Things to Do in Egypt - Old Cairo Tour

Old Cairo tour was always one of the best things to do in Egypt within your vacation as this part of the city is very rich of classical and important monuments and architecture wonders dated back to various periods of Egypt history

Almost of attractions there are originally religious attractions of the three Ibrahamic religious, and that is why the area is widely called " Religions Complex", Synagogues, Churches and Mosques are very scattered everywhere in the area, within the below few lines we will spot on the best landmarks in the area and the most famous attractions to visit while being there:

1 - Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra synagogue is one of the most important and famous synagogues of Jews in Egypt, it was originally a Christian  church of Orthodox church in Egypt before they sold it for the Jews after financial hardship and it was named Ezra after one of the most important Jewish rabbis

Regarding religious importance of the Synagogue there are many stories tell about that the spot of synagogue was used by Moses the prophet for praying and religious ceremonies, Also there are so many other stories but one of them is not confirmed yet

2 - Hanging Church

Hanging Church of Cairo is considered one of the most ancient churches in Egypt and the whole area of middle east as well, the church which was built before the fifth century is one of the hollies spots for Christians and Copts in Egypt as it is toughly thought that church is just constructed above a cache which was used by Virgin Merry and Baby Christ during their holy journey to Egypt early in the first century AD escaping persecution of the Roman ruler of Palestine Heridos.

Actually we do not have specific date of Church building but is sure that church was built before the fifth century, also church was renewed many time during the Islamic reign of Egypt in the periods of Caliph Haroun Al-Rashid, Al-Aziz Al-Fatemy. Al Zahir and so many others

Church started to be used as seat of Papal since Pope Khirstodoles, also so many saints and popes were buried there since eleventh and twelventh centuries and they have many icons and images their.

Finally church is known as Muallakah or Hanging church as it was built just above two old towers of famous Babylon pylon

3 - St Sergius Church

Church of St Sergius or also know as Aby Sirga in Arabic was built on another cave used by the holy family during their trip to Egypt, the altar in the church is just located above this cave.

church was built according to the traditional Basilica style and is located between the Ben Ezra synagogue and St Berbera church

4 - Coptic Museum

Coptic museum was constructed in 1910 to be an exhibition of ancient artifacts, bibles and antiquities of Christian eras in Egypt

Museum is constructed above 8000 meters and has many halls and is divided into sections according to nature of objects and their date, Also museum was always a matter of interest by the Egyptian government, it was renewed and reopened 1984 and it receives more than 82000 visitors yearly

5 - Mosque of Amr Ibn Alaas
Amr Ibn Alaas mosque is just considered the first and most ancient Jamea mosque in Egypt and the whole Africa which was built directly after leader Amr entered Egypt.
Mosque was constructed to be the spot and heart of new Egypt capital of Al-Fustat
In the year 564 of Hijra mosque and whole city of Fustat was burned by Shawer, but it was once renewed by leader Saladin and his name is still engraved there yet
Nowadays, Amr Ibn Alas Mosque is still one of the most interest mosques in Egypt and occupy a great importance in Egyptian Muslims hearts

To know more about Old Cairo tour, Kindly follow the link

    

12 facts you need to know before your next trip Cairo:

1 – Cairo is very crowded city where more than 15 million live in, you have to consider this within your trip planning in order to avoid any lateness or being on hurry while your visit specially to those who have so limited time to make their tours like stopover travelers or quick tour tourists

2 – Large number of attractions are located in Cairo, you have to decide what you exactly need to visit and what to discover firstly, set your priorities, know your real desires and then plan the tour accordingly

3 – In Cairo there are a lot of transportation means, local cabs, white cabs, London cabs metro, microbuses, buses and so on
for travelers, never to use buses or microbuses, you really wont like to be involved in, avoid local taxies, just you can use London taxis or white ones, Regarding metro; it is ok to use it just if you avoided rush hours.
best way to transfer is still a previous booking by local tour operator or limousine by your accommodation hotel

4 – Vendors are everywhere!! This is a fact which bothers locals than travelers, you do not have to deal with a vendor without your private guide to avoid losing value of money.
for your shopping, there is no place to go better than Khan Elkhalily market, also you can find many bazaars near to every tour attraction

5 – There is no lucky rings, there is no pharaohs formula, there is no magical objects, all are just a words to let you buy vendors products !!

6 – Before your free tours in the city, it is so recommended to leave your contact number to hotel reception in order to find you if you got lost

7 – There is no specific code of dress in Egypt, feel free to wear what you like, just try to get conservative clothing if you intend to visit mosques, churches or local parts of the city, people will not be happy to see someone does not show the enough respect to their holy places

8 – Do not try to have local food by street vendors or restaurants, you may like its appearance, its taste but for sure you won't like what may catch you after.

9 – For water, just use mineral bottled water, it does not charge so much but for sure it will be rather better

10 – English is used widely among university students and business men, French is the second language, anyway try to know some Arabic statements to use in common situations, like thank you, please, how to go, I am lost and help me

11 – Almost of Egyptians are so kind and welcome their guest warmly, but because of economic intermediate many beggars started to appear in streets and other people started to think tourist is just a movable bank, Do not take so much money with you within visits, use credit cards better, ATMs are allowed anywhere and available to use

12 -  Finally, Guided tours are the best way to explore Egypt safely and to enjoy every single moment within your trip

Things to Do in Egypt: Visit Khan Elkhalili

Khan Elkhalili is a major souk in the Islamic district of Cairo. The bazaar district is one of Cairo’s main attractions for tourists and Egyptians alike, it is dates back to 1382, when Emir Djaharks el-Khalili built a large caravanserai in Cairo
n addition to shops, there are several coffeehouses, restaurants, and street food vendors distributed throughout the market. The coffeeshops are generally small and quite traditional, serving Arabic coffee and usually offering shisha. The al-Hussein Mosque is also in Khan el-Khalili; Al-Azhar Universityand its mosque are not far away.
Naguib Mahfouz’s novel Midaq Alley (1947) is set in an alley in Khan el-Khalili.

Source: http://goldenegypttours.net/khan-el-khalili/.html

Visit Egypt .. with Photos !!

Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations and a gift of Nile, Egypt is the land of many religions and also gateway to Africa. Egypt is witness from fifty centuries for the development of civilization and cultures through many Christian, Islamic and Pharaonic periods. Egypt invites you to enjoy and visit its ancient splendors of pharaohs, early glory period of Christianity, Seafloors of exploring sea and Islamic masterpieces, also its isolated desert from Nile fertility. We offer Egypt quick trips and Egypt shore excursions from all the ports of Egypt. Feel the beauty and experience of shore excursions with us and we will make them memorable for you. Our strength is our flexibility and our aim is to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible, to make you return to this wonderful country again.