Tour to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization & Old Cairo

About this tour

Itinerary, stop by stop

1. Start

   Your Egyptologist guide picks you up from your accommodation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to start your tour of the Museum of Egyptian Civilization and Old Cairo.

2. Stop 1

   National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

   You begin at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat, Old Cairo. Its galleries trace Egypt from prehistoric times through the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern eras.

   In the Royal Mummies Gallery you see the mummies of ancient kings and queens, presented with modern lighting and interactive displays. The Hall of the Pyramid has 3D screens and a panoramic model of Cairo that links the museum to the city around it.

   Entry included
3. Stop 2
   

   Babylon Fortress and Hanging Church

   From the museum you move into Old Cairo, starting at the ruins of the Babylon Fortress, whose stone ramparts date back to Roman times.

   Built over the fortress walls is the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's), which seems to float above the ground. Inside, you see its carved ceilings, wooden icons and arches, and your guide explains the church's place in Coptic history.

   Entry included
4. Stop 3

   Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus

   A short walk brings you to the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, also known as Abu Serga, built on the remains of the Roman fort.

   Beneath its sanctuary is a crypt that, according to tradition, sheltered the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. Your guide tells you the stories linked to the church and points out its simple basilica architecture.

   Entry included
5. Stop 4

   Ben Ezra Synagogue

   You then visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt's oldest Jewish sites. You see its bimah and the hekhal inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

   Your guide tells you about the discovery of its Geniza, a large store of medieval Jewish manuscripts, and how the synagogue's legacy spans religion, scholarship and community life.

   Entry included
6. Lunch

   Lunch

   You stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the lanes of Old Cairo. The food is traditional Egyptian, for example ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel), freshly baked baladi bread and a mixed salad of tomatoes, cucumber and herbs. It is a relaxed break after a morning of visits.

7. End

   After your visits in Old Cairo, you return to your accommodation in your private, air-conditioned vehicle.

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

Policies, in plain English

Frequently asked questions