Embark on a journey through time to discover the rich Islamic heritage of Cairo and Alexandria. This 8-day tour takes you on a comprehensive exploration of the historical, cultural, and architectural gems of these two cities, revealing the fascinating stories of their Islamic past.
Overview:
On this tour, you will delve into the Islamic legacy of Egypt, visiting mosques, madrassas, and mausoleums that showcase the country’s religious and cultural diversity. Starting in Cairo, you will explore the ancient Islamic city, Al-Qahira, and witness the grandeur of its architectural wonders, including the iconic Al-Azhar Mosque and the splendid Citadel of Saladin. You will also visit the historic district of Islamic Cairo and the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar. The tour then takes you to Alexandria, where you will discover the Islamic landmarks that dot the city, from the stunning Qaitbay Citadel to the elegant Abu Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque.
Highlights:
- Admire the stunning architecture of Al-Azhar Mosque, the oldest Islamic university in the world
- Explore the imposing Citadel of Saladin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood for over 800 years
- Visit the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a magnificent masterpiece of Ottoman architecture
- Discover the historic district of Islamic Cairo and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Khan El Khalili bazaar
- Journey to Alexandria and marvel at the Qaitbay Citadel, a fortress built in the 15th century
- Admire the elegant Abu Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque, a stunning example of Islamic architecture
- Stroll along the picturesque Corniche and enjoy the sea views
Advantages:
- Comprehensive tour of the Islamic landmarks in Cairo and Alexandria
- Knowledgeable and experienced tour guide
- Comfortable transportation with pickup and drop-off from your hotel
- Admission fees to all attractions included in the tour
- Hassle-free booking process with instant confirmation
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to settle in and relax.
Day 2: Islamic Cairo After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the heart of Islamic Cairo. Your first stop will be Al-Azhar Mosque, the oldest Islamic university in the world, founded in 970 AD. From there, you will visit the Citadel of Saladin, a magnificent fortress that was the seat of power in Egypt for over 700 years. You will also see the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a stunning Ottoman masterpiece. In the afternoon, you will explore the historic district of Islamic Cairo and visit the Khan El Khalili bazaar, one of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East.
Day 3: Coptic Cairo Today, you will explore the Coptic side of Cairo, starting with the Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches in Egypt. You will also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest Jewish synagogue in Cairo, and the Church of St. George, built on the site where the Roman Emperor Trajan reportedly martyred the saint. In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit the Egyptian Museum or take a relaxing Nile River cruise.
Day 4: Memphis and Saqqara After breakfast, you will leave Cairo and head to the ancient city of Memphis, the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. You will see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx before continuing on to Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt. You will also visit the Imhotep Museum, which houses artifacts and treasures from the Saqqara complex.
Day 5: Alexandria Today, you will leave Cairo and travel to Alexandria, the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.” Upon arrival, you will visit the stunning Qaitbay Citadel, a fortress built in the 15th century to protect Alexandria from invaders. You will also see the elegant Abu Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque, a stunning example of Islamic architecture. In the afternoon, you will take a stroll along the picturesque Corniche and enjoy the sea views.
Day 6: Alexandria On the second day in Alexandria, you will visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library that houses millions of books and artifacts. You will also explore the Roman Amphitheatre, which dates back to the 2nd century AD, and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a complex of tombs that was rediscovered in the early 20th century.
Day 7: Return to Cairo After breakfast, you will leave Alexandria and return to Cairo. You will have the rest of the day to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Day 8: Departure After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions:
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or any other location of your choice in Cairo or Alexandria
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation for 7 nights in a 4-star hotel
- English-speaking tour guide
- Admission fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Lunch and dinner
- Optional activities and tours not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities (recommended)
Pricing:
Accommodation Plan (A) 5 stars:
Cairo:Le Méridien – Steigenberger Pyramids- Ramses Hilton- Helnan – Barcelo Pyramids- Pyramisa
Luxor: Steigenberger Nile.
Nile cruises: MS Emilio, MS Radamis, MS Princess, MS Sara
| 3 Stars | 4 Stars | 5 Stars | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person in DBL or TRPL Room | 1150 $ | 1190 $ | 1270 $ |
| Solo traveler | 1820 $ | 1880 $ | 1990 $ |
| Christmas & Easter – DBL or TRPL Room | 1330 $ | 1325 $ | 1415 $ |
| Christmas & Easter – Solo Traveler | 2035 $ | 3100 $ | 3220 $ |
Accommodation Plan (B) Luxury:
Cairo: Kempinski – Fairmont Cairo – Hilton Curnrad -Marriott Sheraton- Hilton Golf pyramids
Luxor: Hilton – Sonesta St. George.
Nile Cruises: MS Amwaj Nile Cruise, MS Nile Premium, MS Bule shadow, MS Jaz Jubilee, Crown Emperor, Steigenberger.
| All year round | Christmas and Easter | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person in dbl room | 2060 $ | 2570 $ |
| Solo traveller | 3035 $ | 3595 $ |
Ultimate Luxury:
Cairo: Four Seasons -Marriott Mena House – Kempinski Nile Deluxe – Fairmont Nile Premium – Hyatt Regency
Luxor: Sofitel Winter Palace.
Nile cruises: Sanctuary Sun Boat – Oberoi Cruises – Movenpick Royal Cruises – Sonesta Cruises – Le Fayan – Ms Farah -MS Acamar
| All year round | Christmas and Easter | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person in dbl room | 3590 $ | 4100 $ |
| Solo traveller | 5255 $ | 5815 $ |
Tips and Advice for Travelers:
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved.
- Carry a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated.
- Be cautious when buying souvenirs at the bazaar and negotiate the price before purchasing.
- Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, such as koshari, ful medames, and falafel.
Trip Notes:
- This tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and climbing stairs.
- The tour is available year-round, except during major holidays and festivals.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions or unexpected closures of attractions.
FAQs:
Q: Is it safe to travel to Egypt? A: Yes, Egypt is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it’s always recommended to take necessary precautions and follow the advice of your tour guide.
Q: Do I need a visa to enter Egypt? A: Yes, most visitors require a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or apply for an e-visa before your trip.
Q: Can I customize the tour itinerary? A: Yes, we offer customization options to suit the needs of our travelers. Please contact us for more information.