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
Yusuf A.
“Maryem H is the best ”
Maryem provides a simply excellent service and I am really pleased. In addition to exploring the pyramids, she provided great insight into the history and broader context. She has a depth of knowledge and her pleasant manner makes it easy to engage with her. I would highly recommend Maryem for this and other tours in Cairo.
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!
$72/ per group
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City of the Dead: A Heritage Walk Through Cairo’s Living Necropolis
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City of the Dead: A Heritage Walk Through Cairo’s Living Necropolis
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