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
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.
Ja'mika T.
“You should book with Maryem!”
Maryem is wonderful! My family and I are so glad we booked with her. We booked a pyramids tour and also the GEM. She was very very knowledgeable of all the history with great detail, she was so kind, and she helped us with the different booking processes for tickets and Ubers. We felt so at ease and learned so much about the history. She made everything so smooth and fun for us!! It was such a great experience! 1000/10 stars from us!
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Maryem H.
Thank you so much Mika for your thoughtful words. It means a lot to me. I'm so glad you all loved Giza and enjoyed your time with me. It was a pleasure meeting you all and guiding you through the day. I feel so lucky with my work as it gives me the chance to meet such nice and wonderful people! wish you all the best and more travels to come <3
Christine D.
“Organized and fun”
Maryem is a super fun guide and very organized. She arranged not only this tour, but also a driver/car to Alexandria and a trip to El Faiyum (El Faiyum was a blast). She checked on us to make sure we were doing okay and seeing and doing all the things we were supposed to do and see. She is very conscientious. It was nice to have a friend available for questions or help. Thank you for a memorable trip.
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Maryem H.
Thank you Chritine so much for your kind words! It was such a pleasure having you here, and I’m really happy you enjoyed your time in Egypt especially Fayoum! I loved your energy. it was so fun for me to accompany you all along, getting to know you and being part of your trip. I’m glad I could help make things a little easier and more enjoyable along the way. Wishing you both many more wonderful travels.
$72/ per group
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