City of the Dead: A Heritage Walk Through Cairo’s Living Necropolis
Join me in a place full of life, art, and history as we explore the unique heritage of Cairo’s Necropolis. Known as the City of the Dead, this area defies its name—it is very much alive. Families live among the tombs, creating a rare landscape where daily life and memory coexist. Also called El Qarafa by Cairenes and the Mamluk Desert, it reflects one of Cairo’s most powerful eras.
I call it "Game of Thrones" era as it's the bloodiest one. also it was the peak of art and architecture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Mosque and Khanqah of Faraj Ibn Barquq
- This is a complex and considered the first tomb created in the city of the dead. the dome for burial is inside the mosque.
Funerary Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Barsbay
Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbay
Ending Point
Mausoleum of Khedive Tawfik, also known as Qubbat Afandina
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/82107/6153ca3a-151c-42a4-bbbb-a14004b7e027.png)
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
Transportation
Tips inside the area
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* I recommend women to not wear anything too revealing or short, as it's local neighborhood that people are more conservative.
* We don't have to cover our hair inside every mosque, but if it's a prayer time, we will have to so make sure to bring a scarf or shawl just in case.
* We will take off our shoes inside mosques, I recommend wearing socks as it's dusty at some places.
*There is a lot of small supermarkets, so water is no problem .
*No clean toilets.
Last time to start this tour will be 14:00
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
Pedropablo A.
“A great tour with a great guide”
Maryem is an experienced guide, very friendly and extremely flexible in adapting the tour to our preferences and interests. Her explanations matched the level of detail we were looking for, and she adjusted each visit based on our questions and what interested us most. We had an excellent morning and would definitely recommend her!
Yukiko I.
“Friendly and fun tour by Japanese language expert”
I requested a virtual tour of Giza pyramid area. Mary is very friendly and she has deep knowledge about the history of ancient Egypt. She speaks Japanese very well. I hope to reserve her tours in the future also.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/82107/6153ca3a-151c-42a4-bbbb-a14004b7e027.png)
Maryem H.
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure. It was the first time I do a virtual tour and it ended up being a very interesting experience, so thank you for choosing me to accompany you on it. I'm looking forward for taking you to more places in Cairo virtual and physical :"D
Tarek E.
“All went perfect”
Easy to deal with, friendly, and we could see all that we wanted
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/82107/6153ca3a-151c-42a4-bbbb-a14004b7e027.png)
Maryem H.
thank you Tarek! It was a pleasure meeting both of you
$65/ per group
More tours by Maryem H.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21312/fee14a52-7c28-4798-87d0-0d230e9f56cf.jpg)
The Great Pyramids tour
Experience the magic of the Pyramids of Giza with a knowledgeable local guide who brings Egypt’s ancient wonders to life. Explore the majestic Great Pyramid of Khufu, enter the Valley Temple of Khafre, stroll around the Queens’ Pyramids, and stand face-to-face with the iconic Sphinx. Your journey ends with a breathtaking panoramic view of all three pyramids—perfect for capturing fun, memorable photos at the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
The Great Pyramids tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22949/dd1157cd-149f-4f75-8e2f-1eae69f68e68.jpg)
GEM the grand Egyptian museum
Let’s discover the highlights of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest archaeological museum. It showcases over 50,000 artifacts from prehistoric Egypt to the Roman era. For the first time, you can see the full collection of Tutankhamun, nearly 6,000 pieces. With a guide, you’ll uncover stories behind the masterpieces, navigate the vast galleries with ease, and experience the museum in a deeper, and more engaging way.
GEM the grand Egyptian museum
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23488/c9d2e4af-7538-4c47-a3bc-b88592233f3c.jpg)
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.
Islamic medieval Cairo: Madrasa and mosque of Sultan Hassan, Refaai, Ibn Tulun and Gayer Anderson
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23514/09464049-a4b6-4125-948b-466698973c50.jpg)
Cairo’s Hidden Nature: Wadi Degla Hiking
Join me and my friends for a refreshing hike in Wadi Degla Protectorate, a natural desert reserve hidden inside Cairo. Escape Cairo’s noise and step into peaceful rocky valleys, open desert landscapes, and quiet trails. A perfect chance to breathe, walk, and experience Cairo’s nature side away from the crowds.
Cairo’s Hidden Nature: Wadi Degla Hiking
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Cairo
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23527/64fe0826-3e44-4ed5-a9f1-96c9f8fc72be.jpg)
Half-Day Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Private Tour
Discover the magic of the Giza Plateau as you explore the iconic pyramids of Khufu Pyramid, Khafre Pyramid, and Menkaure Pyramid, plus the Queens’ Pyramids. Meet the majestic Great Sphinx and uncover secrets at the Valley Temple of Khafre. Step inside a hidden doctor’s mastaba tomb, then elevate your adventure with an optional 20-minute camel ride to a panoramic spot showcasing 9 pyramids—perfect for fun, unforgettable photos.
Half-Day Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Private Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/102897/34ea04fc-7428-4aec-a09d-1bdbb4dd9bf1.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19870/0a87f8cc-691b-4f10-83fe-fc602db368b0.jpg)
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
A Journey Through Time and step back in time and explore the wonders of ancient Egypt at the Grand Egyptian Museum. TutankhAmun collections. .Marvel at the world's only Hanging Obelisk, the breathtaking Grand Hall, the majestic Grand Staircase Gallery with over 60 remarkable artifacts, and the awe-inspiring Main Galleries. Within the twelve meticulously curated exhibition halls of the Main Galleries, explore Egypt’s rich history, spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/65933/c693cdfe-e21f-4a16-9693-0f0500eaea05.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/14499/b7541061-ce0b-45db-981e-9af0cee76a22.jpg)
The Comprehensive Visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo
Join us for a captivating tour of Cairo starting at the Egyptian Museum entrance in Tahrir Square. At 8:20 AM, explore Tahrir Square, learning its historic significance and viewing landmarks like the Arab League building, Omar Makram Mosque, and the American University in Cairo. At 9:00 AM, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, home to ancient Egyptian artifacts and the treasures of Tutankhamen. End inspired by the rich history and cultural heritage of Cairo.
The Comprehensive Visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/53160/a36593b4-2745-4a83-bfad-3d5b024926e6.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23316/228a122d-e3ae-4740-a67e-8fc3af20df5f.jpg)
Private Old Cairo Tour: Hidden Gems, Local Stories & Khan El Khalili Experience
Want to see Cairo through the eyes of a local? This private tour is all about real experiences — not crowded routes or boring explanations. I’ll take you through the heart of Old Cairo, where history, culture, and daily life come together. We’ll explore iconic landmarks, discover hidden corners, and share stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Whether it’s your first time in Cairo or you want something more authentic — this tour is made for you.
Private Old Cairo Tour: Hidden Gems, Local Stories & Khan El Khalili Experience
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/93558/77ae618e-320b-4698-a5ea-96bb63fb69d5.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21543/b6233468-83fd-40a2-bc2d-1a4330376523.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21543/e6121824-4a91-49db-aa73-14c2f0acdcda.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21543/d3fb1b1a-8bbe-4515-b33b-0b6b05d17a37.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21543/09c6b881-9554-4b56-a07d-8cb727c43965.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21543/7f270968-a3ec-4350-b3ce-f05ccdd4a92b.jpeg)