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Egypt City Trip

Islamic and Coptic Cairo: A Full Day on Foot

Fourteen hundred years of the city: the Citadel, Old Cairo and the medieval market

NewRef ECT-T1035 Instant confirmation
  • Duration8 hours
  • AvailabilityDaily
  • Languages6 languages
  • PickupHotel pickup included
  • CancellationFree up to 24h

Overview

People come to Cairo for the pyramids and leave talking about the city. This day is the Cairo that came after the pharaohs: the Citadel Salah El Din built to hold off the Crusaders, the Ottoman outline of the Muhammad Ali Mosque, and Sultan Hassan, one of the biggest mosques ever raised.

The afternoon is for Coptic Cairo. The Hanging Church rests on a Roman fortress's gate towers; Ben Ezra Synagogue marks the place where, it is said, Moses was found; and under the Church of St Sergius lies a crypt said to have given the Holy Family shelter. The day closes in Khan El Khalili over mint tea at El Fishawy, which has not closed since 1773.

Highlights

  • The Citadel of Salah El Din with the whole city below you
  • The Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali
  • The Hanging Church suspended over a Roman gate
  • Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Church of St Sergius
  • Mint tea at El Fishawy in Khan El Khalili

Itinerary

  1. 08:30

    Hotel pickup

    Your guide picks you up and makes for the Citadel before it gets hot.

  2. 09:15

    Citadel of Salah El Din

    The fortress Egypt was ruled from for 700 years, with views all the way to the pyramids when the air is clear.

  3. 10:15

    Mosque of Muhammad Ali

    Known as the Alabaster Mosque: an Ottoman design, and the building that owns Cairo's skyline.

  4. 11:15

    Sultan Hassan & Al-Rifai

    Two enormous mosques face to face across a narrow street: plain Mamluk strength next to royal decoration.

  5. 12:45

    Lunch in Old Cairo

    Home-style Egyptian food: molokhia, vine leaves stuffed with rice, and kofta from the grill.

  6. 14:00

    Coptic Cairo

    The towers of the Babylon fortress, the Hanging Church, St Sergius and Ben Ezra Synagogue.

  7. 15:45

    Al-Azhar & Khan El Khalili

    The world's oldest university still teaching, followed by the bazaar and a glass of tea at El Fishawy.

  8. 17:30

    Return to your hotel

    Or stay on in the bazaar and we will pick you up later — it is up to you.

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Licensed Egyptologist guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal spending and souvenirs
  • Tipping (entirely at your discretion)

Optional extras

Optional add-ons and prices
ExtraPrice
Al-Muizz Street after dark$18per person
Sound and light show at the Citadel$25per person

Meeting point & route

Free pickup and drop-off from your hotel, apartment or Nile cruise dock.

Meeting point: Your hotel lobby in the tour city.

Important information

  • Wear comfortable closed shoes — most sites have uneven stone ground.
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; shade is limited at open-air sites.
  • Modest dress is required for mosques and churches: shoulders and knees covered.
  • Photography is free at most sites; some tombs and museums charge a small camera fee.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations inside 24 hours are non-refundable, but we will always try to move your date instead.

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