A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Varenna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alexandria or Varenna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alexandria and Varenna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Varenna?

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

Varenna

A golden light cascades from the heavens, bathing the misty blue mountains in a honey haze. The shivering waters of Lake Como blend the gentle blues and yellows of the sky to a tea rose pink that sits under white sailboats. A quaint village hustled around lush gardens, Varenna, Italy is an attractive fishing village that dates back to the eleventh century. Founded in 769 AD by fisherman, the town was originally destroyed in 1126 AD by the rival town Como, only to be restored refugees from the Isola Comacina whose town was also destroyed. Located on the eastern shore of the lake in the province of Lecco, Varenna is filled with a romantic air from its old Italian fisherman houses to the picturesque lanes. Unlike the towns of Bellagio or Milan, Varenna holds a particular authenticity to Italian culture without the burdens of tourist-ridden streets and hotel-packed areas. As Lake Como works as the main attraction of Varenna, the village provides its visitors with a wide array of entertainment on its pebbly beaches. Besides this, Varenna is also known for its exquisite gardens of two villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Besides this, Varenna also has museums just waiting to be explored. Take a tranquil retreat to Varenna!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alexandria Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Varenna Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $29
    Varenna $238

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $29, while the average daily cost in Varenna is $238. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Alexandria and Varenna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $11
    Varenna $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $22
    Varenna $202
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Varenna

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Varenna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Alexandria


Hotels in Varenna


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Varenna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $3.92
    Varenna $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
  • Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to El Cairo: $102
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo or vice versa: $160
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $230
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $43
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Cruise Port to Cairo City Hotels: $230
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $43
  • Private Transfer Alexandria Hotel to Borg El Arab Airport: $24
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Varenna?

Prices for flights to both Varenna and Alexandria change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Alexandria $15
    Varenna $107

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

  • Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
  • Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
  • Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
  • Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $5.47
    Varenna $39

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Cairo Tour of Pyramids, GEM and Khan Al-Khalili: $290
  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 2 Days-Alexandria & Pyramids Tour + Museum (Start Cairo Or Alex): $125
  • 8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
  • ALL inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids Sakkara from Alexandria Port: $175
  • Alamein and Alexandria Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
  • Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $150
  • Alexandria By Night By Horse Carriage ride And Free Walking Tour: $71
  • Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $121
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $105
  • Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40

Tours and Activities in Varenna

For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Small Group Lake Como Experience with boat & van, from Milan: $146

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.48
    Varenna $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa and Varenna is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Varenna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Varenna?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 4510 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Varenna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Varenna?

Varenna has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Varenna. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Varenna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alexandria is much warmer than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Varenna. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Varenna 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Alexandria during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. In the winter, Alexandria is much warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Varenna 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Varenna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty.

In April, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Varenna. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Varenna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Varenna and Alexandria

Alexandria Varenna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)