It was the best choice ever
We trusted EgyVacations for our trip to Egypt… They made our trip anxiety free, they solve every problem from our arrival to the airport till our departure.
Half Day Islamic Cairo and Citadel Tour
Explore Cairo’s Islamic heritage on a Half-Day Islamic Cairo & Citadel Tour, where history, architecture, and spirituality come alive.
About this tour
Explore Cairo’s Islamic heritage on a Half-Day Islamic Cairo & Citadel Tour, where history, architecture, and spirituality come alive. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an expert Egyptologist guide. Begin at the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the city, then step inside the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, with its Ottoman domes and twin minarets.
Continue to the monumental Sultan Hassan Mosque and the elegant Al-Rifai Mosque, and conclude at Al-Azhar Mosque, a historic center of Islamic learning. This half-day tour highlights Cairo’s iconic architecture, spiritual landmarks, and breathtaking viewpoints for an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary, stop by stop
- Start
Your Egyptologist guide picks you up at your accommodation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to start your half-day tour of Islamic Cairo and the Citadel.
- Stop 1
Citadel of Saladin
Your tour begins at the Citadel of Saladin, the medieval fortress on the Mokattam Plateau. You walk along its stone walls and ramparts while your guide tells you about its long history.
From the raised terraces you get wide views over Cairo, its skyline and the domes and minarets of its Islamic architecture.
- Stop 2
Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Inside the Citadel, you explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque. You see its Ottoman-style domes, twin minarets and richly decorated interior, with marble walls and a calm prayer hall.
From its balconies, you look out over the domes and minarets of Islamic Cairo stretching to the horizon.
- Lunch
Lunch
You pause for lunch at a local restaurant, with traditional Egyptian dishes such as grilled meats, rice, fresh salad, seasonal vegetables and soft baladi bread. It is a relaxed break from the morning's exploration before you continue to the next mosques.
- Stop 3
Sultan Hassan Mosque
Next, you visit the Sultan Hassan Mosque, just outside the Citadel. Built in the 14th century during the Mamluk era, it is known for its massive scale, tall minarets and finely decorated interior.
Your guide explains how its size reflects the spiritual and political importance of medieval Cairo.
- Stop 4
Al-Rifai Mosque
Across from Sultan Hassan, you explore the Al-Rifai Mosque, known for its large domes, detailed stonework and quiet interior.
The mosque houses royal tombs and mixes Mamluk and modern architectural styles, and your guide points out the details that set it apart from its older neighbor.
- Stop 5
Al-Azhar Mosque
Finally, you visit the Al-Azhar Mosque, a cornerstone of Islamic education and spiritual life in Cairo.
You see its centuries-old minarets, decorated courtyards and detailed ornamentation, and get a feel for the Islamic heritage that still shapes daily life in this part of the city.
- End
After these visits, we return you to your accommodation to relax.
Timing, pickup and what to bring
- Pickup point
- Your hotelPrivate air-conditioned vehicle, return to your hotel included
- Guide language
- EnglishSpanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese on request
What to bring
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- A camera
Included / Excluded
- Pick up services from hotel & return
- All Transfers by a private A/C vehicle.
- Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary.
- Traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
- Bottled water during the visits.
- All service charges and taxes.
- Any Optional tours.
- All personal Expenses.
- Tipping (Recommend).
Policies, in plain English
All rates listed by EgyVacations are quoted in U.S. Dollars (USD) unless stated otherwise. However, we accept payment in other major currencies such as EUR and GBP, based on the daily exchange rate at the time of payment.
- Our prices are based on current market rates, seasonal variations, and availability, and are subject to change without prior notice. Rates are only confirmed once full payment or a deposit has been received.
Day Trips: Full payment is required at the time of booking.
- If you’re paying by credit card, we need a signed letter from you. This letter gives us permission to charge your card. Make sure the signature matches the one on your card and passport.
- Upon receiving your payment, we’ll issue a written confirmation, along with your itinerary and travel documents.
In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:
- From the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date, 15% of the entire tour price will be charged.
- 35% of the tour price if you cancel 60-31 days before arrival.
- 50% of the tour price if you cancel 30-15 days before arrival.
- 100% of the tour price if you cancel 14-1 days before arrival.
Christmas, New Year, and Easter:
- From the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date, 30% of the entire tour price will be charged.
- 50% of the tour price if you cancel 60-31 days before arrival.
- 75% of the tour price if you cancel 30-15 days before arrival.
Additionally, airlines charge their fees which are subject to the airlines’ terms and conditions, and there’s also a 5% bank fee on refunds. If you don’t show up for your reservation, we won’t be able to give you a refund.
EgyVacations welcomes families with children and offers the following pricing structure:
- Under 2 years: Free of charge
- 2 to 5 years: 25% of adult rate
- 6 to 11 years: 50% of adult rate
- 12 years and above: Full adult rate
Children’s discounts apply when sharing a room with two paying adults. Please note that some cruises or hotels may have their own child policies, which will be specified in your itinerary.
Tipping is customary in Egypt and greatly appreciated by service staff. Though not mandatory, the following guidelines are suggested:
- Tour Guide: $10–15 per day (per group)
- Driver: $5–10 per day (per group)
Unless otherwise mentioned, tips are not included in your tour price.
Frequently asked questions
How much will it cost to tour Egypt?
The cost of touring Egypt depends on the type of experience you want. Budget travelers can spend as little as $50 to $100 per day, while luxury tours may range between $200 and $400 daily. At Egy Vacations, we offer customized packages, starting from affordable group tours to exclusive private adventures.
Is it safe to tour Egypt now?
Yes, Egypt is safe to visit! The government prioritizes the safety of tourists, and popular areas such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts are secure and welcoming. With Egy Vacations, we ensure a smooth and worry-free experience from the moment you arrive.
How many days do you need to tour Egypt?
For a comprehensive experience, 7 to 10 days is ideal. This allows you to explore Cairo, the Pyramids, Luxor, and Aswan, and even enjoy some relaxation by the Red Sea. Shorter itineraries of 3–5 days can also cover key highlights, perfect for travelers with limited time.
Which month is best to visit Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, from October to April. This period offers pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing at the Pyramids and the ancient temples of Upper Egypt.
Is Egypt safe for female tourists?
Absolutely. Female tourists will find Egypt to be safe, especially if they respect local customs and dress modestly in more conservative areas. Joining guided tours like those offered by Egy Vacations adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.
Is Egypt cheap or expensive?
Egypt is generally affordable, especially compared to many other popular tourist destinations. While luxury experiences and accommodations can be costly, local food, transportation, and sightseeing are budget-friendly. At Egy Vacations, we aim to deliver unforgettable experiences within your budget.
Travellers, in their own words.
Every quote is a real one, posted under the traveller's own name.
What a great team!
They helped me plan my day and arranged for an Egyptologist and driver to take me to all these places.
Had a great time
Thanks to well organised sightseeing and tour guide Ahmed who was professional and pleasant.
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