Cairo Citadel and Old Cairo Tour: Egyptian Museum & Historic Cairo
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Egyptian history with our exclusive Cairo Citadel and Old Cairo Tour. This carefully curated journey takes you through the ages, starting with the classic heritage of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, where you will explore the Treasures of Tanis and the masterpieces of the Old and Middle Kingdoms. You will then ascend to the medieval fortification of the Citadel of Saladin to marvel at the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, before winding down in the spiritual heart of the city to visit the Hanging Church, the Church of Abu Serga, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Itinerary:
Your journey begins at 8:30 am, where our Nile Empire representative will pick you up from your hotel. We start this Cairo Citadel and Old Cairo Tour by diving deep into ancient history at the Egyptian Museum of antiquities in Tahrir Square. While the Grand Egyptian Museum now houses Tutankhamun’s collection, the historic Tahrir Museum remains the heart of Egyptology. It displays a rare collection of over 100,000 genuine artifacts. You will stand in awe before the Gold of Tanis (often compared to Tutankhamun’s treasures), the exquisite collection of Yuya and Thuya, and the massive statues of great pharaohs that still guard the halls of this 19th-century architectural gem. For those interested in seeing Tutankhamun’s treasures, we recommend booking our Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids Tour separately.
Next, we ascend to the medieval fortification known as the Citadel of Saladin. It offers a panoramic view of Cairo that is simply breathtaking. Here, you will enter the magnificent Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali Pasha, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most popular historical sites in Cairo.
Our final stop is Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo. This area holds immense spiritual significance as one of the locations visited by the Holy Family. You will visit the Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergius), built above the cave where the Holy Family took shelter from Herod’s wrath. The entire Fort of Babylon area exudes an air of piety and is a pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. If you are fascinated by religious history, the Cave Church and Garbage City Tour is another unique spiritual experience in Cairo.
While in the area, you will also visit the Hanging Church, famous for its unique construction, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest Jewish synagogue in Cairo. This district perfectly showcases the religious tolerance and diverse history of Egypt. After soaking in the history, you will be escorted back to your hotel comfortably. To end your day perfectly, consider booking a Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River for the evening.
Included:
- All transfers by a private modern air-conditioned vehicle.
- Pick up services from your hotel & return.
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide.
- Bottled water during your trip.
- All taxes & service charges.
Excluded:
- Any Optional Tours not mentioned
- Tipping.
- Visa to Egypt.
- Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites.
The Enduring Legacy of the Tahrir Museum
Even with the opening of the GEM, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square retains a unique charm that cannot be replicated. It is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, a historic building in its own right. Wandering its halls feels like a journey back to the golden age of archaeology. It is now the exclusive home to the Tanis treasures—silver coffins and gold masks of the Psusennes dynasty—which many archaeologists consider equal in craftsmanship to Tutankhamun’s, offering a less crowded but equally mesmerizing experience.If you are short on time in Egypt, we also offer a quick Cairo Layover Tour from Cairo Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cairo Citadel and Old Cairo Tour
What will I see at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir?
Since the transfer of Tutankhamun’s collection to the GEM, the Tahrir Museum now focuses on its massive collection of statues, the treasures of Yuya and Thuya, and the spectacular Gold of Tanis (the Silver Pharaohs). It remains the most comprehensive collection of Pharaonic art from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms.
Is the Royal Mummies Hall included in this tour?
No, the Royal Mummies were moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat during the Golden Parade. If you wish to see the mummies, you should book our Giza Pyramids and Civilization Museum Tour.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Mosque and Churches?
Yes, as these are active places of worship, modest dress is required. For the Alabaster Mosque and the churches in Old Cairo, both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Women are often asked to cover their hair when entering the mosque (scarves are usually available at the entrance).
Does the tour include the entrance fees?
No, the listed price covers the private vehicle, the expert Egyptologist guide, and taxes. Entrance tickets to the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, and specific sites in Old Cairo are excluded and must be paid on-site, preferably by card.
How much are the entrance fees to the sightseeing listed in the itinerary ?
Entrance fees in Egypt generally range from EGP 200 to EGP 1500 (4 USD to 30 USD), depending on the site, and all major attractions accept credit card payments or online booking.
You can learn more details by reading the following article: Egypt Attractions Entrance Fees Guide.
How long does this tour take?
The Cairo Citadel and Old Cairo Tour is a full-day experience. It typically starts at 8:30 am and lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and how much time you wish to spend at each location.
Ready to explore the heart of Egypt? Book Your Cairo Citadel and Old Cairo Tour Now for an unforgettable experience!
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