From: $60

The majestic Mosque of Mohamed Ali within the historic Citadel of Salah El Din, a prominent landmark in Cairo.

The intricately carved ablution fountain in the courtyard of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha in Cairo, under a clear sky.

Artifacts and visitors inside the Museum of Egyptian Civilization enjoying a Museum of Egyptian Civilization tour

A wide shot of the Citadel of Salah El Din, Cairo, showing the prominent Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its domed roof and twin minarets, towering above the surrounding stone walls and a courtyard filled with tourists.

An ornate, intricately decorated dome ceiling of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, featuring geometric patterns, gilded accents, and Arabic calligraphy.

The large, decorative fountain and courtyard of the Mohamed Ali Mosque, which is located inside the historic Citadel of Cairo.

The interior of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, with people scattered across a red carpeted floor, illuminated by many hanging spherical glass lamps and large chandeliers.

The interior of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) with a large circular display featuring illuminated ancient Egyptian symbols and hieroglyphs.

A glass display case in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) filled with various ancient Egyptian artifacts including wooden chairs, miniature coffins, and small statues.

An ancient Egyptian sarcophagus with vibrant patterns and hieroglyphs is showcased in a glass case at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

An interior view of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat, showing display cases with artifacts, including gold jewelry and a sarcophagus, under modern gallery lighting.

Tourists viewing an elaborately painted ancient Egyptian sarcophagus at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo.

A bronze bust of Khedive Ismail on display within a modern, well-lit gallery of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization Cairo.

The highly decorated, shining Gold Coffin of Nedjemankh on display at a museum dedicated to Egyptian Civilization in Cairo, Egypt.

Close-up view of the distinctive dome and cross of the Church of St. George in Old Cairo.

The ornate interior of St. Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga Church) in Coptic Cairo.

Interior view of the crypt and altar of the historic Abu Serga Church in Coptic Cairo.

Interior of the historic Church of St. Barbara in Coptic Cairo, showing the nave, aisles, and elaborate sanctuary screen.

Tourists at the entrance courtyard of the historic Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo.

Grand staircase leading up to the historic facade of The Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo, Egypt.

Interior view of the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Coptic Cairo, featuring a marble shrine, decorative columns, and hanging antique brass light fixtures, dimly lit with warm light.

Tour Details

Duration	8 Hours
Tour Location	NMEC / Citadel / Old Cairo
Tour Type	Daily Tour
Pickup	Your Hotel

An Incredible NMEC, Citadel & Old Cairo Experience

Step into more than 7,000 years of human history on an extraordinary day tour to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Citadel & Old Cairo, one of the Private Cairo one-day excursions. where the soul of ancient, medieval, and religious Egypt unfolds before your eyes in one seamless journey. This immersive experience blends the splendor of pharaonic achievements, the power of Islamic Cairo, and the spiritual heart of Coptic Christianity into one unforgettable day.

From the moment you enter the NMCE, home to the world-famous Royal Mummies Hall, you will feel time collapse into a single, breathtaking narrative. Continue to the mighty Saladin Citadel, where Cairo stretches endlessly beneath you, crowned by the majestic Mohamed Ali Mosque. Then wander through Old Cairo, one of the world’s most ancient Christian communities. In Abu Serga Church, you stand above the cave where the Holy Family found shelter. In the Church of St. Barbara, relics of early martyrs tell stories of resilience and faith. At the Hanging Church, suspended above the remains of the Roman fortress. At the Ben Ezra Synagogue, layers of Jewish history unfold in a place long associated with the story of Moses.

This Museum of Egyptian Civilization tour, Cairo Citadel tour, and Old Cairo sightseeing tour is designed for travelers who crave meaning, culture, and depth—not just photos. With expert guidance, seamless transportation, and a carefully paced experience, it offers a rich understanding of Cairo’s layered identity in a single, rewarding day.

If you end up falling in love with Cairo’s history, which most travelers do, you may also want to expand your trip with another classic experience. Many visitors pair this tour with the Giza Pyramids and GEM Tour for an even deeper look at Egypt’s treasures

Why Book This Tour

A complete cultural experience in one day
Expert-guided tour led by certified Egyptologists
Access to iconic sites like the Royal Mummies Hall
Perfect for all traveler types
Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off
Ideal for photographers and culture seekers
Explore the spiritual heart of Egypt
Affordable prices without compromising on quality or service.
24/7 customer support to assist with any concerns or inquiries.

Included

Meet and assist with a Tripidays representative at your hotel
Private or small-group tour with a professional Egyptologist guide
Air-conditioned modern vehicle
Entrance fees to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Entrance to the Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque
Visit Old Cairo’s top religious landmarks
Bottled water during the tour
Our assistance during your day
All Taxes and Charges.
Lunch Meal

Excluded

Personal expenses
Tipping (optional but appreciated)
Additional beverages during lunch
Any services not mentioned in the included section

Highlights of the NMEC, Citadel & Old Cairo Tour

Cairo Attractions

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Salah El-Din Citadel
Mohamed Ali Mosque

Old Cairo Attractions

Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergius)
Church of St. Barbara
The Hanging Church
Ben Ezra Synagogue

Itinerary Day Tour to The NMEC Citadel and Old Cairo

Pick up From Hotel
Your day begins with a smooth pickup from your Cairo hotel in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with tripidays. Your Egyptologist guide greets you, gives a brief introduction to the day’s itinerary, and ensures you are comfortable.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Your first stop is the prestigious National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), one of Egypt’s most modern and impressive museums. Here, the story of Egypt unfolds chronologically, covering prehistoric times and modern cultural developments.
Salah El-Din Citadel
Next, head to the historic Salah El-Din Citadel, a formidable fortress that offers a panoramic view of Cairo. Built in the 12th century, the Citadel is steeped in history and was once the heart of Egypt's governing body.
Mohamed Ali Mosque
Inside the Citadel complex lies one of Cairo’s most beloved landmarks, the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, also known as the “Alabaster Mosque.” Built in the Ottoman style, the mosque features gleaming domes and ornate interior artwork.

Lunch
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant. The menu typically includes flavorful Egyptian dishes such as grilled meats, rice, salads, and traditional bread.
Old Cairo
Your guide leads you into the heart of Old Cairo, a district overflowing with ancient Christian heritage and peaceful, narrow lanes. If Old Cairo resonates with you, you may enjoy exploring even more cultural sites across the city. The wider range of Egypt sightseeing tours for a day makes it easy to discover additional historical neighborhoods, mosques, and museums at your own pace.
Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergius)
Visit the Church of Abu Serga, also known as St. Sergius. This site is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Cairo, traditionally believed to have been built upon the location where the Holy Family sought refuge in Egypt.
Church of St. Barbara
After visiting the Church of Abu Serga, make your way to the Church of St. Barbara. This church is a prime example of Coptic architecture and holds a revered position among the religious landmarks of Old Cairo.
The Hanging Church
Next, visit the Hanging Church, one of Egypt's oldest churches, known for its unique design as it’s built above an ancient Roman fortress. With its stunning iconostasis and historic relics, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Egypt’s religious history.
Ben Ezra Synagogue
Your tour continues with a visit to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Cairo. This site holds significant historical and religious importance. It is famed for its stunning architecture and the discovery of the Cairo Geniza, a treasure trove of Jewish manuscript fragments found in a storeroom of the building.
Return to Your Hotel
After a day filled with exploration, wonder, and cultural discovery, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel. If you find yourself especially fascinated by Cairo’s early Christian and Islamic heritage, you might consider the Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo tour to your itinerary as well.

Note: You can let us know if you'd like to customize your tour itinerary to meet your needs. We value your input and aim to accommodate your requirements.

FAQs About the NMEC Citadel & Old Cairo Trip

A Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Citadel & Old Cairo tour offers a full-day cultural journey through Cairo’s top historical landmarks. Travelers explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and its Royal Mummies Hall, the Salah El-Din Citadel with the Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Old Cairo’s churches and synagogues.

A typical tour includes hotel pickup, a private Egyptologist guide, entrance to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization (including the Royal Mummies Hall), the Citadel with the Mohamed Ali Mosque, and key Old Cairo sites such as the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Lunch, bottled water, private transportation, and taxes are also included.

Most travelers spend 6–8 hours on this Cairo one day tour. The schedule includes hotel pickup, guided visits to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Citadel, Old Cairo’s churches and synagogue, and a traditional lunch. It is a full-day cultural experience designed to explore the highlights without rushing.

Yes, the Royal Mummies Hall at the Museum of Egyptian Civilization is included unless specifically excluded in the booking option. It’s one of the most popular stops on the tour and gives you a rare chance to see some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs preserved in exceptional condition.

Absolutely. Families often find this itinerary enjoyable because the sites are safe, educational, and visually impressive. The Citadel offers open spaces and panoramic views, while museums and churches provide engaging stories that kids enjoy. Private guiding also ensures flexibility based on your family’s pace.