Private Islamic and Coptic Old Cairo Day Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) one day Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

greek coptic church — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Islamic Cairo — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Old Cairo holds a thousand years of faith in a few square miles, and this private day connects the Islamic and Coptic threads with an Egyptologist to guide you.

You climb to the Citadel of Saladin for the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the view across the city, then visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of the oldest and largest in Cairo, with its famous spiral minaret. In Coptic Cairo you step into the Hanging Church, suspended over a Roman gate, and round out the day at the Gawhara Palace, the 19th-century royal residence beside the Citadel.

All private, hotel pickup and drop-off included, at a relaxed full-day pace.

Ideal for travelers who want the medieval, Islamic, and Christian layers of Cairo in one focused day.

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At a glance

Duration: one day
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, Arabic, Russian, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by: Egypt Day Tours

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off in private air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Bottled water
Included: All Service charges & taxes
Included: Local lunch at a traditional restaurant
Included: All entrance fees to Citadel, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Hanging Church, and Gawhara Palace (if price option selected)

Not included

Not included: Personal expenses, souvenirs, and anything not listed as included
Not included: Gratuities for guide and driver (optional)

Itinerary

Citadel of Saladin

2 hours Admission included

You climb to the Citadel of Saladin, the limestone fortress begun in 1176, and into the Mosque of Muhammad Ali at its center, its alabaster walls and twin Ottoman minarets crowning the skyline since the 1840s. Under the great central dome your guide explains the ruler who reshaped modern Egypt. From the terrace, Cairo spreads out below you to the pyramids on a clear day. Modest dress is needed inside the mosque, and shoes come off at the carpet's edge.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun

one hour Admission included

You visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, built in the 9th century and one of the oldest and largest mosques in Egypt, its vast open courtyard ringed by simple pointed arches. The unmistakable feature is the spiral minaret, with an external staircase winding up the outside, modeled on the ancient ziggurats of Iraq. Climb it for a sweeping view over the rooftops. Far quieter than the Citadel, it is a favorite of architects and photographers alike.
The Hanging Church

one hour

Down in Coptic Cairo you reach the Hanging Church, so named because its nave is built over the gatehouse of the Roman fortress of Babylon and appears to hang above the passage. Parts date to the 7th century, and inside are inlaid screens, icons, and an ark-shaped wooden roof. Your guide walks you through the narrow lanes of the old Christian quarter around it, among the oldest churches in Egypt. Calm and shaded, it is an easy walk.
El Gawhara (Jewel) Palace Museum

45 min Admission included

You finish at the Gawhara Palace, built in 1814 beside the Citadel as the residence and reception hall of Muhammad Ali. Inside are gilded ceilings, period furniture, royal portraits, and a famous clock given by King Louis-Philippe of France. It offers a glimpse of how Egypt's 19th-century rulers lived, a different register from the ancient temples and a fitting end to a day spent moving through Cairo's many layers.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Pyramids Island
Richard Pyramids Inn Hotel
Kemet Pyramids Inn
City Inn Alshwarbi Hotels
Solis Pyramids Hotel
Joanna Camp
Hor Moheb Hotel
Hotel Life
King Tout Hotel Pyramed View
Jana Pyramids View in 3
Alaaeldein Golden Pyramids
Farida Pyramids inn& Jacuzzi

and 1,824 more pickup points

Please share your hotel name and address when booking. Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby at the scheduled pickup time. Modest dress recommended for Coptic and Islamic religious sites (covered shoulders and knees). Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is smart casual May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Please note: pickup reconfirmation is required upon booking, please refer to voucher for further details