive along the Mediterranean coast into Alexandria.

Welcome to the city of Alexandria. Our first stop here, the Citadel of Qaitbay, is situated on the eastern side of the northern tip of Pharos Island at the mouth of the Eastern Harbour. It's notable for our tour as the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. According to legend, Cleopatra watched Julius Caesar conquer Alexandria from the top of the Pharos Lighthouse. Why not gaze out to sea and imagine how Cleopatra felt as she watched Julius Caesar approach?

After you have explored Fort Qaitbay you'll enjoy a local lunch (included). You'll have the opportunity to ask your guide any questions you have about the enigmatic Cleopatra.

Once we have finished lunch (1 hour), we'll drive the short distance to Alexandria Library.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major library and cultural centre and is a commemoration of the Library of Alexandria, once one of the largest libraries in the world. The original library was lost in antiquity because of a fire.

An architectural marvel, the new library has shelf space for eight million books, and also houses, amongst other things, a planetarium and four museums. One of these museums holds antiquities from the ancient city of Heracleion, discovered by the underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio in 2002.

You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the many things to see at the library before we drive the short distance to the Alexandria National Museum.

This museum houses many important artifacts from the Ptolemaic period, including some that are directly related to Cleopatra and her family.

In addition, there are many artefacts in the Museum related to Cleopatra's rule that were recovered from the ancient city of Heracleion, by the underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio. These fascinating artefacts give a glimpse into how this spectacular city must have looked before it slipped into the sea.

There are many other fascinating and beautiful artefacts in the Museum spanning from ancient Egypt to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, and you will have time to explore these too if you wish to.

Our final stop on our quest to find the real Cleopatra is the Catacombs. Also known as Kom el-Shoqafa, meaning "Mound of Shards”, they were built in the 2nd century AD and served as a burial place for members of the Roman-era society. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, the necropolis consists of a series of tombs, statues and archaeological objects of the Pharaonic funerary cult with Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman influences. It is believed that some members of Cleopatra's family or court may have been buried in the catacombs, as the Ptolemaic dynasty ruled Alexandria for several centuries prior to the Roman conquest. They contain a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles, reflecting the multicultural nature of Alexandria at the time.

You'll have plenty of time to explore this fascinating site before we make our departure for Cairo around 5.00pm.

We'll arrive back in Cairo around 8.30pm. Please note times may vary due to traffic conditions.