Full Day Tour in Cairo Citadel, Islamic Cairo and Grand Bazaar

El Khalifa, EG
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (15 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

  • inclusion
    Private transportation
    Private transportation
  • inclusion
    Other
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • inclusion
    Bottled water
    Bottled water
  • inclusion
    In-vehicle air conditioning
    Air-conditioned vehicle
  • inclusion
    Other
    Qualified Egyptologist guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    Entrance fees
  • exclusion
    Other
    Lunch
  • exclusion
    Other
    Gratuities

What to expect

1
Cairo Citadel

The Citadel was built on a promontory beneath the Muqattam Hills, a setting that made it difficult to attack. There have been three major construction periods leading to the Citadel's current form: 12th-century Ayyubid (starting with Saladin), 14th-century Mamluk (under al-Nasir Muhammad), and in the 19th century under Muhammad Ali

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2
Mosque of Muhammad Ali

he mosque was built on the site of old Mamluk buildings in Cairo's Citadel between 1830 and 1848, although not completed until the reign of Said Pasha in 1857. The architect was Yusuf Bushnak from Istanbul and its model was the Sultan Ahmed Mosque[1][2] in that city. The ground on which the mosque was erected was built with debris from the earlier buildings of the Citadel. Before completion of the mosque, the alabastered panels from the upper walls were taken away and used for the palaces of Abbas I. The stripped walls were clad with wood painted to look like marble. In 1899, the mosque showed signs of cracking and some inadequate repairs were undertaken. The condition of the mosque became so dangerous that a complete scheme of restoration was ordered by King Fuad in 1931 and was finally completed under King Farouk in 1939. Muhammad Ali Pasha was buried in a tomb carved from Carrara marble, in the courtyard of the mosque. His body was transferred here from Hosh al-Basha in 1857.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3
Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is a monumental mosque and madrassa Cairo, Egypt was built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period, commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan. The mosque was considered remarkable for its massive size and innovative architectural components, and is still considered one of the most impressive historic monuments in Cairo today. This mosque is stunning and impressive from outside and inside. The mosque occupies almost 8000 square meters and the building is about 500 meters long, 68 meters wide, and 36 meters high. The massive main doorway at the north corner is almost 26 meters high and the minaret at the south corner is the tallest in Cairo at 81.5 meters. The mosque is an active place of worship. At the time of visiting the mosque women need to cover their heads; arms and legs and all visitors will need to leave their shoes prior to entering the mosque.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4
Al Rifai Mosque

A beautiful construction that was built to link 19th century Egypt with its glorious past by resembling the neighboring Sultan Hasan Mosque. This is a beautiful Mosque and school housing the tomb of Imam Rifai along with latter members of the Mohammed Ali dynasty - Sultan Hussein Kamel, King Fuad and King Farouk - as well as the last Shah of Iran. Essential for anyone intrigued with 19th & 20th century politics.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5
Gayer-Anderson Museum (Bayt al-Kiritliya)

This museum features the items of antiquity collected by John Gayer-Anderson, a British member of the Egyptian civil service in the 1930s and ‘40s, who restored two adjacent 16th- and 17th-century houses decorated with mashrabiyya screens and marble inlays.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6
Khan Al-Khalili

The Old Grand Bazaar

Duration 30 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Twitter Egypt Travel

What our experts say

  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • icon
    Visit the Gayer-Anderson Museum nearby.
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    Try local street food at nearby stalls.
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    Respect dress codes in mosques.
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    Plan your day to avoid midday heat.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Cairo's ancient architecture and immerse yourself in the rich Islamic heritage with the Full Day Private Tour in Cairo Citadel and Islamic Cairo. This tour will take you on a journey through time as you explore the historical treasures of Islamic Cairo, including the Citadel of Saladin and iconic mosques.

What to expect?

During this full-day tour, get ready for an awe-inspiring adventure filled with captivating architectural wonders. Marvel at the grandeur of the Citadel of Saladin, a fortress built in the 12th century to protect Cairo from invaders. Explore the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known for its striking design inspired by the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul. Admire the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, a stunning landmark showcasing the innovative architectural components of the Bahri Mamluk period. Visit the Al Rifai Mosque, a masterpiece that pays homage to Egypt's illustrious past and houses the tombs of important historical figures.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone with a passion for history and architecture. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this experience will leave you in awe of Egypt's cultural heritage. The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a great option for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Why book this?

Embark on this one-of-a-kind tour and delve into the rich history of Islamic Cairo. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories behind each architectural marvel and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of these landmarks. With a private guide by your side, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, learn fascinating anecdotes, and truly appreciate the intricate details of these historical sites. This tour offers a unique chance to witness firsthand the beauty and grandeur of Islamic architecture while discovering the cultural heritage that makes Cairo such a remarkable destination.

Good to know

Please note that women visiting the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan are required to cover their heads, arms, and legs. Additionally, all visitors must remove their shoes before entering the mosque. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there will be quite a bit of walking involved throughout the tour. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning beauty of these architectural gems.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on this tour have been amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the Citadel of Saladin and the exquisite mosques in Islamic Cairo. They praise the knowledgeable guides who provided interesting insights into the historical significance of each site. Visitors have described the experience as a journey through time, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Egypt's rich cultural heritage. Overall, reviewers highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore the architectural wonders of Cairo's Islamic quarter.

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