Islamic & Coptic Cairo Shore Excursion from Alexandria
Description
Your ship docks at Alexandria, and instead of the pyramids you go for Cairo's other history, the medieval city of mosques, churches, and fortresses. The drive south is about 3 hours, and then your guide leads you through both the Islamic and Coptic sides of old Cairo. You climb to the Citadel of Saladin for the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the view over the city, then descend into Coptic Cairo for the Hanging Church, suspended over a Roman gate, and the ancient lanes around it. Lunch at a local restaurant is included. It is a long day with real driving, timed around your ship so you reboard comfortably. Ideal for cruise guests who have already seen the pyramids, or who simply prefer living cities to ancient ruins.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After the drive from Alexandria, you climb to the Citadel of Saladin, the hilltop fortress begun in 1176 to defend Cairo. At its center stands the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, its alabaster walls and twin Ottoman minarets visible across the city. Your guide walks you into the domed prayer hall and through eight centuries of rulers who held this height. From the terrace, the whole of Cairo spreads below, with the pyramids on the horizon on a clear day. Modest dress is needed to enter the mosque.
You then move to Coptic Cairo, the oldest Christian quarter in Egypt, set inside the walls of the Roman fortress of Babylon. The Hanging Church takes its name from being built over the fortress gatehouse, its nave seeming to float above the passage below, with parts dating to the 7th century. Your guide leads you through the shaded lanes to other ancient churches and the site linked to the Holy Family's stay in Egypt. Calm and walkable, it is a gentle counterpoint to the Citadel before the long drive back.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please share your cruise ship name and arrival/departure times when you book. Your guide will meet you at the Alexandria Port arrivals gate with an air-conditioned vehicle. The drive to Cairo is approximately 3 hours each way, so this is a full-day shore excursion with significant transit. Modest dress required for visits to mosques and churches (covered shoulders and knees, both genders); women may need to cover their hair at certain mosque interiors. We track ship arrivals in real time and ensure you return with at least 2 hours of buffer before sail-away.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Reviews(1)
The experience received during this trip was fantastic. The tour guide was very Knowledgeable and nice. The driver on this private tour offered us a very safe and comfortable tour.
thank you for sharing your feedback about your Islamic and Coptic Tour from Alexandria Port. We’re so happy to know you enjoyed The Greatest Coptic and Islamic Cairo Tour and that our guide’s knowledge and friendliness made your visit truly special. It’s also great to hear that your private driver provided a safe and comfortable experience throughout the day. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of Egypt’s history and hidden gems!
