Citadel of Saladin, Citadel Egypt

Fortress in Cairo

Sprawling over a limestone spur on the city's eastern edge, the Citadel, started by Saladin in 1176 as a fortification against the Crusaders, was home to Egypt’s rulers for 700 years. Their legacy is a collection of three very different mosques, several palaces (housing some either underwhelming, or nearly-always closed museums) and a couple of terraces with superb Cairo views – on a clear day you'll see Giza's Pyramids poking up in the far distance.

Cairo Tours

Following their overthrow of Saladin’s Ayyubid dynasty, the Mamluks enlarged the complex, adding sumptuous palaces and harems. Under the Ottomans (1517–1798) the fortress expanded westward and a new main gate, the Bab Al Azab, was added, while the Mamluk palaces deteriorated. Even so, when Napoleon’s French expedition took control in 1798, the emperor’s savants regarded these buildings as some of the finest Islamic monuments in Cairo.

This didn’t stop Mohammed Ali – who rose to power after the French – from drastically remodelling, and crowning the complex with the Ottoman-style mosque that dominates Cairo’s eastern skyline. After Mohammed Ali’s grandson Ismail moved his residence to the Abdeen Palace, the Citadel became a military garrison. The British army was barracked here during WWII, and Egyptian soldiers still have a small foothold, although most of the Citadel has been given over to tourists.

CAIRO TOURS AND EXCURSIONS

Cairo Tours will help you to make most of your time as there are countless things to do and see in Cairo. Our wide variety of Cairo day trips will take you to explore the great pyramids of CheopsChefrenMykerinus and The Egyptian Museum or exploring old Cairo visiting Cairo Citadel or Islamic Cairo Visiting ancient mosques or even head to Luxor visiting Luxor templeKarnak Temple, the valley of the kings and Hatshepsut temple for a whirlwind tour of Ancient Upper Egypt. All of these Cairo tours are sure to add something unforgettable to your Tours in Cairo.

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FAQ

Q- Is Cairo safe to visit? A-There is no FCO advice against travel to Cairo, Alexandria, the tourist areas along the Nile, and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. The section of the country between the Nile and the Red Sea is also considered mostly safe.


Q-What is the best time to visit Cairo? A-The best times to visit Cairo are from March to April and from October to November. These short shoulder seasons welcome comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds and low hotel rates on most days of the weeka.


Q-What city are the pyramids in?A-Cairo, Most pyramids are located near Cairo, with only one royal pyramid being located south of Cairo, at the Abydos temple complex. The pyramid at Abydos, Egypt were commissioned by Ahmose I who founded the 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdom. The building of pyramids began in the Third Dynasty with the reign of King Djoser.


Q-What is there to do in Cairo in 2 days?A- The Great Pyramids of Giza, Visiting the pyramids is a must-do in Cairo, The Great Sphinx of Giza, Sakkara, Memphis, Citadel of Salah el Din, Khan el Khalili Bazaar, Abu Serga, and The Hanging Church.


Q-How much does a trip to Cairo cost?A-The great pyramids and Cairo Museum are a popular combination for a day trip and will cost about $95 per person. A full day tour through Cairo including the Citadel and Khan el Khalili market is approximately $95 per person.


Q-Where is best to stay in Egypt to see the pyramids? A-The Pyramids area is located in Giza – Cairo conurbation, where it features both luxurious hotels, such as the prominent Marriott Mena House Hotel for unforgettable pyramid views from your room, as well as budget-friendly hotels that can be found anywhere near the Giza Plateaue.


Q-How should I dress in Cairo? A-You do not need to cover your head in Egypt, but dress modestly. Wear pants or long skirts. Cairo is hot, so loose fitting pants are going to be more comfortable than a pair of skinny jeans. It is also dusty and dirty, so white clothing will appear soiled far more quickly than clothing of other colors.


Q-Is Luxor worth visiting? A-Luxor and Cairo are exceedingly different places and yes Luxor is well worth visiting. If you want to see iconic sites such as the Valley of the King's and Karnak Temple, then you have no choice.