Private Tour of Coptic and Islamic Cairo, Citadel and Khan el-Khalili

Overview

Explore the religious and historical heritage of Cairo on a private 8-hour excursion. This tour takes you through the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish quarters of the Egyptian capital, accompanied by a professional guide. The itinerary includes the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, as well as the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai mosques. You will also explore Coptic Cairo, including the Hanging Church, Saint Sergius and Bacchus Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. The visit concludes at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where you can discover traditional shops and local crafts in one of the city's most vibrant atmospheres. Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Cairo or Giza. Depending on the option chosen, site entrance fees and lunch may be included.

Itinerary

1. Citadelle du Caire

   Our Gem Explore Egyptologist will pick you up at your requested location to start your journey in Cairo heading to the largest Islamic Monument Cairo Citadel ,Called Also Saladin Citadel, Dates back to the eleven century and was built by the great warrior Saladin and his minister. The Citadel contains 13 fortified towers, contains 7 mosques, Citadel was the seat of government and the residence of its rulers for more than 700 hundred years, what a chance to know the modern history of Egypt. Then it will be the time to visit one of the Islamic wonders here is Mohammed Ali Mosque.

   · 1 h· Admission included

2. Mosquée Mohammed Ali

   The Mosque of Mohammed Ali Basha or the Alabaster Mosque ( Ottoman Mosque, its minarets are very unique and high (86m), the domes inside are plated with gold, walls outside and inside is alabaster !! The Mosque has been completed and finished in 1848 AD.

   · 1 h

3. Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

   Then, the tour continues by visiting Islamic Cairo. It is the area that holds the greatest and most famous Islamic monuments. The place was founded by Amr Ibn Al-A'as by 640 AD. The Islamic Cairo tour starts by visiting Mosque-Madrassa of Al Sultan Hassan. The Mosque was built between 1356 and 1363 AD by order of Al Sultan Hassan-An-Nassir; it is known as and architectural wonder by its fascinating size and Mamluki Islamic designs. The tour then continues by visiting AL Rifa'ei Mosque, which was built with more of a modern design in the nineteenth century to complement its fourteenth century neighbor.

   · 1 h· Admission included

4. The Mosque is located in Citadel Square, adjacent to the Cairo Citadel. Now, it is also the royal mausoleum of Muhammad Ali's family. The building is located opposite the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan. The Mosque Been Completed and finished in 1912. Beside the royal family you will see as well the tomb of the last Shah of Iran Mohammed Reza pahlavi !!

   · 30 min

5. Coptic Cairo

   After Lunch break you will start another journey With your Tour Guide through Cairo to one of the most religious places called Coptic Cairo. Coptic Cairo is apart from Old Cairo contains the Pabylon Fortress , Hanging Church , Greek Church of St. George , Saints Sergius and Bacchus and many Coptic churches around. It is believed in Christian tradition that the holy family stayed at the site of saints Sergius and Bacchus church to be a way from the roman army , with your guide you will know a lot more and learn about the Christianity in Egypt .

   · 30 min

6. The Hanging Church

   Around Fort Babylon, Egyptian Christians’ oldest churches were built. In addition to being the destination of pilgrimage for people of different religions all over the world, this area holds ruins of the Roman fortifications and several churches, a visit to Hanging Church.

   · 45 min

7. Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus

   The tour continues by visiting Church of St Sergius and Bacchus, Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church is traditionally believed to have been built on the spot where the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus Christ, rested at the end of their journey into Egypt. They may have lived here while Joseph worked at the fortress. The church is of significant historical importance, and in fact, it is where many patriarchs of the Coptic Church were elected.

   · 45 min

8. Synagogue Ben Ezra

   The tour continues by visiting Ben Ezra Synagogue, The Ben Ezra Synagogue is situated in the Fustat part of Old Cairo, Egypt. According to local folklore, it is located on the site where baby Moses was found. This was the synagogue whose geniza or store room was found in the 19th century to contain a treasure of forgotten, stored-away Hebrew, Aramaic and Judeo-Arabic secular and sacred manuscripts.

   · 45 min

9. Al Emam Al Hussein Mosque

   Nearby Khan Elkhalili, is located one of the most sacred Islamic sites in Egypt, this mosque is the reputed burial place of the head of Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. the mosque has been renovated recently. Opportunity to take nice photos.

   · Non-stop passage

10. Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar

    Then, the tour continues by visiting Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. The Bazaar is in the historic center of Cairo; It was established as a center of trade in the Mamluk era. The Bazaar has various products of all kind and shapes; not limited to Silver, Copper, Brassware, Gold and Leather Goods.

    · 1 h

Pickup

Pickup included.

Guide will be waiting in the lobby holding sign with company name on it .

What to know before you go

• Public transport available nearby.
• Not recommended for travellers with cardiovascular problems.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Immediate confirmation upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

Who is it for?

• Travellers seeking a personalised experience in a private group.
• Those interested in the history of religions (Islam, Coptic Christianity, Judaism).
• Travellers staying in Cairo or Giza.

What makes it different

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off included in Cairo or Giza.
• Option to choose a package including entrance fees and lunch.
• Private air-conditioned transport with an English or Spanish speaking guide.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 308879P6

Activity offered by GEM Explore Egypt via Viator.