Discovery Tours Egypt
From per person$116
Day TourCairo

Islamic & Coptic Cairo Tour

Visit the Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Hanging Church, Abu Serga, and Islamic Cairo in one guided day.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour is a six-hour private guided excursion covering the Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Old Cairo churches, and Islamic Cairo in Cairo, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full Day (approximately 6 hours)
Travel style
Private Guided Excursion
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Cairo · Citadel of Saladin · Mosque of Muhammad Ali · Old Cairo · Hanging Church · Church of St Sergius · Islamic Cairo
Includes
Hotel pickup and drop-off within specified Cairo pickup zones · Private Egyptologist guide for six hours · Air-conditioned vehicle with driver · Entrance fees to listed sites · Bottled water
Best for
History enthusiasts · Religious and architectural heritage travelers · First-time Cairo visitors · Families with school-age children · Private-tour travelers
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

October through April generally offers the most comfortable conditions for walking in Cairo, with cooler mornings and lower midday heat than May through September. Start times can be adjusted within operating availability to avoid the strongest sun and busiest periods; during Ramadan, mosque and church access hours may change, and local holidays can increase crowds.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The excursion includes a private Egyptologist guide for six hours.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided within the specified Cairo pickup zones.
  • Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver.
  • Standard entrance fees for the listed sites are included.
  • Gratuities, meals, personal expenses, and unlisted premium entrances remain separate costs.
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support and established safety procedures can be confirmed with Discovery Tours Egypt before departure.

02Overview

A first look

By midmorning, sunlight catches the alabaster walls of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali above Cairo, while the city’s traffic hums below the Citadel of Saladin. Our Egyptologist places the view in context, then guides you through the quieter lanes of Old Cairo, where church bells, carved stone, and working neighborhood streets create a different rhythm.

Inside the Hanging Church and Church of St Sergius, you can examine details that are easy to miss without local guidance, including the traditional connection to the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt. We arrange your hotel pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees, and return within Cairo city limits. Expect uneven surfaces and modest dress at religious sites.

Background

The facts

The Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour is a private six-hour excursion through Cairo’s principal Islamic and Christian heritage districts. The itinerary visits the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Old Cairo, the Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa), the Church of St Sergius (Abu Serga), and selected medieval streets and bazaars in Islamic Cairo. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided within the specified Cairo pickup zones.

Named in this entry

Citadel of Saladin·Mosque of Muhammad Ali·Old Cairo·Hanging Church·Al-Muallaqa·Church of St Sergius·Abu Serga·Islamic Cairo·Mamluk architecture·Holy Family in Egypt·Cairo

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits first-time Cairo visitors, cultural travelers, religious-history enthusiasts, and families seeking a focused private tour rather than a full-day museum itinerary. Moderate walking is required, including uneven surfaces around historic monuments
  • travelers with mobility limitations should request accessibility guidance before booking.

What lingers

  • 01Visit the Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with panoramic views across Cairo.
  • 02See the Mamluk-era Sultan Hassan Mosque and the adjacent Al-Rifa'i Mosque, standing side by side.
  • 03Explore Old Cairo: the Hanging Church and the Church of St Sergius.
  • 04A relaxed lunch stop in Old Cairo rounds out the day.
  • 05Unlike large coach tours, this is a private car and Egyptologist itinerary from start to finish.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a general Cairo highlights tour focused on the Giza Plateau or Egyptian Museum, this excursion concentrates on Cairo’s Islamic and Coptic heritage. Its private format provides a dedicated Egyptologist guide, hotel pickup within the specified zones, and more flexible pacing than a shared group walking tour.

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

09:00 AM

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

  6. 6

  7. 7

  8. 8

  9. 9

Bundled in

  • Hotel pickup
  • Private Egyptologist
  • All entry tickets
  • Private transfer

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off within Cairo city limits, subject to the specified pickup zones
  • Private Egyptologist guide for six hours
  • Air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • Entrance fees to the Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Hanging Church, and Church of St. Sergius
  • Bottled water during the excursion

Not included

  • Meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for the Egyptologist guide and driver
  • Optional or premium entrances not listed in the inclusions
  • Transfers from outside the specified Cairo pickup zones

Tailor it

Make it yours

The private format allows the departure time and pace to be coordinated with the pickup location and traveler needs. Travelers can request optional or premium entrances, additional Islamic or Coptic sites, meal arrangements, or a shorter route, subject to opening hours, availability, and added cost.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, but there is no fixed minimum age for this private excursion. Child pricing depends on age, vehicle capacity, and the final booking composition, so we confirm the applicable rate before payment. Strollers are difficult to use on uneven pavements, steps, narrow lanes, and historic flooring in Old Cairo. A compact, foldable stroller is more practical than a full-size model. High chairs are not normally relevant to this sightseeing excursion, and meal arrangements are not included.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel pickup within Cairo city limitsMap

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

·In summary

This six-hour private Cairo excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off within specified Cairo zones, an Egyptologist guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and entrance fees for the Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Hanging Church, and Church of St Sergius. The route also includes guided visits through Old Cairo and medieval Islamic Cairo streets and bazaars.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is the typical duration of the Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour?
    The Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour is a full-day excursion, lasting approximately six hours from pickup to drop-off. This allows for comprehensive visits to the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the key sites in Coptic Cairo, including the Hanging Church and the Church of St Sergius.
  2. 02Where does hotel pickup and drop-off occur for this tour?
    Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations located within Cairo city limits, subject to specified pickup zones. Our driver will meet you directly at your hotel lobby at the pre-arranged time, ensuring a smooth start and end to your private excursion.
  3. 03What is included in the price of the Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour?
    The tour includes private hotel pickup and drop-off, a dedicated Egyptologist guide for six hours, an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, and all entrance fees to the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Hanging Church, and the Church of St Sergius. Bottled water is also provided.
  4. 04What is not included in the Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour?
    Meals, personal expenses, and gratuities for your Egyptologist guide and driver are not included. Any optional or premium entrances beyond those listed in the inclusions, such as specific tomb entries, are also excluded. Transfers from outside the specified Cairo pickup zones incur an additional charge.
  5. 05What are the accessibility considerations for this tour?
    This tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone surfaces at sites like the Citadel and within Old Cairo. There are also stairs at some locations, such as the Hanging Church. Travelers with mobility concerns should be prepared for these conditions; a private tour allows for a flexible pace.
  6. 06Is this tour suitable for children and families?
    Yes, this private tour can be tailored to families with children. Our Egyptologist guides are skilled at engaging younger travelers with stories of ancient Egypt. The flexible pace of a private tour allows for breaks as needed, making it suitable for various age groups.
  7. 07What should I wear and bring for the Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour?
    We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as there is considerable walking involved. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for visiting religious sites. Bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is also recommended due to sun exposure, especially at the Citadel.
  8. 08What is the photography policy at the sites visited?
    Photography is generally permitted at most sites on this tour, though flash photography may be restricted inside some churches and mosques. There may be specific areas where photography is prohibited or requires an extra fee; your guide will advise you on site-specific rules.
  9. 09What is the best time of year to take this tour?
    The best time to take this tour is during Cairo's cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is more comfortable for walking and outdoor exploration. Mornings are generally less crowded at the Citadel and in Old Cairo, offering a more serene experience.
  10. 10What is the historical significance of the Church of St Sergius in Coptic Cairo?
    The Church of St Sergius, also known as Abu Serga, holds significant historical importance as it is traditionally believed to be one of the locations where the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus, rested during their flight into Egypt. It is one of the oldest churches in Cairo.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days
Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days
50% refund
Within 14 days
No refund – date changes considered case by case

Product ID: EXC-CAI-545583

You Might Also Like

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan, Day TourAswan

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan, Day Tour

A full-day, return flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel with a guided visit to the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. You fly from Aswan International Airport (ASW) to Abu Simbel Airport (ABS), flight time about 40 to 50 minutes. We favour the flight option because road transfers take about three hours each way, which reduces time at the temples. Pickup is from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise gangway; expect to be ready 90 to 120 minutes before the scheduled domestic flight. Services are provided by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.

From $476

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan (Day Tour)Aswan

1 Days

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan (Day Tour)

Drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel by road, a 280 km transfer taking about 3.5–4 hours each way. Our Egyptologist accompanies the transfer and guides you at both temples: the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. We normally depart before sunrise (around 3:00–3:30 AM) so you arrive for morning light and cooler temperatures; expect roughly two hours on site. Distinctive point of view: we prefer road transfers because they avoid airport queues and deliver a predictable schedule. Trade-offs: it is an early start and a long round trip, with limited shade at the site midday.

From $92

Alexandria 2 Nights from Cairo – Wadi El Natrun, Pompey's Pillar, CatacombsCairo

Alexandria 2 Nights from Cairo – Wadi El Natrun, Pompey's Pillar, Catacombs

Two nights from Cairo visiting Wadi El Natrun and Alexandria: Pompey's Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Graeco-Roman Museum. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our driver meets you in Cairo arrivals or your hotel with a name card. Unlike one-day coach tours, we overnight so you can start early in Wadi El Natrun and spend meaningful time inside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Catacombs. Standard site entrance fees are included. Expect two long drives (Cairo–Alexandria about 225 km, roughly 2.5–3 hours each way) and walking on uneven ancient stone at several sites.

From $228