Islamic & Coptic Cairo — Private Full-Day Tour
Designed, curated and operated by This is Egypt — an experience you'll only find here, quality we stand behind.
Photos courtesy of local tour operators
Overview
Old Cairo is really two old cities, and this private day takes in both. You start high on the Muqattam spur at the Citadel of Saladin, the medieval fortress crowned by the alabaster-clad Mosque of Muhammad Ali, whose domes and twin minarets look out over the whole capital. Below it you visit the soaring mosque-madrasa of Sultan Hassan and the Al-Rifai Mosque facing it across a narrow square. Then to Coptic Cairo, the small walled quarter where Egypt's Christian history is concentrated: the Hanging Church, suspended over a Roman gate; the ancient church of St Sergius and Bacchus, tied by tradition to the Holy Family's flight into Egypt; and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, marking a community older still. You finish in the lanes of Khan el-Khalili, the great medieval bazaar, where coppersmiths, spice sellers and cafes fill the covered alleys – a good place for mint tea before the drive back. Having a private guide means the day flexes to your pace and interests and moves between the Islamic and Coptic sites without wasted time. Pickup, drop-off and entrance tickets are included, and there is room to sit and watch the city rather than only tick off monuments.
Cairo · 5593 Cultural & Historic · typical ~4,070 EGP · 5,800 EGP — premium pick
Highlights
- ✦Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- ✦Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai mosques
- ✦The Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo
- ✦Ben Ezra Synagogue and St Sergius Church
- ✦Khan el-Khalili bazaar and its old cafes
- ✦Private guide at your own pace
What's included
- ✓Private licensed guide
- ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo
- ✓Air-conditioned private transport
- ✓All entrance fees to the sites listed
- ✓Bottled water
- ✕Lunch and drinks
- ✕Gratuities
- ✕Shopping in the bazaar and personal expenses
Itinerary
- 1Hotel pickup
Your private guide meets you at your Cairo hotel to begin the day.
- 2Citadel of Saladin & Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Start at the hilltop citadel and its alabaster mosque, with panoramic views across the rooftops and minarets of Cairo.
- 3Sultan Hassan & Al-Rifai Mosques
Descend to the pair of monumental mosques standing face to face just below the citadel.
- 4Coptic Cairo – The Hanging Church
Enter the old walled quarter to see the Hanging Church, built above the gate of a Roman fortress.
- 5St Sergius Church & Ben Ezra Synagogue
Walk the narrow lanes to the ancient church of St Sergius and Bacchus and the nearby Ben Ezra Synagogue.
- 6Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Finish in the medieval bazaar, with time for tea among the copper, spice and jewellery stalls before your drop-off.
Meeting point
📍 Hotel pickup included, or meet at the operator's downtown office.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is this experience?
- 8 hours
- Can I cancel my booking?
- Yes — you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before it starts.
- Where does it start?
- Hotel pickup included, or meet at the operator's downtown office.
- Will I get instant confirmation?
- Yes — your confirmation arrives on your phone right after booking.
- What's included?
- Private licensed guide · Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo · Air-conditioned private transport · All entrance fees to the sites listed · Bottled water
Reviews
A real highlight of our trip to Egypt. Well organised from start to finish.
Smooth pickup, no waiting around, and the views were incredible. Worth every pound.
Absolutely unforgettable. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly — highly recommend!
Booked last minute and it was seamless. Will definitely use This is Egypt again.
Exceeded expectations. Small group, great pace, and stunning scenery.
Beautiful experience, though it started a little late. The guide more than made up for it.
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Instant confirmation
- Secure booking
- No added fees
“Booked last minute and it was seamless. Will definitely use This is Egypt again.”
