City of the Dead: A Heritage Walk Through Cairo’s Living Necropolis
Join me in a place full of life, art, and history as we explore the unique heritage of Cairo’s Necropolis. Known as the City of the Dead, this area defies its name—it is very much alive. Families live among the tombs, creating a rare landscape where daily life and memory coexist. Also called El Qarafa by Cairenes and the Mamluk Desert, it reflects one of Cairo’s most powerful eras.
I call it "Game of Thrones" era as it's the bloodiest one. also it was the peak of art and architecture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Mosque and Khanqah of Faraj Ibn Barquq
- This is a complex and considered the first tomb created in the city of the dead. the dome for burial is inside the mosque.
Funerary Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Barsbay
Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbay
Ending Point
Mausoleum of Khedive Tawfik, also known as Qubbat Afandina
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Transportation
Tips inside the area
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* I recommend women to not wear anything too revealing or short, as it's local neighborhood that people are more conservative.
* We don't have to cover our hair inside every mosque, but if it's a prayer time, we will have to so make sure to bring a scarf or shawl just in case.
* We will take off our shoes inside mosques, I recommend wearing socks as it's dusty at some places.
*There is a lot of small supermarkets, so water is no problem .
*No clean toilets.
Last time to start this tour will be 14:00
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Maryem H.
Hi there! My name is Maryem, and I am a licensed tour guide, certified by the Egyptian Tourism Authority. Guiding is my passion. From a very young age, I have loved stories and languages the way they connect people across time and place, and Egypt is gladly full of those.
I believe that knowledge and storytelling have the power to bring life back to silent stones and ancient buildings. They can transport us through time and, more importantly, connect people on a deeper level. At the end of the day, whether ancient or modern, we as people are not so different. No matter where you come from or what you believe, you can always find a part of yourself in these stories. That is what storytelling does—it gives history a heartbeat and makes it live again.
Meeting people from different cultures and learning about their perspectives has always inspired me, and I feel very fortunate as an Egyptian, a land where history and culture are alive at every corner.
I speak both English and Japanese, which allows me to connect with a wide range of visitors and share Egypt’s treasures in a way that feels personal and engaging. My goal as a guide is not only to present historical facts but also to bring them to life through storytelling, so that you can feel the spirit of ancient pharaohs, the beauty of Islamic Cairo, and the harmony of Egypt’s religious heritage.
When you explore Egypt with me, I will show you the country through a local lens—blending the historical, cultural, and modern insights that make each city unique. From the timeless pyramids of Giza to the vibrant streets of Cairo and the coastal charm of Alexandria, I look forward to welcoming you and sharing my beloved country with you.
You can contact me and customize your tour, feel free to reach me!
Reviews
Nina P.
“The Perfect First Experience in Egypt”
Maryem was an exceptional guide and truly made our experience unforgettable. She provided rich history and meaningful context at every stop, and encouraged our curiosity by welcoming all of our questions. Her knowledge of Egyptian culture and history was evident, and her friendly, warm personality made us feel comfortable right away. As first-time visitors to Egypt, we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. She also took great photos for us, which we really appreciated.
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Maryem H.
Thank you Nina so much for your kind words! It means so much to me. It was truly a pleasure spending this time with you and Mandy and sharing a part of Egypt’s history and culture with you. Your energy, and kindness made the tour special for me as well. Wishing you many more amazing travels, and I hope Egypt will always have a special place in your heart. And waiting for ur next visit :))
Dan-vlad P.
“True professional and a special person”
I spent a week in Egypt with my family and we had several tours with Maryem via Gowithguide (Giza Pyramids and Sphinx tours, Grand Egyptian Musem, Cairo Tower, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Sakkara Memphis and Dashur). It was a great experience, she is a true professional, reliable and a special person who made sure every part of the tour was flawless.
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Maryem H.
Thank you so much, Dan, for your kind words! I’m truly happy to hear that all of the tours went so well and that you had a great experience in Egypt. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you and your wonderful family, Diana and Darien, and sharing these special moments with you. You were so kind and warm. Sending you all my love from Egypt, and I hope to welcome you back again someday!
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Reina T.
“旧市街と素晴らしいディナー”
1日目は、ホテルまでお迎えに来てもらい、初めて会うことができました。彼女は最初から私たちに笑顔で、優しく色々と説明してくれて、とても安心できました。お昼は、地元のおいしいお店に連れて行ってくれました。モスクや、旧市街の散策は、ゆっくりとお茶をしながら楽しむことができます。ガイドでありながら、友達のように一緒に過ごせるのが、とても嬉しかったです。 何より、夜のディナーの場所は、今まで行った旅のレストランで、1番の景色、料理、安い、全てが最高でした。 とても良心的で、この日の夜は忘れられない日になりました。彼女は、私たちのツアーをいろいろ考えてくれて、本当に滞在になりました。 また会いたいと願っています。
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Maryem H.
Reinaさん、素敵なレビューを本当にありがとうございます とても嬉しくて、読んでいてたくさん元気をもらいました! 一緒に旧市街を歩いたり、お茶したり、ディナーも楽しんでいただけて本当に良かったです 私にとっても、とても楽しくて大切な時間でした。 ガイドとしてお二人に出会えて、本当に感謝していますし、楽しんでいただけてとても嬉しいです。 またReinaさんとお母様に、エジプトでも、日本でも、世界のどこかでお会いできるのを楽しみにしています
$65/ per group
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GEM the grand Egyptian museum
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From Ancient Craft to Living Tradition: NMEC & Fustat Pottery Experience
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Passeggiata A khan al Khalili
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