Coptic and Islamic Cairo Tour

Explore Cairo Tours the most beautiful religious spots in Egypt during this 8-hour day trip to Coptic and Islamic Cairo. Let your informative tour guide lead you around the historical center of old Cairo and Learn more about Egypt's history.

Start your private day tour to visit the Famous mosque in Old Cairo (Amr Ibn-AlAs) was originally built in 642 AD, as the center of the newly founded capital of Egypt, Fustat. The original structure was the first mosque ever built in Egypt, and by extension, the first mosque on the continent of Africa.

Then moving to visit The Ibn -Tulun mosque was commissioned by Ahmad ibnŢūlūn, the Abbassid governor of Egypt from 868–884 whose rule was characterized by de facto independence. The historian al-Maqrizi lists the mosque's construction start date as 876 AD and the mosque's original inscription slab identifies the date of completion as 265 AH, or 879 AD.

The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is a massive Mamluk era mosque and Madrassa located near the Citadel in Cairo. Its construction began 757 AH/1356 CE with work ending three years later "without even a single day of idleness". At the time of construction the mosque was considered remarkable for its fantastic size and innovative architectural components. Commissioned by a sultan of a short and relatively unimpressive profile, al-Maqrizi noted that within the mosque were several "wonders of construction". The mosque was, for example, designed to include schools for all four of the Sunni schools of thought: Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanafi and Hanbali. 

Next, head to Old Cairo complex where you will have a chance to spend some time to walk around and visit the surroundings Coptic and Jewish monuments. Start by visiting the Roman fortress; the Hanging church, which is one of the most beautiful churches in Christendom. The Hanging Church is built into the walls of the water gate of the Roman fortress and is possibly the oldest Christian church in Egypt. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is one of Cairo's most beautiful churches.

Continue to the Monastery and Church of St George This is not an old church, dating from 1909, but there has been a church in Coptic Cairo dedicated to the Martyr since the 10th-century. It is one of the few remaining circular churches in the Middle East.

Your next stop is the Abu Serga, one of the places where the Holy Family rested after fleeing Israel from King Herod. There are 24 marble columns lining the central court, and a series of 12th-century icons depicting the 12 apostles.

Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest in Egypt. Set in a shady garden, it was built on the site of 4th-century Christian church. The synagogue was severely damaged by Arabs after the 1967 war with Israel, but it has been almost completely renovated.

At the end of the tour you will visit the fascinating Coptic Museum, which is located in an area of great historical importance within the precinct of the Babylon Fort. Occupying over 8,000 sq meters the museum features almost 16,000 objects of importance to the Copts of Egypt.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to you hotel.