Private Coptic& Islamic Cairo Tour with Citadel & Khan el-Khalili

Overview

Step into Cairo’s fascinating history on a private guided journey through its Islamic, Coptic Christian, and Jewish heritage. Visit the impressive Saladin Citadel, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai Mosques, and explore the historic churches of Coptic Cairo. Discover the Hanging Church and Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, as well as the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, offering a fascinating insight into Cairo’s diverse religious heritage. Continue to Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of Cairo’s most famous historic markets, and experience its lively atmosphere, traditional shops, and local crafts. Enjoy a comfortable private experience with air-conditioned transportation, convenient pickup and drop-off, and an experienced professional guide. The tour offers a flexible start time and personalized service. Entrance fees and lunch are included when the corresponding option is selected at booking.

What you'll see

1. Citadel of Saladin
   1 hour

   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.

2. Mosque of Muhammad Ali
   1 hour

   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.

3. Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
   1 hour

   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.

4. 30 minutes

   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 !!

5. Coptic Cairo
   30 minutes

   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 .

6. The Hanging Church
   45 minutes

   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.

7. Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus
   45 minutes

   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.

8. Synagogue Ben Ezra
   45 minutes

   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.

9. Al Emam Al Hussein Mosque
   Pass by

   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.

10. Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar
    1 hour

    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.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.