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Egypt City Trip

Khan El Khalili Bazaar & Cairo Shopping Tour

Six centuries of trading, with someone who knows the real prices

NewRef ECT-T1042 Instant confirmation
  • Duration4–5 hours
  • AvailabilityDaily
  • Languages6 languages
  • PickupHotel pickup included
  • CancellationFree up to 24h

Overview

Khan El Khalili has been a market since 1382, and the difference between a good afternoon and a bad one is entirely down to who you walk in with. Our guides take no commission from any shop, which means you get taken to the workshops that actually make things — a papyrus institute where you watch the reed being pressed, a perfumery blending the essential oils that European houses buy in bulk, and an Egyptian cotton showroom with mill prices.

Then the bazaar itself: spice merchants, copper beaters, lantern makers and the alleyways behind the tourist frontage where Cairenes actually shop. Bargaining is expected and your guide handles it in Arabic if you would rather not.

Highlights

  • A guide who takes zero commission — prices stay honest
  • Watch papyrus made from the reed at a working institute
  • Blend your own bottle at a Cairo perfumery
  • Egyptian cotton at mill prices
  • Mint tea at El Fishawy, open since 1773

Itinerary

  1. 14:00

    Hotel pickup

    Afternoon start so you finish as the bazaar lights come on.

  2. 14:45

    Papyrus institute

    See the reed cut, soaked, pressed and dried — and learn how to spot a banana-leaf fake.

  3. 15:30

    Perfumery

    Egyptian essential oils, blended to your preference and bottled while you wait.

  4. 16:15

    Khan El Khalili

    Spice alley, the coppersmiths, lantern makers and the goldsmiths' quarter.

  5. 17:30

    El Fishawy café

    Mint tea and shisha in the café that has not closed since 1773.

  6. 18:30

    Return to your hotel

    Or stay on and we collect you at a time you choose.

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Shopping guide who negotiates in Arabic
  • 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
Egyptian dinner at Naguib Mahfouz café$26per person
Al-Muizz Street evening walk$15per 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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