Islamic medieval Cairo: Madrasa and mosque of Sultan Hassan, Refaai, Ibn Tulun and Gayer Anderson
This tour is a must for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of medieval Islamic Cairo, the city of a thousand minarets. We will visit the magnificent Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, known as the pyramid of Islamic architecture, and explore the oldest surviving mosque in Cairo, Ibn Tulun Mosque. We will finish at Gayer-Anderson Museum, discovering its hidden stories, unique history of the houses, and the fascinating life of the Irish officer who lived there.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Sultan Hassan enterance
- Tickets window inside of Sultan Hassan and Refaai
the madrasa of Sultan Hassan
Start our tour by explaining the beautiful islamic architecture and the history of the school and the mosque.
And which Islamic capitals are we passing by today
Al-Refaai Mosque
19th century mosque made on new mamluki style, inside tombs of the royal family and the last shah of Iran.
Ibn Tulun mosque
This unique mosque that considered the oldest mosque preserved in Cairo.
with its unique architecture, that make him the only mosque in Cairo that built this way.
we will know the story of Ahmed Ibn Tulun and his dynasty
Gayer Anderson museum
Gayer Anderson museum or Beit Elkreitleya. Its 2 old Islamic houses that are just by Ibn Tulun mosque.
we will know some of Cairo superstitious stories and legend beyond the beautiful that houses. and how it's the location of Egyptian and western movies. and much more about the Irish official that was the last owner of the house.
Ending Point
Gayer Anderson museum
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
. Entrance tickets ( Sultan Hassan 220 Egp and Gayer Anderson 100 Egp)
. Tips inside mosques
Tour Important Information
* It's a walking tour and the space between Al-Refaai and Ibn Tulun is around 13 mins walking.
We can walk and enjoy the streets or we can go by tukuk.
* We can add Arabic calligraphy workshop after the first 2 mosques for extra immersion. Need to be booked in advance.
*Egyptian pounds change is important in this tour for tipping inside the mosques
Preferred to skip Fridays as all of the mosques close at the prayer time from around 12:30 to 1:30
but if it's the only day you are free we will manage to make it around these times
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 love stories, adventures, and languages—the way they connect people across time and place. Egypt is full of all of these, and I would love to share them with you.
I became a tour guide because I wanted a career that combined travel, culture, and meeting people from around the world. What started as curiosity became a journey I am truly grateful for. I studied history to become a licensed tour guide, and my passion for Egyptian history continues far beyond my studies.
Whether you are fascinated by Ancient Egypt, curious about Islamic Cairo, or interested in Coptic history, I would be happy to guide you through Egypt’s rich and layered past. I believe storytelling has the power to bring silent stones and ancient places back to life, helping us connect with the people who came before us—and with one another.
As someone who loves learning from different cultures, meeting travelers from around the world has always inspired me. I speak both English and Japanese, which allows me to connect with a wide range of visitors and create experiences that feel personal, engaging, and memorable.
Beyond historical tours, I also enjoy creating off-the-beaten-path experiences, from cultural activities to nature adventures, tailored to what you are most excited to experience in Egypt.
When you explore Egypt with me, I will show you the country through the eyes of a true Cairene who deeply loves her city—blending history, culture, and modern local life. 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.
Feel free to contact me and customize your ideal tour—I would be delighted to help you experience Egypt in a meaningful way.
Reviews
Jill L.
“We have not had the tour yet”
We have not had the tour yet. We only paid for “ government permission”
Robert B.
“The best tour starts with a great guide --”
We wanted a private guide for Sakkara and the old Cairo Museum, and we hit the jackpot with Maryem! Some guides recite from a script, but Maryem speaks fluently from deep knowledge and interest in her country's past and present. Talk to her, you will enjoy the conversation and her personality. Although we chose to skip the Coptic Museum due to time constraints, during the car ride Maryem gave us an amazing overview of what makes Coptic art so special. Finally, when we worked on customizing our tour with her, we didn't want to waste time on lunch... but the lunch Maryem built into our tour was the best meal we had in Egypt! Thank you Maryem H for a memorable day!
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Maryem H.
Thank you Bob so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure spending the day with you and sharing some of Egypt’s history, art, and culture. I was especially happy with the tour, as it had a special requests for the places I love. I'm also very glad you enjoyed our conversations and the stories along the way. I’m even happier to hear that the lunch ended up being your favorite meal in Egypt! :D Thank you again for trusting me with your day in Cairo. And your kindness, fun open spirit along the way . Sharing your stories with me. It means a lot to me It was wonderful meeting you both, and I hope you've taken many beautiful memories of Egypt home with you.
Michael D.
“WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE ”
Had an amazing tour with M. We started off having a coffee about Cairo and Egypt's history. Her knowledge on not just the history and politics is amazing. We bumped into each other again the next day at the Grand Museum and took time to chat for 20 minutes. Really great person and great guide for anyone coming to Cairo. Cannot recommend enough. 5 stars.
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Maryem H.
Thank you so much, Michael! Your words mean a lot to me. It was truly great meeting you and having all those interesting conversations. I’m looking forward to your next visit to Cairo with longer days next time! Wishing you many more wonderful travels ahead.
$72/ per group
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