Islamic and Coptic Cairo Shore Excursion from Alexandria

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.

1. 1

   Mosque of Muhammad Ali

   2 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Coptic Cairo

   2 hours

   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.

• 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

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.