Cairo's Coptic and Islamic Wonders Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo
- Visit the Citadel of Saladin and its mosques
- Discover the Sultan Hassan Mosque
- Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch
- Learn about Egypt's rich history and culture
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private guided tour of Coptic Cairo
- Visit to the Citadel of Saladin and its mosques
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
Cairo day tours to Christian and Islamic Sights starts at 8:00 am Pickup from your hotel in Cairo By Tour guide to Start your full day tour visiting Old Cairo that known as Christian Coptic Cairo which is Among the most important locations visited by the Holy Family where the spiritual impact of their presence is most felt still
The Hanging Church is named for its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo); its nave is suspended over a passage. The church is approached by twenty-nine steps; early travelers to Cairo dubbed it "the Staircase Church".[1] The land surface has risen by some six metres since the Roman period[why?] so the Roman tower is mostly buried below ground, reducing the visual impact of the church's elevated position. The entrance from the street is through iron gates under a pointed stone arch. The nineteenth-century facade with twin bell towers is then seen beyond a narrow courtyard decorated with modern art biblical designs. Up the steps and through the entrance is a further small courtyard leading to the eleventh-century outer porch
The Ben Ezra Synagogue (Hebrew: בית כנסת בן עזרא, Arabic: معبد بن عزرا), sometimes referred to as the El-Geniza Synagogue (Hebrew: בית כנסת אל גניזה) or the Synagogue of the Levantines (al-Shamiyin),[1] is situated in Old Cairo, Egypt. According to local folklore, it is located on the site where baby Moses was found.[2] This was the synagogue whose geniza or store room was found in the 19th century to contain a treasure of abandoned Hebrew, Aramaic and Judeo-Arabic secular and sacred manuscripts. The collection, known as the Cairo Geniza, was brought to the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England at the instigation of Solomon Schechter. It is now divided between several academic libraries, with the majority being kept at the Cambridge University Library.
Embark on a memorable excursion to Abu-Sergah & St. Barbara Old Cairo, an iconic religious site that beautifully preserves the essence of ancient Egypt. Situated in Old Cairo, this captivating complex stands as a beacon of Coptic Christianity and an embodiment of the country's fascinating history. Admire the stunning craftsmanship and timeless beauty displayed in the intricate designs, ancient relics, and sacred icons throughout the church and monastery. Whether you are intrigued by architecture, spirituality, or simply appreciate the allure of historical landmarks, Abu-Sergah & St. Barbara Old Cairo offers an enriching experience like no other.
Al-Rifa'i Mosque (Arabic: مسجد الرفاعي, transliterated also as Al-Rifai, Al-Refai, Al-Refa'i, and named in English the Royal Mosque) is located in Midan al-Qal'a, adjacent to the Cairo Citadel. It is the Khedival Mausoleum of the Royal Family of Muhammad Ali Pasha. The building is located opposite the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan,[1] which dates from around 1361, and was architecturally conceived as a complement to the older structure. This was part of a vast campaign by the 19th century rulers of Egypt to both associate themselves with the perceived glory of earlier periods in Egypt's Islamic history and modernize the city. The mosque was constructed next to two large public squares and off of several European style boulevards constructed around the same time
The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is a monumental mosque and madrassa located in the historic district of Cairo, Egypt. It was built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period, commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan. The mosque was considered remarkable for its massive size and innovative architectural components, and is still considered one of the most impressive historic monuments in Cairo today
The Citadel of Cairo or Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, Egypt, built by Salah ad-Din (Saladin) and further developed by subsequent Egyptian rulers. It was the seat of government in Egypt and the residence of its rulers for nearly 700 years from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Its location on a promontory of the Mokattam hills near the center of Cairo commands a strategic position overlooking the city and dominating its skyline. At the time of its construction, it was among the most impressive and ambitious military fortification projects of its time. It is now a preserved historic site, including mosques and museums.
Then Continue your day tour to Islamic Cairo that was Founded in 641 A.D By the First Muslam leader Amr Ibn Elas Over there in Islamic Cairo you will be able to Visit and Enter the Following Mosques `Masjid` Amr Ibn Elas Mosque that was built in 642 A.D By the Muslim leader Amr Ibn Elas at El FUSTAT area
Introducing the Khan Elkhalili, a truly exquisite piece of craftsmanship that embodies the essence of elegance and heritage. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, this stunning piece is meticulously designed with intricate details, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the Middle East. Made from the finest materials, it showcases a unique blend of artistry and functionality. Whether you display it in your living room, office, or gift it to a loved one, the Khan Elkhalili will undoubtedly be a timeless addition to any space. Elevate your interior decor with this exquisite masterpiece that seamlessly combines history and beauty.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is wheelchair accessible.
- Service animals are allowed on this tour.
- The tour is suitable for all ages.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and attire suitable for the weather.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
Not only Pyramids and Pharaohs
Thanks to Haysam Said we visited a different Cairo. The synagogue, the suspended church, the Mohamed Ali mosque, the citadel... must-see monuments well presented and explained by our guide, in good Italian. Comfortable and efficient private transport. Absolutely satisfied. Highly recommended
A good overview of religious Cairo
Our guide Mahmoud was great, very friendly and welcoming and very knowledgeable. He was flexible with the sights happy to show us somethings not on the set program, and adapt as we went. He knew so much about the history of these places and is an egyptologist. He timed things well and we avoided crowds for the most part. We all felt very comfortable. Our driver was also professional and kept us safe on the roads. There were seatbelts in the vehicle which is important to us. We were also not taken to any shops (which we requested) which was great. The only issue we had was with the communication with Emo tours via WhatsApp. The person who communicated with us was an office staff person not our guide. He/she was really quite rude and unprofessional. We asked several times via WhatsApp where we should meet our guide at the airport and they just would not tell us this (just kept saying check your confirmation- which just said the terminal not where at the terminal), so we had trouble finding him on the day. Happy to recommend the tour, but just caution that if you are having airport pick up or need to deal with Emo tours directly you may have difficulty.
The religious sites were...
The religious sites were very interesting. Our guide and driver were very professional and we were very happy with the tour.
wonderful place where time has wormed into the past
I have to be honest, I enjoyed the Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo excursion much more. It was very interesting. It offers a wonderful view of all of Cairo, where you can take beautiful photos. I highly recommend it. Feedback
Knowledgeable guide, great tour..
This tour was a great experience. Omar from EMO Tours was very helpful in answering all our queries. Our guide, Ms. Salwa, was very knowledgeable and even knew perfect place to enjoy local vegetarian lunch. I forgot my specs in the car. Omar took all efforts to make sure I get my specs back before my flight back home. Recommend EMO tours for Cairo trips.