Cairo Coptic & Islamic Tour

  • Duration12 Hours
  • AvailabilityEvery Day
  • PickupCairo Hotel
  • Tour TypePrivate

Overview

Embark on a captivating 7-hour Coptic and Islamic Cairo tour, beginning with a visit to the historic Saladin Citadel. Explore its architectural marvels, including the Muhammad Ali Mosque and Al-Gawhara Palace, where you’ll find the opulent chandelier gifted by Louis-Philippe I of France. Next, wander through the ancient streets of Old Cairo, visiting the Hanging Church, renowned for its stunning icons and its history as a seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. Discover the Ben Ezra Synagogue, a key site for Jewish history in Egypt, and the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, the first mosque in Africa. The tour concludes with a visit to Khan El Khalili, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant market atmosphere and savor local drinks. This tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into Cairo’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Itinerary

When you depart from your Cairo hotel in a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle, you will get acquainted with your knowledgeable guide during the scenic 7-hour journey to discovering medieval Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Cairo

Your first stop for Coptic Islamic Cairo tour will be Saladin Citadel. It is an Islamic fortification located in El Mokattam hill near Cairo Center. The citadel was built to protect Cairo from the Crusaders’ attacks. The citadel complex contains several important buildings such as the famous Muhammad Ali Mosque which was constructed as an imitation of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul.

You will also visit Al-Gawhara Palace which was Muhammad Ali’s official audience hall, where he used to receive his guests. The palace contains a 1000 kg chandelier which was a gift from Louis-Philippe I of France. It also contains Muhammad Ali’s throne that was a gift from the King of Italy.

Next, head to the Old Cairo complex where you will have a chance to spend some time walking around and visit the surroundings Coptic and Jewish monuments. Start by visiting the Roman fortress; the Hanging Church, which is one of the most beautiful churches in Christendom. The Hanging Church was built above Babylon Fortress, it was also a Seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria until 1047. The hanging church also includes over 100 magnificent holly Icons from the 8th century till 18 century.

Ben Ezra Jewish synagogue is located on the site where Moses was praying during the time when Egypt was hit by a plague. Visit the Synagogue where the genizah that tells about the Jewish history in Egypt was found. The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As was the center for the newly born Islamic capital of Egypt el fustat. It was the first mosque in Africa.

Next, before you proceed back to your hotel, you will stop at Khan El Khalili local market and Al Hussein Area where you can stroll around the old streets and have a chance to taste some local drinks on your own.

Tour Includes
  • Egyptologist English guide during tours.
  • Transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle as per program.
  • Entrance fee for all sightseeing mentioned in the programs
  • All Taxes and Service charges.
  • Lunch During the tour.
  • Free Camel Ride at the pyramids.
Tour Excludes
  • Any extra not mention to the itinerary.
  • Entry Visa to Egypt.
  • Optional Activity costs.
  • Tipping

Things to Know

Price Policy

All prices are charged in USD per person per trip. You can also pay us online via a secure payment gateway without any extra costs or surcharges. This is our pricing policy for this trip.

The initial price is based on 1 adult in group size with the lowest price in the low season

Tour Voucher

After your tour is confirmed, we will email you the final confirmation of the tour and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will Contain contact numbers of customer care, tour operator, and All information for your convenience.

Tipping

Tipping is not included in any of our packages and is left to the discretion of the travelers. Although not mandatory, it is of great importance to people who will take care of you while traveling.

Children Policy

  • 0 – 01.99 Free of Charge (unless flights were included)
  • 2 – 5.99 pay 25% of the tour price and 50% of the tour price if it includes flights or sleeper train
  • 6 – 11.99 pay 50% of the tour price
  • 12+ pay full tour price as per adult person

If your tour package includes airfare, an extra charge for your children may apply.

Cancellation Policy

Egypt Day Tours do not require a cancellation fee for tours or excursions canceled for ‘force majeure’ reasons like volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons that are Out of control. If the booking cancellation happens For personal or business reasons and Egypt Day Tours has already incurred the booking costs on your behalf, these costs will be transferred to you.

  • The whole amount will be charged if canceled less than 30 days before the check-in date.
  • 50% of the whole amount will be charged if canceled 60 to 31 days before the check-in date.
  • 15% of the whole amount will be charged if canceled 90 to 61 days before the check-in date.

Deposit and Payment

A 50% payment will be required from the total amount after confirming your tour booking as requested. You can pay by credit or debit card (MasterCard/Visa) through the VeriSign Secured payment system on our website, and the Rest of the Payment will be on a Cash basis upon you Start Your Tour to the Egypt Day Tours representative.

Travel Insurance

Secure your trip and give yourself greater peace of mind with the Travel Insurance program proposed by Travel Guard. One week, 25$ per person.

Extra Expenses & Additional Entry Tickets

All tours don’t include entrance fees to special archaeological sites, such as walking inside one of the pyramids and the Mummies Room at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo or entering the Tomb of Tutankhamen at Valley of the Kings in Luxor are also available at extra cost.
Please contact us if you wish to add or adjust anything to the program.

Extra personal expenses on the trip may include a food tour, alcoholic beverages, tipping, visa fees, recreational expenses, and other services not listed.

Following are the items with extra costs during the trek:

  • For the visa fees, please check Visa and Passport Information.
  • Additional transport that you require.
  • Tipping for the guide and driver after the trip.
  • In case of unforeseen events, such as bad weather and flight cancellations, you are responsible for extra hotel nights and meals.

FAQs

What will I see at the Citadel of Saladin?

The Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic fortress built on a limestone spur overlooking Cairo, and it’s one of the highlights of this tour. Inside its walls you’ll visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known as the Alabaster Mosque for its striking alabaster-clad walls and Ottoman-style domes. Your Egyptologist guide will walk you through the mosque’s history and point out the panoramic views of Cairo from the Citadel’s terraces, which stretch all the way to the Pyramids of Giza on a clear day.

What makes the Al-Gawhara Palace museum so special?

Al-Gawhara Palace, tucked inside the Citadel complex, is a small but fascinating museum filled with royal gifts and artifacts. You’ll see a nearly 1000kg crystal chandelier gifted by King Louis-Philippe I of France, along with a throne presented by the King of Italy. These pieces give you a real sense of the diplomatic ties and opulence of 19th century Egypt, and your guide will explain the stories behind each item.

What does the Old Cairo part of the tour include?

Old Cairo takes you into the heart of the city’s Coptic and Jewish heritage. You’ll explore the ancient complex built above the Roman fortress of Babylon, home to some of Egypt’s oldest churches. A highlight is the Hanging Church, suspended above the fortress gatehouse and one of the most important Coptic Christian sites in the country. Your guide will also point out the historic synagogue nearby, giving you a well rounded picture of Cairo’s religious history.

Is this a private tour, and can it be customized?

Yes, every Egypt Day Tours experience is private and led by a licensed, English-speaking Egyptologist guide, so you’ll never be grouped with strangers. If you’d like to spend more time at a particular site, adjust the pace, or add a stop, just let us know when booking and we’ll tailor the itinerary to suit you.

How long does the Coptic, Islamic and Jewish Cairo tour take?

This tour typically runs as a full day out from your Cairo hotel, giving you enough time to comfortably explore the Citadel of Saladin, the Alabaster Mosque, Al-Gawhara Palace, and the Old Cairo complex without feeling rushed. Your guide will pick you up in a private air-conditioned vehicle and handle all the logistics, so you can simply enjoy the sights.

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