Islamic Cairo Walking TourSultan Hassan to Khan El Khalili
A private walk through a thousand years of Islamic Cairo, from Sultan Hassan's mosque to the lanes of Khan El Khalili.
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Your party
- Private, 2-8 guests
- Starts
- Your hotel in Cairo
This Islamic Cairo Walking Tour explores the historic heart of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage area with more medieval monuments than almost anywhere in the world.
You begin beneath the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, one of the great buildings of the 14th century, and the Al-Rifai Mosque opposite, resting place of Egypt's last kings. From Bab Zuweila, an 11th-century city gate, you walk into the old Fatimid city and along Al-Muizz Street, lined with Mamluk mosques, schools and fountains, including the Qalawun complex.
After a traditional lunch, visit the Al-Azhar Mosque, founded in 970 and still a centre of learning, then finish in Khan El Khalili with time to explore and rest over tea. Your guide sets an easy pace and avoids prayer times.
Sultan Hassan, Al-Muizz Street & Al-Azhar
Your guide meets you at your hotel and drives you to the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan and the Al-Rifai Mosque. Continue to Bab Zuweila and walk north along Al-Muizz Street, stopping at the Qalawun complex and other Mamluk monuments. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, visit the Al-Azhar Mosque, then end in Khan El Khalili with free time before your driver takes you back to your hotel. Your car follows close by, so you can rest whenever you wish.
- 1
Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
One of the great buildings of the 14th century, facing the Al-Rifai Mosque.
- 2
Bab Zuweila
An 11th-century gate of the Fatimid city, the start of the walk north.
- 3
Al-Muizz Street & Qalawun Complex
Mamluk mosques, schools and fountains along the old main street.
- 4
Al-Azhar Mosque
Founded in 970 and still a centre of learning.
- 5
Khan El Khalili
A bazaar trading since the 14th century, with time for tea in an old coffee house.
Included
- Private hotel pickup and return in Cairo or Giza
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance tickets to the sites in the itinerary
- Bottled water on board
- All taxes and service charges
- Lunch at a traditional restaurant
Not included
- Gratuities
- Drinks with meals
- Optional tickets not listed, such as inside the Great Pyramid
- Personal expenses
Before you go
How much walking is on the Islamic Cairo Walking Tour?
About three kilometres at an easy pace, on old stone streets with regular stops. Your car stays close by.
What should we wear?
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Women are asked to cover their hair inside mosques, and scarves are provided.
Can we do the tour on a Friday?
Yes, but mosque visits are timed around Friday midday prayers, so we adjust the order of the day.
