Giza Pyramids and Islamic Cairo Tour

Egypt is a significant nation with numerous must-see attractions. It is best to join a guided day tour if you want to see all of the highlights, including the Giza Pyramids, Islamic Cairo to The Citadel, and Khan El Khalili. By doing this, you can be sure that you won't miss any of this fascinating nation's top attractions.

With Cairo Top Tours, you have the option to book both private tours and group tours, and the choice depends on your preferences, budget, and the type of experience you seek. Here's a breakdown of both options to help you decide:

Private Tours:

Customized Experience: Private tours allow you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. You can work with the tour operator or guide to create a personalized experience tailored to your needs.

Flexible Schedule: Private tours often offer more flexibility regarding the start time, duration, and pace of the tour. You can spend more time at the attractions that interest you the most.

Personal Attention: With a private tour, you receive one-on-one attention from your guide, making it easier to ask questions, engage in discussions, and gain in-depth insights into the history and culture of Cairo.

Privacy: If you value privacy, a private tour allows you to explore the attractions without the presence of other tourists.

Ideal for Small Groups: Private tours are also suitable for small groups of friends or family traveling together.

Group Tours:

Cost-Effective: Group tours are often more budget-friendly than private tours, as the cost is shared among multiple participants.

Social Interaction: Group tours provide an opportunity to meet and interact with fellow travelers from around the world, making it a social experience.

Fixed Itinerary: Group tours typically have a set itinerary, so there may be less flexibility to customize the tour to your specific interests.

Scheduled Departures: Group tours have scheduled departure times, so you'll need to adhere to the tour's timing.

Less Personalization: Due to the larger group size, it may be more challenging to have one-on-one interactions with the guide.

Khan El Khalili is a historic market and bazaar in Cairo, Egypt, known for its bustling atmosphere, diverse shops, and vibrant street life. To make the most of your visit to Khan El Khalili, consider the following tips regarding the best time to go:

Morning Hours: Visiting Khan El Khalili in the morning, shortly after the market opens, can provide a more relaxed and less crowded experience. Shopkeepers are often arranging their merchandise, and you can explore the narrow streets and alleyways with ease.

Weekdays: Weekdays, from Sunday to Thursday, tend to be less crowded than weekends, when both locals and tourists flock to the market. If possible, plan your visit during the workweek.

Avoid Peak Tourist Hours: Khan El Khalili is a popular tourist destination, so it can become crowded during peak tourist hours, typically between late morning and early afternoon. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting earlier in the day or in the late afternoon.

Late Afternoon and Evening: The market comes alive in the late afternoon and evening when locals and tourists gather to shop, dine, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. It's an excellent time for dining at local restaurants and experiencing the energy of the market.

Ramadan: During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Khan El Khalili can be especially lively in the evenings when Muslims break their fast (Iftar). It's an opportunity to enjoy special Ramadan foods and sweets.

Fridays: On Fridays, when the noon prayer (Jumu'ah) takes place, some shops and businesses may close temporarily, so plan your visit accordingly. The market tends to pick up later in the afternoon.

Local Holidays and Festivals: Check if there are any local holidays or festivals in Cairo that coincide with your visit. These events can add a unique cultural dimension to your experience at Khan El Khalili.

Winter Months: Cairo's weather is most pleasant during the winter months, from November to February. The temperatures are cooler, making it more comfortable to explore the market on foot.

Summer Caution: Be aware that Cairo experiences extremely hot temperatures during the summer months, particularly in July and August. If visiting during this time, be prepared for the heat and stay hydrated.

Local Advice: Consider asking locals or your hotel concierge for advice on the best time to visit Khan El Khalili based on your preferences and interests.

The Egyptian Museum, also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities or the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, is one of the most renowned museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The history of the Egyptian Museum is as fascinating as the artifacts it contains.

Foundation and Early History:
The museum was established in 1835 by the order of the ruler of Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha, with the aim of preserving and displaying Egypt's rich cultural heritage.
Originally, the museum was housed in a small building near the Ezbekeyah Garden in Cairo.

Move to Tahrir Square:
In 1855, the decision was made to move the museum to a more prominent location, which is its current location in Tahrir Square in Cairo.
The new museum building was designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon and inaugurated in 1902.

Expansion and Renovation:
Over the years, the museum's collection has grown significantly through archaeological excavations and acquisitions.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the museum underwent renovations and expansions to modernize its facilities and improve its exhibits.

Treasures of Tutankhamun:
The museum gained worldwide fame and recognition with the discovery of the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter.
The tomb's contents, including the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun, became the museum's most iconic and celebrated exhibit.

The museum's role in preserving heritage:
The Egyptian Museum has played a crucial role in preserving and protecting Egypt's cultural heritage by collecting, studying, and conserving thousands of artifacts.

   Contemporary Challenges:
The museum faced various challenges, including maintaining and preserving its extensive collection, especially as some artifacts showed signs of deterioration.
The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which opened in 2021, has been seen as a response to these challenges. The GEM is designed to house a large portion of the Egyptian Museum's collection and provide modern exhibition spaces and preservation facilities.

Impact of Recent Events:
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square has been affected by political and social upheavals in Egypt, including the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. There have been reports of theft and damage to some artifacts during these periods.

The Alabaster mosque or Mohamed Ali mosque within the Citadel; Al Nasser Mohamed ibn Qalaoon mosque within the Citadel; El Rifae Mosque and Sultan Hassan mosque near the Citadel; Amr Ibn El Aas mosque in old Cairo; Al Azhar mosque; Ibn Tulun mosque; the hanging church; Saint Barbara church; Saints Sergius and Bacchus church; and Saint Mary church

Photography is generally allowed at most tourist sites, but there may be restrictions at certain locations. It's best to ask your guide for guidance.

Yes, tourists can visit mosques and various religious sites in Egypt. However, there are certain guidelines and etiquette to follow when visiting these places of worship:

•     Mosques.
• Al-Azhar Mosque (Cairo)
• Muhammad Ali Mosque (Cairo Citadel)
• Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa'i Mosque (Cairo)
• Mosque of Ibn Tulun (Cairo)
•     Religious Festivals.
• Coptic Christian Sites

The Giza Pyramids, located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, are one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in the world. They are ancient pyramid complexes that were built as tombs for pharaohs during the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. The three main pyramids at Giza are the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mykerinos).

There isn't a set dress code at The Citadel, but we do ask that you don't wear headwear since they could block other customers' views.