Cairo: Old Cairo Mosques, Churches & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Tour

Summary

Old Cairo’s sacred sites and lively bazaar in half a day

You’ll move from ancient churches to Africa’s oldest mosque and up to the Citadel for city views before diving into Khan el-Khalili’s market chaos. With a private Egyptologist guiding each story and hotel pickup included, you’ll feel both welcomed and wide-eyed—maybe even laugh at your own attempts at Arabic along the way.

What’s the experience like?

It hit me right away — the way Cairo just hums, even before you step out of the car. Our guide, Hossam, met us at the hotel lobby (he had this easy smile) and we set off through streets that felt both chaotic and kind of familiar. First stop was Coptic Cairo. I remember the cool stone under my hand in the Hanging Church, and how Hossam quietly pointed out faded icons I’d have missed. There was incense in the air — not strong, just enough to notice if you paused. We ducked into Ben Ezra Synagogue too, which honestly surprised me; I didn’t expect to find Jewish history tucked right here alongside everything else.

We walked between old walls where sunlight fell in stripes. At Church of Abu Serga, Hossam told us about the holy family hiding there — he said it like he’d told it a hundred times but still cared. Then came Amr ibn el-As Mosque, oldest in Africa (that’s what he said). The tiles were cool underfoot and a little uneven. I tried to repeat the mosque’s name and totally mangled it; Hossam laughed and corrected me gently — that moment stuck with me more than any photo.

The Citadel was next. It sits up high so you get this hazy view over Cairo — minarets poking up everywhere. Inside the Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, light bounced off every surface and my voice echoed when I whispered (I couldn’t help it). The marble felt cold even though it was warm outside. After that we headed for Khan el-Khalili bazaar. That place is wild: gold shops next to spice stalls, men shouting prices, someone tried to sell me mint tea (I caved). The smell of coffee mixed with something sweet I still can’t name. We wandered for a while before heading back — honestly I could’ve stayed longer just people-watching.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Coptic, Islamic Cairo and Bazaar

• Pick up from hotel in Cairo or Giza
• Visit Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Church of Abu Serga
• See Amr ibn el As mosque
• Tour Citadel of Salah El Din
• Explore Mohamed Ali alabaster mosque
• Visit Khan el-Khalili bazaar
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is this Old Cairo tour?

The private tour lasts about 4 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included from Giza or downtown Cairo?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Cairo or Giza hotels.

What places do we visit on this tour?

You visit Coptic Cairo (Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Abu Serga), Amr ibn el-As Mosque, Salah El Din Citadel with Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Lunch is included depending on your booking option—check your confirmation details.

Are entry fees covered?

Entry fees are included if you book that option; check your booking for details.

Who leads the tour?

A qualified Egyptologist guide leads your private tour.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can I choose my start time?

You can select from multiple departure times when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, entry fees if selected when booking, bottled water for the heat, guidance from a local Egyptologist who brings every stop alive—and lunch if you booked that option—before returning comfortably to your hotel.