Private Islamic Cairo tour with Tannoura Sufi dance show

Five centuries of mosque architecture in one day, from the 8th-century Ibn Tulun to the 19th-century Alabaster Mosque.

A private full-day tour of Islamic Cairo visits the Citadel, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Al-Rifai Mosque, and Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa, then walks through the ancient gates and Khan el-Khalili bazaar before watching the Tannoura Sufi dance performance at Wekalet el Ghouri. A professional art historian guide leads the tour. Hotel pickup, meals and entrance fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Cairo Citadel1h · entry included
2. Mosque of Muhammad Ali30m · entry included
3. Ibn Tulun Mosque30m · entry included
4. Al-Rifai Mosque30m · entry included
5. Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa30m · entry included
6. Khan el-Khalili1h

Explore Islamic Cairo and Sufi Dance Show

• Visit Cairo Citadel
• Tour Mosque of Muhammad Ali
• Visit Ibn Tulun Mosque
• Explore Al-Rifai Mosque
• Visit Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa
• Walk between ancient Cairo gates
• Shop at Khan el-Khalili market
• See traditional tent making
• Watch Tannoura Sufi dance show

The experience

The Citadel of Saladin, built in the 12th century to defend against Crusader invasion, opens the day and dominates the skyline of Islamic Cairo. From there the tour moves through five major mosques, each built centuries apart and representing different architectural periods: Ibn Tulun's 8th-century structure is the oldest mosque still intact in Egypt, while the 14th-century Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa stands as one of the finest examples of Mameluk design. The 19th-century Mosque of Muhammad Ali showcases Ottoman architecture. The Al-Rifai Mosque, also from the 1800s, holds the tombs of Egypt's last king and the last Shah of Iran.

A walking section takes you between Cairo's ancient original gates and through Khan el-Khalili, the oldest oriental market in the city, where tent makers still practice one of Egypt's oldest surviving crafts. The tour includes lunch and dinner, both arranged by the operator. A professional art historian guide travels with you throughout, and a professional photographer documents the day.

The day ends at Wekalet el Ghouri, a historical venue in the heart of Islamic Cairo, where you watch the Tannoura Sufi dance performance. The tour runs 12 hours and covers the sites by air-conditioned minivan. Dress code applies at all places of worship: knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women, and no shorts or sleeveless tops are permitted.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entrance fees to all five mosques and the Citadel.
• lunch and dinner.
• professional art historian guide.
• professional photographer.
• air-conditioned minivan transport.
• WiFi during the tour.

Options for this experience

4 options

9-15 personsGuide in English or Arabic · 10:00The price for 9-15 persons includes pickup

5-8 personsGuide in English or Arabic · 10:00Pickup is included in the price for 5-8 persons

2-4 personsGuide in English or Arabic · 10:00The price for 2-4 persons includes pickup

One personGuide in English or Arabic · 10:00Pickup is included in the price for one person

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendly

Operated by Tree of Life Day Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the group size that matches your party so you're not paired with strangers, and book this if you can commit to a full day of moving between eight major mosques and walking the medieval gates. It's dense sightseeing, not a leisurely pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What is the Ibn Tulun Mosque and why is it significant?

Ibn Tulun Mosque dates back to the 8th century and is the oldest mosque still intact in Egypt. It is one of the stops on the tour and represents the earliest period of Islamic architecture you will see during the day.

Can I watch the Tannoura Sufi dance show if I book this tour?

Yes, the Tannoura Sufi dance performance at Wekalet el Ghouri is included at the end of the day. The performance takes place in a historical venue in Islamic Cairo.

What should I wear to visit the mosques?

A dress code is required at all places of worship. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in refused entry.

Does the tour include meals?

Yes, both lunch and dinner are included. If you have specific dietary requirements or need a vegetarian option, advise the operator at the time of booking.

What is Khan el-Khalili and what will I do there?

Khan el-Khalili is the oldest oriental market in Cairo. During the tour you will walk through the bazaar and see tent makers practicing one of Egypt's oldest surviving crafts.