A private seven-hour tour through Cairo’s religious history. In Coptic Cairo you visit the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, then move on to the Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its views over the city. The day ends in Khan el Khalili, the old bazaar, where you have time to browse the stalls. Your guide is with you throughout, and hotel pickup, transport and lunch are included, from $75.
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.
