Cultural Experience to Discover Coptic and Islamic Cairo
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the holy sites of two ancient religions with a full-day tour of Cairo’s Coptic and Islamic landmarks. See the hanging church in the heart of old Cairo, and enter the crypt at Abu Serga, built on the legendary spot that sheltered the holy family. Visit a thousand-year old Greek Orthodox church before enjoying an Egyptian lunch, then spend the afternoon discovering Cairo’s Islamic traditions. Walk the palisades of Egypt’s oldest mosque, and pass the walls of the medieval Cairo Citadel to enter the exquisite alabaster mosque.
Available options
Cultural Experience to Discover Coptic and Islamic Cairo
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private tour
Lunch (Egyptian food)
Bottled water on board
Entrance fees to the sities
Air-conditioned vehicle
All taxes and service charge
Qualified Egyptologist guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The guide will pick you up from your hotel. Move by an air-conditioned car to start your tour by visiting the old Coptic Cairo. This colorful quarter is the original home of the Coptic Christians, one of the worlds oldest Christian denominations. Stop to see the Hanging Church, aka St Virgin Mary Church. Built in the 7th century, this old church takes its name from its location: sited above a gateway in the old Roman fortress. Admire the courtyard and interior with its screens, marble pulpit and icons, and hear about its long history. Next, you will have your lunch in a good quality restaurant with set menu of grill chicken/kebab and kofta. Next, after a visit to the Monastery and Church of St George, an early 20th-century church that is the only round church in Egypt, call at Abu Serga, a 5th-century Coptic Church. View the 24 interior columns and 12th-century icons on the walls, and learn how the church stands where the holy family is thought to have stayed during their flight into Egypt from Israel King Herod. Then, take a look at the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
2
Stop 2
Then you will see the emblem of Cairo is the mosque of Mohamed Ali Psha.
3
Stop 3
You will finish your day at the market of Khan El-Khalili where you can have a free time to explore the shop and the other mosques.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
See the Citadel of Cairo
Enjoy the flexibility and personal experience of a private guide
Lunch, entrance fees and transport included
Full-day tour of Coptic and Islamic sites in Cairo
Visit ancient churches and mosques
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
