Islamic and Coptic Cairo Day Tour with Lunch
FromEGP 15
8 hours
Cairo, Egypt
About this activity
Explore Cairo's rich Islamic and Coptic heritage on this full-day tour, including visits to historic sites and a traditional lunch.
Highlights
- Explore the Citadel of Saladin
- Visit the Hanging Church
- Discover the Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Tour the Sultan Hassan Mosque
- Experience local Egyptian cuisine
Full description
Dive into Cairo's rich tapestry of history and culture with this immersive full-day tour. Wander through the bustling streets of Islamic Cairo, where the Citadel of Saladin stands as a testament to Egypt's medieval past. Marvel at the intricate architecture of the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a masterpiece of Mamluk design. Then, journey into Coptic Cairo, home to the ancient Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, each with its own captivating story. Along the way, savor authentic Egyptian cuisine at a local restaurant, offering a true taste of the city's flavors. This tour seamlessly blends history, culture, and gastronomy, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveler.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Islamic Cairo
- Visit to Coptic Cairo sites
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
1
Coptic Cairo is a part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, , the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George and many other Coptic churches and historical sites. It is believed in Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga).[ Coptic Cairo was a stronghold for Christianity in Egypt until the Islamic era, though most of the current buildings of the churches in Coptic Cairo were built after the Muslim conquest of Egypt in the 7th century.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
2
Discover the allure of the Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary) located on Shar'a Mari Girgis Street in Cairo, Egypt. This architectural masterpiece, also hailed as the Suspended Church, holds significant importance in Egyptian Christian history. Its striking features include an elevated position, intricate wooden motifs, and a breathtaking interior adorned with biblical frescoes and ornate icons. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred site while gaining insights into the cultural and religious heritage of Egypt. A visit to the Hanging Church promises an enchanting experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
3
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.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
4
Discover the majesty of the Abu-Sergah & St. Barbara Church, an iconic historical landmark that stands as a testament to Egypt's rich Coptic heritage. Immerse yourself in the captivating aura of this ancient church, renowned for its intricate architectural details and fascinating religious significance. Located in the heart of Cairo, this sacred site invites visitors to explore its hallowed halls and take a step back in time. Uncover the secrets of Abu-Sergah & St. Barbara, and embark on a journey that seamlessly blends spirituality, history, and artistry.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
5
Al-Rifa'i Mosque is located in Midan al-Qal'a, adjacent to the Cairo Citadel. Now, it is also the royal mausoleum of Muhammad Ali's family. The building is located opposite the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, which dates from around 1361, and was architecturally conceived as a complement to the older structure.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
6
The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is a monumental mosque and madrasa 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
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
7
The Citadel of Cairo or Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, Egypt, built by Salah ad-Din 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
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
8
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
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
9
Khan el-Khalili is a famous bazaar and souq in the historic center of Cairo, Egypt. Established as a center of trade in the Mamluk era and named for one of its several historic caravanserais, the bazaar district has since become one of Cairo's main attractions for tourists and Egyptians alike.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates with a maximum of 55 travelers.
- Hotel pick-up is available; contact the tour operator at least 3 days prior to departure to provide your pick-up location.
- Please note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
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Amazing tour with the best guide
This is the must-see tour in Cairo. Amazing locations are visited. Every place deserves all our attention. Carim was our guide and did everything to make the tour memorable. You took the best pictures. Makes amazing plans to keep us with the best memories. It was an exceptional guide. The restaurant where we went had quite delicious food. I can’t help but talk about the driver who accompanied us all day. It was very friendly.
Sara_VApr 19, 2026VIATOR
So well worth it!
Having a skilled private driver (Mohamed) and knowledgeable guide (Wagih) made a huge difference in what we saw and learned. We covered the main churches, synagogue, citadels, and mosques plus other sites. Appreciated their flexibility, they accommodated our pacing/request to go explore and we never felt rushed. Dreaded the hassle to see all the sights on our own so we’re so glad we booked this tour.
Terri_VApr 19, 2026VIATOR
Learned so much
Fantastic day. Learned so much from the knowledgeable and passionate Hossein. Our driver was also very good
Karen_CApr 9, 2026VIATOR
Our guide for the trip...
Our guide for the trip was amazing! Wagih was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Egyptian history. He took his time explaining everything and answering all of our questions. We had so much with this tour. Our driver Ibrahim was prompt and safely delivered us to all of our destinations, waiting patiently to pick us up after every excursion. I highly recommend this tour and tour guide!
Lisa_MMar 3, 2026VIATOR
The trip was great and...
The trip was great and went very well. We enjoyed it very much. The guide Hussam explained in detail about the history and culture.
Yufei_SMar 2, 2026VIATOR