Saladin Citadel – medieval fortress
Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Hanging Church – Coptic icon
St. Sergius – Holy Family crypt
Ben Ezra Synagogue
Visit the impressive Saladin Citadel, Cairo’s medieval fortress with panoramic views
Marvel at the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali – an Ottoman masterpiece
Explore Coptic Cairo’s Hanging Church, St. Sergius (Holy Family refuge) & Ben Ezra Synagogue
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a quality local restaurant
Private Egyptologist guide brings history to life
Private air‑conditioned transfers & hotel pickup/drop‑off
🕌⛪ Discover two of Cairo’s most fascinating religious and historical sites on this full‑day private tour combining the majestic Citadel of Saladin and the ancient Christian enclave of Coptic Cairo, with a delicious lunch included. Your journey begins at the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll explore the 12th‑century fortress built by Salah ad‑Din to protect Cairo from Crusaders. Inside, the iconic Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali dazzles with its Ottoman architecture, alabaster walls, and sweeping views of the city. Then, descend into Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo), a peaceful maze of cobblestone streets within the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon. You will visit the famous Hanging Church (El Muallaqa), suspended above the Roman gate, the 4th‑century Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), built over the cave where the Holy Family is believed to have rested during their flight into Egypt, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, steeped in history and legend. Between the two main sections, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch at a quality local restaurant. This tour offers a perfect blend of Islamic and Christian heritage, ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive and relaxed day exploring Cairo’s spiritual diversity.
Adult $83 | Child (6‑11 years) $45 | Free for children under 6
Duration: ~6‑7 hours | Pickup: 9:00‑9:30 AM | Return: ~3:30‑4:30 PM
Complimentary hotel pickup & drop‑off from all Cairo & Giza hotels
All entrance fees to Citadel, Alabaster Mosque, and Coptic Cairo sites included
Lunch at a local restaurant (drinks not included)
Note: Drinks during lunch, personal expenses, gratuities not included. Modest dress required for religious sites (shoulders/knees covered). Women may want a scarf for the mosque.
🕌 Saladin Citadel & Alabaster Mosque – Cairo’s Iconic Landmark
Built by Sultan Salah ad‑Din (Saladin) between 1176 and 1183 to protect Cairo from Crusader attacks, the Citadel served as Egypt’s seat of government for 700 years. Today, it offers one of the best panoramic views of Cairo, with the city’s minarets and domes spreading below. The centerpiece is the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali (completed 1848), an Ottoman‑style mosque built in memory of Tusun Pasha, Muhammad Ali’s son. Its alabaster‑clad walls, majestic central dome, twin 82‑metre minarets, and the beautiful courtyard with ablution fountain are spectacular. The mosque’s interior features a huge brass chandelier and is decorated in red and gold. You will also see the remnants of the original Mamluk palaces and the police museum within the Citadel walls.
⛪ Coptic Cairo – The Hanging Church & Holy Family Trail
Coptic Cairo clusters inside the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon. This area is one of the world’s oldest Christian enclaves and a pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide. You will visit:
- Hanging Church (El Muallaqa) – built above the Roman Gatehouse, its nave is suspended over the ancient fortress. It features exquisite ebony and ivory iconostasis and a ceiling shaped like Noah’s Ark.
- Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) – a 4th‑century basilica built over a cave where the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus) rested during their flight into Egypt. It is one of the holiest sites in Egypt.
- Ben Ezra Synagogue – originally a Christian church, converted to a synagogue in the 9th century. It is famous for the Cairo Geniza, a cache of nearly 200,000 Jewish manuscripts discovered in the 19th century.
📅 Detailed Itinerary – A Full Day of Heritage
9:00‑9:30 AM – Hotel Pickup
Your private Egyptologist guide and driver will collect you from your Cairo or Giza hotel in an air‑conditioned vehicle.
Saladin Citadel & Alabaster Mosque
Drive to the Citadel (approx. 20‑30 minutes). Explore the fortress, visit the Alabaster Mosque, and enjoy panoramic views of Cairo. Your guide explains the history of Saladin, the Mamluk and Ottoman rulers, and the mosque’s construction.
Lunch at a Quality Local Restaurant
After the Citadel, you will be taken to a well‑rated local restaurant to enjoy a delicious Egyptian lunch (grilled chicken, kofta, rice, salads, and dips). Vegetarian options available – please inform us in advance.
Coptic Cairo – Hanging Church, St. Sergius & Ben Ezra Synagogue
Proceed to Coptic Cairo (approx. 15 minutes). Enter the Babylon Fortress area. Visit the Hanging Church (suspended above the Roman gate), the Church of St. Sergius (with its Holy Family crypt), and the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue. Learn about the coexistence of Egypt’s Coptic Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities.
Return to Hotel
After Coptic Cairo, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel, arriving around 3:30‑4:30 PM, concluding a rich day of cultural exploration.
Insider Tips: Wear modest clothing (shoulders/knees covered) for the mosque and churches. Women may wish to bring a scarf to cover hair inside the mosque (optional). Comfortable walking shoes are essential – the Citadel and Coptic Cairo involve uneven surfaces and stairs. Start early to avoid crowds. Bring small cash for bathroom fees and optional donations. Inform us of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) when booking.
✅ Included / ❌ Excluded
- Hotel pickup & drop‑off (Cairo / Giza)
- Private air‑conditioned vehicle transfers
- Licensed Egyptologist guide (English; other languages on request)
- Entrance fees to Saladin Citadel & Alabaster Mosque
- Entrance fees to Coptic Cairo sites (Hanging Church, St. Sergius, Ben Ezra Synagogue)
- Lunch at a local restaurant (drinks not included)
- Bottled water during the tour
- All taxes & service charges
- Drinks during lunch
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Gratuities for guide & driver (optional but appreciated)
- Pickup from New Cairo, Heliopolis, or airport hotels (extra $5‑10 per person)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🕌 What is the dress code for the mosque and churches?
Modest clothing is required: both men and women should cover shoulders and knees. Women are not required to cover their hair in the mosque, but a scarf is appreciated. In churches, hats should be removed. Your guide can provide guidance.
🍽️ What is included in the lunch?
Lunch is a set menu at a quality local restaurant, typically grilled chicken or kofta, rice, salads, and Egyptian dips. Vegetarian options are available – please notify us in advance. Drinks are not included.
🧑🏫 What languages does the guide speak?
Our standard tour is in English. Guides for French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese are available on request – please specify when booking.
👕 What should I wear?
Comfortable, light‑weight clothing, walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. For women, a scarf is useful for the mosque visit. Shoulders and knees must be covered for entry to religious sites.
🕒 What is the exact pickup time?
Pickup is between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM, depending on your hotel location. You will receive confirmed timing via WhatsApp or email one day before the tour.
♿ Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The Citadel and Alabaster Mosque have ramps, but some areas (Coptic Cairo’s narrow alleys) have steps. The Hanging Church and St. Sergius have stairs. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific mobility needs – we can adapt parts of the itinerary.
🚐 Do you pick up from New Cairo or airport hotels?
Yes, but an additional surcharge of $5‑10 per person may apply for hotels in New Cairo, Heliopolis, or near Cairo Airport. Pickup from downtown Cairo, Zamalek, Dokki, Mohandiseen, and most Giza hotels is included.
Advance booking recommended – This full-day tour is ideal for those who want a relaxed pace with lunch included. Book at least 24‑48 hours in advance. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
