After a warm welcome, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by an expert Egyptologist guide, to begin your immersive tour of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) & Old Cairo.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)

Start your journey at the impressive NMEC in Fustat, Old Cairo. Explore immersive galleries tracing Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times through Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern eras. In the Royal Mummies Gallery, witness the mummies of ancient kings and queens presented with cutting-edge interactive displays. Multimedia storytelling and atmospheric lighting create a cinematic experience, revealing the rituals, lives, and legacies of Egypt’s rulers. The museum’s modern architecture, including the striking “Hall of the Pyramid” with 3D screens and a panoramic model of Cairo, connects the city’s ancient past with its present.

Old Cairo – Babylon Fortress & Hanging Church

Next, venture into Old Cairo, beginning at the ruins of the ancient Babylon Fortress, whose stone walls whisper tales of Roman soldiers and early Christian pilgrims. Rising above the fortress is the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary’s), perched delicately over its walls. Inside, carved ceilings, wooden icons, and elegant arches create an atmosphere of peace and timeless devotion.

Church of Saints Sergius & Bacchus (Abu Serga)

A short walk brings you to Abu Serga, a humble yet historically rich basilica built on Roman fort remains. Beneath its sanctuary lies a crypt, traditionally believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. Your guide brings these spiritual stories to life, connecting you to centuries of faith and devotion.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

Continue to the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt’s oldest Jewish sites. Admire the intricately inlaid bimah, the mother-of-pearl hekhal, and surrounding walls steeped in history. Learn about the synagogue’s Geniza, a collection of medieval Jewish manuscripts, and discover its enduring legacy of faith, scholarship, and community.

Lunch

Pause for a traditional Egyptian lunch at a cozy local restaurant in Old Cairo. Enjoy dishes such as ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), freshly baked baladi bread, and a mixed salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. The warm ambiance and authentic flavors provide a perfect respite after a morning of exploration.

After this enriching experience, you’ll be driven back to your Cairo accommodation in your private air-conditioned vehicle, leaving with a profound appreciation for Egypt’s layered history and timeless culture.

Meals: Lunch