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Medieval Cairo

Medieval Cairo - ALY

To most people, the Middle Ages sound like forever ago; for Cairo, the period was one fascinating interlude in an already long, impressive history.

See the city's medieval highlights on this day-long tour, beginning in Old Cairo. You'll see Mohamed Ali Mosque, surrounded by a massive medieval rampart called The Citadel, and then do a walking tour of the Hanging Church — built in the 600s AD after Egypt had embraced the new-ish religion of Christianity — and nearby Ben Ezra, one of Egypt's oldest synagogues. Enjoy lunch and shopping at Khan el-Khalili bazaar, then sightseeing along al-Muizz street, famous for its grand mosques and old homes.

Shore Thing Highlights

  • Visit a few of Cairo's magnificent holy sites, representing three major world religions (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity)

  • Shop the stalls at the Khan el-Khalili, a bazaar dating back to the 14th century

  • Walk al-Muizz Street, lined with shops, prestigious mosques, and other high-importance architecture from the last millennium

Need to know

  • Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing

  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

  • Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing

  • Sailors should expect to walk over cobblestones, uneven pavement, and/or narrow streets

  • The order of sites visited may vary

  • Per government requirements, all Sailors going on any Shore Things excursions must carry their passport with them

  • Shoes must be removed and shoulders and knees covered for all visitors to Mohamed Ali Mosque

  • A snack box will be provided on the return drive

  • Shade is limited and daytime temperatures can be very high — please dress accordingly

  • Adult beverages are not available at lunch, due to lunch being served in a religious area

  • Approximately 3-hour drive each way to/from the pier

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