Cairo , Egypt

Islamic Cairo Major Sights Tour

Active

(8 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Travel back in time to the glory days of Islamic Cairo, and see some of the medieval and Ottoman city's greatest religious monuments, on this 4-hour private guided tour. Admire ancient mosques and madrasa, medieval Citadel's walls and gates, and a lot more. .Greet your private guide at the main gate of your hotel or accommodation at a time of your choosing: any time between 9am and 11am.

Islamic Cairo Major Mosques list:
Mosque of Muhammed Ali
Al-Nasir Muhammad mosque
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
Mosque of Amr Ibn As

For further additional in-depth visits please see our best seller product the "Islamic Cairo History Tour" which has the rest of the following great mosques among its itinerary:
Aqsunqur (the Blue) mosque
Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah Mosque
Al Azhar mosque

Available options

Islamic Cairo Major Sights Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Local guide

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Bottled water

Transport by air-conditioned coach

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

As you may enter working mosques, please dress modestly – long, loose clothes that cover arms and legs – and wear shoes that are easy to remove: women should also bring a scarf to cover their hair. Please note that a few sites close to the public at 5pm. You'll start your tour of some of the highlights of historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by strolling through the Citadel, built by Saladin, founder of the Ayubbid dynasty.

As you only have 2-5 hours for this tour, you'll admire most of the sites from outside: either choose 3 to 4 monuments to visit or ask your guide for recommendations.From the citadel, you'll see the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, the Refaie Mosque, the Giza pyramids (if it's not foggy), the Ibn Tulun Mosque (the oldest mosque in the city surviving in its original form, and the largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area), and the famous Cairo tower.

Stop 3

Pause for a while to absorb the full scale of the Giants: Sultan Hassan & Refaie religious archaeological complex, built at the middle of the fourteenth century.

Stop 4

Stroll through the Alabaster mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, Cairo's best-preserved & most iconic, most beautiful mosque, to the al-Nasir Muhammad mamluk Mosque. Enjoy a feast of historic religious & military architecture as you admire the monuments inside this great fortress.

You'll finish your tour with a couple of Cairo's better-known mosques: the Mosque of Abu Dahab (the father of Gold. A wealthy ottoman army leader who once "or more than once" threw gold over the poor as means of charity, hence his name), and the 10th-century al-Azhar Mosque, home to one of the oldest surviving Islamic universities in the world.

Stop 6

Your final stop is the notorious downtown: you may wish to enjoy lunch or a non-alcoholic drink at one of the famous Restaurants and Cafes of this lively vivid buzzing Cairo City Center (the Paris along the Nile) Downtown, Cairo.

Stop 7

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.

What's not included

Drinks

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities (recommended)

Entrance fees

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant metropolis where ancient history and modern life intertwine. As one of the largest cities in Africa, it offers a wealth of historical landmarks, bustling markets, and rich cultural experiences that attract millions of visitors each year.

Top Attractions

The Great Pyramids of Giza

The iconic pyramids are one of the most famous landmarks in the world and a must-visit for any traveler to Cairo. They are part of the Giza Necropolis, which also includes the Great Sphinx.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (around $10-20 for entrance fees)

Egyptian Museum

This museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Egypt's rich history.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $10-15 for entrance fees)

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

One of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East, Khan el-Khalili offers a vibrant shopping experience with a wide range of goods, from spices and perfumes to jewelry and souvenirs.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate (prices vary depending on items)

Coptic Cairo

This area is home to some of the oldest Christian churches in Egypt, including the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. It's a fascinating place to explore for those interested in the history of Christianity in Egypt.

Historical 1-2 hours Low (around $5-10 for entrance fees)

Nile River Cruise

A Nile River cruise offers a unique way to see Cairo from a different perspective. Many cruises include dinner and entertainment, making it a memorable experience.

Cultural 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (depending on the cruise package)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Koshari

A popular street food made with a mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, pasta, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional breakfast dish made with mashed fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, often served with bread.

Breakfast Vegetarian, Vegan

Molokhia

A green leafy vegetable soup made with jute leaves, garlic, and coriander, often served with rice or bread.

Main Dish Vegetarian, Vegan

Kofta

Grilled minced meat skewers made with a mix of ground beef, lamb, or chicken, seasoned with spices and herbs.

Main Dish Contains meat

Popular Activities

Desert safaris Quad biking in the desert Hot air balloon rides over the Nile Nile River cruises Beach relaxation in Alexandria or Hurghada Spa and wellness treatments Exploring ancient temples and ruins Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the city's historical sites.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts of the city

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cairo is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing, scams, and harassment can occur, especially in crowded areas. It's important to stay vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or deserted areas.
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always agree on a fare or use the meter before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Cairo International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Ramses Station

By bus

Cairo Bus Station, Turgoman Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around Cairo. It has three lines and is relatively affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Cairo Islamic Cairo Zamalek Giza

Day trips

Alexandria

220 km from Cairo • Full day

Alexandria is a beautiful coastal city with a rich history, offering a mix of ancient landmarks, beaches, and vibrant culture.

Luxor

670 km from Cairo • Overnight

Luxor is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, offering a wealth of ancient Egyptian landmarks and temples.

Aswan

870 km from Cairo • Overnight

Aswan is a charming city on the Nile, known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and relaxing atmosphere.

Festivals

Cairo International Film Festival • Late November to early December Cairo Jazz Festival • Late January to early February Cairo Fashion Festival • April

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Hire a guide for major attractions, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum, to gain a deeper understanding of their history and significance.
Bargain when shopping at markets and bazaars, as it's expected and can help you get a better deal.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for local customs and traditions.
Be prepared for heavy traffic and crowded streets, especially during peak hours and in popular tourist areas.