Cairo 8 Hour Private Tour of Citadel, Islamic & Old Cairo

Tour at a glance

Itinerary

1. 1
   The Hanging Church

   The most famous site in Coptic Cairo is the Church of the Virgin Mary, better known by its nickname, the Hanging Church. This name comes from the fact that it was built atop the walls of the 4th century BC Roman fortress of Babylon, the remains of which are still visible about Coptic Cairo Although the effect is significantly diminished today by the fact that the ground level has risen over 30 feet over the centuries due to the accumulation of trash and dust, originally this church towered above its surroundings on the high walls of the fortress.

   30 min Admission included
2. 2
   Coptic Cairo

   Coptic Cairo is a unique area with Old Cairo that has a concentration of Christian churches and other sites that date from the centuries between the decline of the pharaonic religion and the arrival of Islam when Egypt had a Christian majority. Coptic Cairo is largely built around the fort of Babylon on upon the remains of its walls. The Coptic Museum is here, which holds the largest collection of Coptic Christian artwork and artifacts in the world. Founded in 1910, the museum records Coptic history from the arrival of Christianity in Egypt up through the Ottoman era, displaying a mixture of artwork influenced by Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman traditions.

   30 min Admission included
3. 3
   Holy Monastery of St. George

   Visit a Greek Church

   15 min Admission included
4. 4
   Mosque of Muhammad Ali

   However, when Muhammed Ali came to power, he was determined to erase the influence of the Mamluks, who had controlled Egypt for six centuries before him, and demolished their palaces within the fortress. He also built one of Cairo’s most recognizable landmarks. His Alabaster Mosque, built in memory of a deceased son, towers over the rest of the complex. Its silhouette is the most dominant feature of Cairo’s eastern skyline. In addition to these two mosques, the Citadel also contains the National Military Museum, full of uniforms and weapons from Egypt long history, a Police Museum, and several more museums dedicated to the palace of Muhammed Ali.

   15 min Admission included
5. 5
   Citadel of Saladin

   The Citadel looks very different today than it did in its original capacity as a fortress the Crusader armies. It has been expanded and remodeled by many different rulers. In the 14th century, Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammed built a mosque there that still bears his name and the Southern Enclosure of the fort next to Saladin’s original walls. The most noticeable changes came in the 19th century.

   30 min Admission included
6. 6
   Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar

   visit the oldest Bazaar in the Middle East

   1h 30m Admission included
7. 7
   Al-Azhar Park

   watch the Islamic Cairo from the highest point

   45 min Admission included
8. 8
   Cairo

   Transfer Back to your hotel

   30 min Admission free

Meeting & pickup

Hotel pickup is included for all travellers.

Hotel Lobby / home Address / Train Station / Bus Station

Schedule

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation policy

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

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Frequently asked questions