From Cairo: Half Day Islamic Art & Historic Architecture Tour
CAIRO
Overview
Delve into the artistic soul of Islamic Cairo on this cultivated half-day tour, exploring masterpieces that span centuries of creativity, devotion, and craftsmanship. From the world-renowned Museum of Islamic Art to the atmospheric Gayer-Anderson House and the monumental Mosque of Ibn Tulun, this journey reveals the elegance, innovation, and cultural depth that define Egypt’s Islamic heritage.
Highlights
- Visit the Museum of Islamic Art, home to one of the world’s richest collections of Islamic artifacts
- Explore the enchanting Gayer-Anderson Museum, a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era residence
- Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Cairo’s oldest and largest mosque
- Enjoy expert commentary from a professional Egyptologist guide
- Travel comfortably with private, air-conditioned transportation
Detailed Itinerary
Museum of Islamic Art: Masterpieces Across the Centuries
Your tour begins at the distinguished Museum of Islamic Art, a landmark institution renowned for its expansive and meticulously curated collection. As you wander through its elegant galleries, you’ll encounter masterpieces from across the Islamic world — intricately carved woodwork, luminous ceramics, rare manuscripts, metalwork, textiles, and scientific instruments. Each piece reflects the diverse artistic traditions of regions spanning from Spain to Central Asia, all gracefully presented in an atmospheric, Mamluk-inspired museum setting. Your Egyptologist guide highlights the innovations, symbolism, and cultural exchanges that shaped Islamic art over the centuries, offering a rich contextual understanding for each treasure you encounter.
Gayer-Anderson Museum: A Time Capsule of Old Cairo
Continue to the nearby Gayer-Anderson Museum, a charming pair of Ottoman-era houses lovingly restored by British officer Gayer-Anderson Pasha in the early 20th century. Step through its wooden mashrabiya screens and labyrinthine rooms to discover intimate courtyards, antique furnishings, Egyptian and Asian art collections, and architectural details that evoke the daily life of Cairo’s elite households centuries ago. The house’s atmospheric rooms have captivated filmmakers and travelers alike — including scenes from the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun: A Monument of Timeless Simplicity
Your final stop is the majestic Mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of Cairo’s oldest surviving mosques and a stunning example of early Islamic architecture. Built in the 9th century, its vast open courtyard, harmonious arcades, and unique spiral-tiered minaret evoke the golden age of the Abbasid period. From the minaret’s viewpoint — accessible for those who wish to climb — the surrounding neighborhood unfolds in a panorama of historic rooftops and domes.
Return to Your Hotel
After experiencing the rich artistic and architectural heritage of Islamic Cairo, relax during your private transfer back to your hotel.
What's Included
- Private round-trip transfers from your Cairo or Giza hotel
- Licensed Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- Bottled water during the tour
- All taxes and service charges
What's Not Included
- Meals and personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
Know before you go
- •Tour Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- •Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- •Walking Level: Easy to moderate
- •Dress Code: Modest clothing recommended for mosque entry
- •Guide Language: English (other languages available upon request)
- •Photography: Allowed at most sites; some museum restrictions may apply
- •Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle
What to bring
- •Passport or ID
- •Comfortable walking shoes
- •Modest clothing for visiting the mosque
- •Camera or smartphone
- •Sun protection for outdoor areas
- •Small cash for personal purchases
Cancellation Policy
We strive to provide the best service to our customers and understand that circumstances may arise requiring a cancellation. The following conditions apply upon cancellation:
- Cancellation 72 hours or more before the scheduled trip/service time: The client is entitled to a full refund of the amount paid.
- Cancellation less than 72 hours before the scheduled trip/service time: In this case, no part of the amount paid will be refunded.
Important Notes:
- The cancellation period is calculated based on the date and time the formal cancellation request is received.
- The refund process may take a few business days to reflect in the client's account, depending on the bank or payment method used.
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