Your day begins at the Citadel of Saladin, the medieval fortress that has dominated Cairo's skyline since 1183 AD. Built to defend the city against the Crusaders, it became the seat of Egyptian power for seven centuries. Inside, your Egyptologist guide leads you through the stunning Muhammad Ali Mosque — known as the Alabaster Mosque for its gleaming white stone interior — where light pours through Ottoman domes and the city of Cairo stretches out below you in every direction.

No visit to Cairo is complete without time in the Egyptian Museum, the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. With over 250,000 original pieces spanning more than 5,000 years, the highlights are staggering: Tutankhamun's solid gold funeral mask, the royal mummies of Ramses II and Seti I, the Narmer Palette (the world's oldest historical document), and towering statues of the pharaohs who built the pyramids. Your guide knows which rooms to prioritize and which stories most travelers never hear.

Founded in 1382 by the Mamluk emir Djaharks el-Khalili, Khan el-Khalili is one of the oldest and most atmospheric markets in the Middle East. The lanes weave through perfume sellers, papyrus traders, silver jewelers, and spice merchants. Browse at your own pace, pick up authentic Egyptian souvenirs, and try a glass of mint tea or karkade (hibiscus tea) at one of the old cafés that locals have been visiting for generations. Your guide can help you navigate pricing and find pieces that are actually made in Egypt.

Cairo's oldest neighborhood is a layered world of ancient Roman fortifications, medieval Coptic churches, and quiet cobblestone lanes. The centerpiece is the Al-Mu'allaqa Church — the "Hanging Church" — built atop the towers of a Roman fortress gate, its nave suspended in the air above 2,000-year-old stonework. Nearby, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) marks the cave where tradition holds the Holy Family rested during their flight from King Herod. Your guide weaves together Jewish, Christian, and Islamic history into one seamless story of this extraordinary city.

Midway through your day, enjoy a sit-down Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant — not a tourist buffet. Your meal includes our signature Mixed Grill platter: charcoal-grilled kofta, kebab, and shish tawook, served with fluffy rice or freshly baked bread, tahini, salad, and pickles. It's a real meal, the way Cairenes eat it.