Tour to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization & Old Cairo

After a warm welcome, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in a private, air‑conditioned vehicle with an expert Egyptologist guide to begin your enriching Tour to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization & Old Cairo.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)

Your journey begins at the impressive National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat, Old Cairo. Here, you’ll pass through immersive galleries that trace Egyptian civilization from prehistoric roots through Pharaonic, Greco‑Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern eras. In the Royal Mummies Gallery, you’ll see the mummies of ancient kings and queens presented with cutting‑edge, interactive displays — the lighting and multimedia storytelling give a powerful, almost cinematic sense of their lives, rituals, and legacy. The museum’s architecture itself is modern and striking: the “Hall of the Pyramid” features 3D screens and a panoramic model of Cairo, which gives you a sweeping visual connection between the museum and the city’s ancient past.

Old Cairo – Babylon Fortress & Hanging Church

From the museum, we move into Old Cairo, starting at the ruins of the ancient Babylon Fortress, whose stone ramparts still echo with stories of Roman soldiers and early Christian pilgrims. Rising from this historic ground is the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary’s), built over the fortress walls — the elevated position gives a delicate feeling of floating in time. Stepping inside, the carved ceilings, wooden icons, and arches bring a sense of peace and timeless devotion.

Church of Saints Sergius & Bacchus (Abu Serga)

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. This humbly beautiful basilica hides a crypt beneath its sanctuary — according to tradition, this cave was a shelter for the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. Your guide uses evocative storytelling to connect you to these deep-rooted spiritual tales and the architectural simplicity that hides centuries of reverence.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

Then, you’ll visit the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt’s oldest Jewish sites. The synagogue’s bimah, richly inlaid hekhal in mother-of-pearl, and surrounding walls whisper of ancient prayers. You will learn about the discovery of its Geniza — a treasure trove of medieval Jewish manuscripts — and how its legacy spans religion, scholarship, and community.

Lunch

You’ll pause for lunch in a cozy local restaurant tucked into the winding lanes of Old Cairo. The atmosphere is warm, the décor subtly historic, and the food is authentically Egyptian — perhaps ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), ta’ameya (Egyptian-style falafel), freshly baked baladi bread, and a mixed salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs. The flavors are simple yet full of soul, inviting rest and reflection after your morning of discovery.

After soaking in the spiritual and historical richness of Old Cairo, we’ll return you to your accommodation in your private air-conditioned vehicle, leaving you with a deep sense of connection to Egypt’s layered, timeless civilization.

Meals: Lunch