Private Full-Day Walking Tour through Islamic Cairo

Giza , Egypt

Private Full-Day Walking Tour through Islamic Cairo

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(3 reviews)

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About this experience

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Historic Cairo, one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, on this 8-hour private walking tour. Visit the Ibn Tulun, Al-Mu'ayyad Shaykh, Al-Azhar, Al-Hakim, and Al-Aqmar mosques; discover an authentic tent shop, a textile museum, an Ottoman-era mansion, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar; see the city walls and medieval gates as well as hospitals, madrasas, and mausoleums. Lunch and private transportation is included.

Available options

Price for 1 person

Price for 1 person<br/>Pickup included

Price for 2-4 persons

Price for 2-4 persons<br/>Pickup included

Price for 5-8 persons

Price for 5-8 persons<br/>Pickup included

Price for 9-15 persons

Price for 9-15 persons<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transport by air-conditioned, Wi-Fi enabled minivan

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Private tour

Bottled water

Lunch

Professional art historian guide

Welcome drink

Local taxes

What you'll see

Your private historian guide will collect you from your Cairo hotel at 9am in a private, air-conditioned minivan complete with Wi-Fi for this 8-hour walking tour of Islamic Cairo. Alight at the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the oldest intact, functioning mosque in Egypt – please note women will need to cover shoulders, legs, and hair, while men should cover shoulders and thighs – before continuing on foot.

From Bab Zuweila, one of the Old City's three surviving medieval gates, stroll down the ancient street of Sharia al-Muizz li-Din Allah to an ancient tent shop, where workers have hand-crafted ceremonial tents for weddings and other celebrations since the Fatimid era.

Next, delve deep into the religious heart of the city. Explore the red-and-white striped Mosque of al-Mu'ayyad Shaykh and the moving Sabil of Muhammed Ali Pasha, built as a tribute to his son who died of plague. Admire the serene Al-Azhar Mosque, founded in 970 AD as a centerpiece of the new city, and still a focal point for Egyptian Islam even today.

After a traditional Egyptian lunch, explore the celebrated Khan el-Khalili bazaar, an ancient market now full of brassware, leather goods, perfumes, costumes, and souvenirs. Discover the hospital, madrasa, and mausoleum founded by the Mamluk Sultan al-Mansur Qalawun in the 13th century, and the madrasa and Sufi theology school built by Sultan Barquq.

Wander through the Egyptian Textile Museum, home to fabrics from ancient Egypt all the way through to the Islamic era, and discover the Mosque of al-Aqmar, built in 1125 AD. Explore a restored Ottoman-era mansion, the Beit el-Suhaymi, to get a sense of life in later Cairo.

Finally, see the Mosque of al-Hakim, and Old Cairo’s other two surviving gates, before ending your tour at the northern wall. Your minivan will transfer you to your hotel at 5pm.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

AR DE EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Important notes

• Pickup time at 9am
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

About Giza

Giza, home to the iconic Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, is a city steeped in ancient history and modern intrigue. Just a short distance from Cairo, Giza offers a blend of ancient wonders and bustling urban life, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Top Attractions

Great Pyramids of Giza

The iconic Great Pyramids, including the Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure, are the last standing wonders of the ancient world.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Great Sphinx of Giza

The enigmatic Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, is a symbol of ancient Egypt and a must-see attraction.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Solar Boat Museum

This museum houses the reconstructed solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu, discovered near the Great Pyramid.

Historical 1 hour Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Saqqara

Saqqara is an ancient burial ground and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Dahshur

Dahshur is an ancient royal necropolis featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Camel Market

The Camel Market is a unique and bustling market where you can see and buy camels, as well as experience traditional Egyptian commerce.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (Purchases extra)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Koshari

A hearty dish made with lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.

Dinner Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Breakfast Vegan

Grilled Kofta

Spiced minced meat (usually lamb or beef) shaped into sausages and grilled to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Molokhia

A green leafy vegetable soup, often served with chicken or rabbit and eaten with bread.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian (if made without meat)

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides over the pyramids Quad biking in the desert Spa treatments Beach visits in Alexandria Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional Egyptian performances Boat tours on the Nile Visiting historical sites during the cooler months

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the ancient sites.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Giza is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Avoid accepting help from strangers, especially at tourist sites.
• Use reputable tour companies and guides.

Getting there

By air

Cairo International Airport • 25 km from Giza

By train

Giza Station

By bus

Giza Bus Station, Downtown Cairo Terminals

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Giza. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Pyramids Road Downtown Giza Haram

Day trips

Cairo

20 km • Half day to full day

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant city with a rich history and numerous attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, and Coptic Cairo.

Saqqara

20 km • Half day to full day

Saqqara is an ancient burial ground and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.

Dahshur

30 km • Half day to full day

Dahshur is an ancient royal necropolis featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.

Festivals

Cairo International Film Festival • November (dates vary) Eid al-Fitr • End of Ramadan (dates vary) Coptic Christmas • January 7

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the ancient sites and their significance.
Visit the pyramids early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the intense heat.
Bargain politely but firmly when shopping at markets and souks.
Carry small bills and coins for easier transactions, as change can be hard to come by.
Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture.