About This Tour
Explore the spiritual and cultural layers of Egypt with Tango Travel’s Islamic & Coptic Cairo Day Tour, departing directly from Ain El Sokhna Port. This unique shore excursion offers a rich alternative to the Pyramids — ideal for travelers who want to dive deep into the city’s living history, sacred landmarks, and local soul.
After a smooth pickup from your cruise ship, travel in comfort with your private Egyptologist guide to the heart of Old Cairo. Begin in Coptic Cairo, one of the earliest Christian communities in the world, where you’ll visit ancient churches and biblical sites such as the Hanging Church, the Cave Church, and the Holy Family Crypt, believed to be where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus stayed during their flight to Egypt.
Next, explore Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with mosques, minarets, medieval architecture, and bustling bazaars. Stroll down El Moez Street, visit the majestic Mosque of Sultan Hassan, and admire the Citadel of Saladin from outside or optionally explore inside.
You’ll also stop at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the Middle East’s oldest markets, where you can shop for spices, perfumes, jewelry, and handmade crafts — or simply sip tea at the legendary El Fishawy Café.
Enjoy an authentic Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to your cruise ship — with your soul filled and your memory card full.
This tour is ideal for those seeking history, architecture, faith, and authentic Cairo without the crowds at the pyramids.
Highlights
- All Transportation via Air Conditioned Car
- Multi Lingual Tour Guide
- All Entrance Fees for Sightseeing
What’s Included
- Round-trip transfer from Ain El Sokhna Port
- Private A/C vehicle with professional driver
- Expert Egyptologist guide
- Guided visits to Coptic and Islamic Cairo landmarks
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
- All service charges and taxes
- Guaranteed return to cruise ship
- Entry tickets to the Citadel or museums (optional)
- Personal shopping expenses
- Drinks at cafés or bazaar
- Tips for guide and driver
- Optional donation at churches/mosques
Tour Plan
Expand allCollapse allIslamic & Coptic Cairo Day Tour from Ain El Sokhna Port
06:00 AM – Pickup from Ain El Sokhna Port
Your Tango Travel guide greets you at the cruise terminal. Drive in a modern A/C vehicle to Old Cairo (~2 hours).
08:30 AM – Arrive in Coptic Cairo
Start your day with a guided walk through the Christian heart of Cairo:
- The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa) — suspended over a Roman gate
- Abu Serga Church — said to have sheltered the Holy Family
- Ben Ezra Synagogue — with centuries of religious manuscripts
- The Coptic Museum (optional entry)
10:30 AM – Drive to Islamic Cairo
Move into a different era as you explore Cairo's Islamic golden age.
11:00 AM – Visit El Moez Street
Walk through one of Cairo’s most historic streets, lined with:
- Mamluk and Ottoman mosques
- Medieval gates and Islamic schools
- Beautiful minarets, domes, and fountains
Optional: enter Sultan Qalawun Complex or Mosque of Al-Hakim.
12:30 PM – Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant
Enjoy a tasty Egyptian lunch with local flavors. Options for vegetarian or gluten-free meals available upon request.
01:30 PM – Visit Sultan Hassan Mosque & Saladin Citadel (Outside View)
Stop for photos and commentary at the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. View the Citadel of Saladin and Mosque of Muhammad Ali from outside or enter optionally if time allows.
02:30 PM – Explore Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Stroll through Cairo’s famous market:
- Buy souvenirs, spices, gold, and perfumes
- Take photos of old architecture and artisans
- Enjoy Egyptian tea or juice at El Fishawy Café
03:30 PM – Drive Back to Sokhna Port
Return to your cruise ship with plenty of time for boarding and rest.
05:30 PM – Arrival at Ain El Sokhna Cruise Port