Islamic CairoCitadel of Salah Aldin and Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Islamic CairoCitadel of Salah Aldin and Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

On this tour of Egypt, explore Cairo, its architecture and its bustling city life. Explore the local markets and jewellery shops at El Khalili, built in the 14th Century AD. Admire the colourful, handmade wares on display. For some history, explore the Citadel of Salah El Din, located atop the El Moqattam hills, enjoy panoramic views of Cairo.
Admire the artistic beauty of Islamic monuments in the mosques, houses, fortresses and many other buildings influenced by the religion and culture of Islam. Explore the Ahmad-Ibn Tulun Mosque, one of the earliest and the largest mosques built in Islamic Egypt. Appreciate its gypsum ornamentation and religious Islamic engravings.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Al-Basatin, off Al-Saliba Street, Cairo 11511 Egypt

Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque: It is the third mosque built in Islamic Egypt. It was completed in 878 AD by Al Amir Ahmed Ibn Tulun, founder of the Tulunid Dynasty. The mosque is known for its varied gypsum ornamentations and engravings. It has a unique minaret with staircase from the outside.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Al-Azhar Mosque, Mohammed Abdou El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo 11511 Egypt

Al Azhar: It is the first mosque of Fatimide Cairo, built by Jawhar Al-Sekelli, commander of the armies of Al-Mo’ez le Din Allah. The mosque has three minarets, one if which is a twin minaret from the age of Sultan Al Gohari.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, Maydan Salah al-Din, Cairo 11511 Egypt

Sultan Hassan School and Mosques: It is regarded as the pearl of Islamic architecture. It was set up by sultan Hassan Ibn Mohammed Ibn Qalawoun in the 14th century as a mosque and school for the four Islamic doctrines. It covers an area of 7,906 metre square, with a 38-metre high entrance - the most splendid entrance of Islamic monuments in Egypt.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gayer-Anderson Museum (Bayt al-Kiritliya), 4 Maydan Ibn Tulun Old Cairo, Cairo 11511 Egypt

Gayer-Anderson Museum: The museum was founded in 1937 in two ancient residences, the Beit el-Kiridiliya from 1632 and the Beit Amna Bent Salim from 1540. In the museum, you will come across the private collection of Major Gayer-Anderson besides furniture, glassware, crystal, carpets, silks and embroidered Arab costumes. Several rooms on the third floor have been reconstructed to house the collections

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Al Abageyah Qism El-Khalifa, Cairo 11511 Egypt

After exploring the Islamic monuments of Cairo, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Further on, proceed to the Citadel of Salah El Din. It was built by Salah El Din El Ayoubi in 1183 AD in the medieval castle style. The citadel comprises a number of important monuments including the Mosque of Soliman Pasha, the 90 metre deep Joseph’s well, the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. The walls of the mosque are coated with alabaster and had gild-decorated crowns.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Khan Al-Khalili, Cairo Egypt

Further on, proceed to the Khan El Kahili Bazaar and El Sagha (jewellery shops). It is one of the earliest and greatest markets in the Middle East. Built in the 14th century, it has many stores exhibiting a wonderful collection of jewellery, wooden artefacts embossed with pearls, leather ware, embroidered dresses and a range of impressive souvenirs.

After exploring the market, you will be dropped back to your hotel in Cairo.

Duration: 2 hours