Duration: 8 hours
Starts from: Cairo
Group size: Up to 12 guests
Difficulty: Easy

Overview

A private full day introducing Cairo: the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, the Hanging Church and old churches of Coptic Cairo, and the lanes of Khan El Khalili.

If you have just arrived in Cairo and want to get your bearings, this day gives you a feel for the city's long history. Your private car and guide collect you from your hotel and start at the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, whose galleries of statues, coffins, papyri and jewellery introduce the world of the pharaohs.

Next you head south to Coptic Cairo, the walled quarter where some of Egypt's oldest churches stand within the remains of a Roman fortress. You climb the steps of the Hanging Church, built above the fortress gatehouse, and step into its wooden-roofed nave, hung with icons, before walking the narrow lanes nearby.

The day ends in Khan El Khalili, where alleys of copper, lamps, spices and perfume bottles lead off from the main square and cafés serve tea to passers-by. After about eight hours you're back at your hotel.

Highlights

The Egyptian Museum's ancient artefacts
The churches of Coptic Cairo
The Hanging Church
Shopping in Khan El Khalili
An easy introduction to Cairo's history

Itinerary

1
Day 1
Hotel → Egyptian Museum → Coptic Cairo → Khan El Khalili → Hotel
Morning pickup and a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum. You continue to Coptic Cairo and the Hanging Church, then finish with time in Khan El Khalili. Back at your hotel after about eight hours.