NMEC, Citadel & Old Cairo Tour | Private Cairo Day Tour

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization – NMEC Begin your tour at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat. NMEC is dedicated to presenting the richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization throughout the ages. Its collections cover Egypt's long history, from prehistoric periods through ancient Egypt and later Greek, Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern periods. Explore the museum's galleries with your Egyptologist and learn how Egyptian culture developed and changed over thousands of years. One of the highlights is the Royal Mummies Gallery, where visitors can see the mummies of some of ancient Egypt's most famous rulers and learn about royal burial customs, mummification and ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. Your guide will focus on the most important collections and explain their historical significance, making the museum visit informative without overwhelming you with too much information. Saladin Citadel Continue to the historic Citadel of Saladin, one of Cairo's most important medieval landmarks. The Citadel was initiated by Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, known in the West as Saladin, in the 12th century as a strategic defensive fortress overlooking Cairo. Its elevated position on the Muqattam Hills provided an important military advantage and today offers excellent panoramic views of the city. Walk through the historic fortress grounds while your Egyptologist explains its role in Cairo's political and military history. The Citadel remained an important center of power for centuries, and successive rulers added mosques, palaces and other structures to the complex. Mosque of Muhammad Ali Inside the Citadel, visit the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, one of Cairo's most recognizable landmarks. Built during the 19th century, the mosque dominates the Citadel skyline with its large central dome, elegant minarets and Ottoman-influenced architecture. Enter the mosque's impressive courtyard and interior while your guide explains its architecture, history and importance to Cairo. The Citadel complex also contains several other historic buildings and museums, reflecting the site's long history as a center of government and royal power. Take time to enjoy the panoramic view of Cairo from the Citadel before continuing to Old Cairo. Old Cairo – Coptic Cairo Continue to Old Cairo, one of the city's most historically significant areas. Explore the historic Coptic quarter and discover monuments representing the long Christian heritage of Egypt. Visit the famous Hanging Church, one of Cairo's best-known Coptic churches, and learn about the history of Christianity in Egypt. Continue to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, traditionally associated with the Holy Family's journey in Egypt. Your Egyptologist will explain the history of Coptic Christianity and the importance of Old Cairo as a religious and cultural center. Ben Ezra Synagogue – Optional / Subject to Opening If open and available during your visit, you may also visit the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, an important part of Old Cairo's Jewish heritage. Your guide can explain the history of Cairo's Jewish community and the significance of the synagogue within the religious history of the area. Lunch  Enjoy our lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant.  your guide can recommend traditional Egyptian cuisine or a restaurant specializing in local dishes. Lunch is included in the standard tour price. Return to Your Hotel After completing your sightseeing, relax in your private air-conditioned vehicle while your driver takes you back to your Cairo or Giza hotel. Your private NMEC, Citadel and Old Cairo experience ends with a convenient hotel drop-off.