Family-Friendly Adventures in Cairo!

Khan El-Khalili

Why Visit?

Immerse your family in the vibrant allure of Cairo"s Khan El-Khalili, a bustling bazaar brimming with history and culture. Here"s a captivating itinerary for a family-friendly adventure in one of Cairo"s oldest souks:

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by taking a taxi or Uber from your hotel to Khan El-Khalili, conveniently located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. The souk opens around 9 AM, perfect for beating the crowds and the heat.

Explore the Market

Upon arrival, dive into the maze of narrow alleyways lined with shops selling everything from spices and perfumes to intricate jewelry and traditional crafts. It’s a great place for kids to learn bargaining skills and pick souvenirs. Don"t miss the chance to marvel at the stunning craftsmanship of local artisans.

Visit the Al-Hussein Mosque

A short walk from the market, visit the revered Al-Hussein Mosque, believed to house the head of the Prophet Muhammad"s grandson. Note: Non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but the exterior architecture is equally mesmerizing and offers a great cultural insight.

Lunch at El Fishawi Café

By midday, head to El Fishawi Café. Established in 1773, this historic café has hosted countless writers and intellectuals. Order some traditional Egyptian refreshments like mint tea and falafel, and soak in the atmosphere.

Afternoon at the Islamic Art Museum

Post lunch, take a cab to the nearby Museum of Islamic Art, a treasure trove of over 100,000 artifacts that offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Islamic history, perfect for curious minds.

Evening Wrap-up

Return to Khan El-Khalili for an evening stroll as the market transforms with its magical lights. Grab a bite of traditional Egyptian street food, like koshari or shawarma, before heading back to your hotel.

Enjoy your family day at Khan El-Khalili, where every corner holds a story, and history lives in the bustling lanes.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Memphis

Why Visit?

Welcome to Memphis, a city brimming with culture, music, and history, perfect for a family adventure! Here"s a carefully crafted itinerary ensuring a fun-filled trip for the whole family.

### Day 1: Explore Downtown Memphis

Morning

Start your journey at the famous Beale Street, just a short walk from most downtown hotels. Enjoy the vibrant street performances and the iconic A. Schwab, a nostalgic general store where kids can marvel at unique toys and candies.

Lunch

Grab a quick bite at one of Beale Street"s family-friendly eateries like Blues City Café, known for its comfort food and live music.

Afternoon

Head over to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It"s a profound educational experience detailing the American civil rights movement. The museum is a short tram ride away, or a 10-minute drive from Beale Street.

Evening

Conclude your day with a sunset stroll along the Mississippi River at Tom Lee Park, a great spot for kids to run around and for the family to enjoy panoramic river views.

### Day 2: Family Fun and History

Morning

Visit the Memphis Zoo in Overton Park. Easily accessible by car, it"s about a 15-minute drive from downtown. The zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and offers interactive exhibits like the Zambezi River Hippo Camp.

Lunch

Enjoy some outdoor picnic fun at Overton Park, where there are plenty of spaces to relax and kids can play in the open areas.

Afternoon

Dive into musical history at Sun Studio, just a 5-minute drive from Overton Park. Known as the birthplace of rock "n" roll, the whole family can enjoy a guided tour that"s both fun and educational, highlighting the studio"s pivotal role in the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and many others.

Evening

End your day with dinner at the family-friendly Central BBQ on Summer Avenue, where you can taste Memphis-style barbecue.

This action-packed itinerary promises an unforgettable experience in Memphis, blending educational content with pure fun, ensuring lasting memories for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Old Cairo (Misr Al-Qadima)

Why Visit?

A family-friendly day in Old Cairo, a captivating area brimming with history, can be both educational and enjoyable. Here’s how you can make the most out of your visit:

Morning: The Coptic Cairo

Start your journey by exploring the Coptic Cairo area. You can take the Metro and get off at Mar Girgis station, which is conveniently located right beside many of the key attractions. Begin with the Coptic Museum, where kids can marvel at the colorful ancient Egyptian Christian artifacts. It"s an excellent introduction to the rich history of the area. Just a short walk away, visit the Hanging Church (El Muallaqa), built into the walls of a Roman fortress. This church is named for its location above a gatehouse and is a great spot to capture some family photos.

Lunchtime

For lunch, grab a bite at any local café where you can enjoy traditional Egyptian dishes such as falafel and koshary, a delightful experience for the palate.

Afternoon: Babylon Fortress and Synagogue

Post-lunch, head over to the nearby Babylon Fortress, an ancient fortress around which Coptic Cairo was built. Exploring these ruins feels like stepping back in time. A short walk from the fortress is the Ben Ezra Synagogue, reputedly built on the site where baby Moses was found. This synagogue offers a fascinating glimpse into the Jewish community’s history in Egypt.

Evening: Stroll and Shop

Conclude your day with a relaxing stroll along the cobblestone streets, visiting small shops filled with handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s a perfect way to soak in the atmosphere of Old Cairo and find keepsakes from your trip.

Each site in Old Cairo has a story, making your visit a memorable journey through time. These stops are not just tourist sites but are places where history continues to live, offering educational insights for all ages.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cairo Citadel (Citadel of Saladin)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Cairo Citadel (Citadel of Saladin)

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure early in the morning by heading to the Cairo Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Saladin. This historic fortress offers a panoramic view of Cairo and is a treasure trove of history and architecture. You can easily reach the Citadel by taxi or by using the Cairo Metro, getting off at the nearest station, "Mubarak," from where you can catch a short taxi ride to the hilltop fortress.

Exploring the Citadel

Upon entering, marvel at the grandeur of the massive stone walls and towers that were built by Salah al-Din in the 12th century to protect Cairo from Crusaders. Every nook and cranny of the Citadel holds stories of battles and royalty. Make sure to visit the impressive Mohamed Ali Mosque, with its iconic alabaster facade and towering minarets, a perfect example of Ottoman architecture.

Al-Gawhara Palace

Next, stroll over to the Al-Gawhara Palace, built by Mohamed Ali Pasha in 1814. This palace features a blend of Ottoman and Rococo styles and houses historical artifacts and paintings, fascinating for both kids and adults alike.

Military Museum

For a touch of modern history, visit the Military Museum within the Citadel. It offers insights into Egypt’s military history, including ancient weapons and uniforms, which will surely captivate the imagination of young ones interested in knights and battles.

Lunch and Relaxation

By midday, enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the small cafes within the Citadel or pack a picnic to enjoy in the lush gardens surrounding the area, where kids can play and adults can soak in the historical atmosphere.

Interesting Fact

Did you know the Citadel once served as the seat of government for Egypt until the mid-19th century and offers one of the best views for photographers and sightseers alike?

Departure

Conclude your visit by late afternoon, ensuring you beat the traffic and have time to reflect on a day filled with history and educational fun.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Islamic Cairo

Why Visit?

Welcome to a captivating family adventure through Islamic Cairo, a treasure trove of history blending with the vibrant Egyptian culture!

Morning: Sultan Hassan Mosque & Al-Rifa"i Mosque

Start your day by visiting these two awe-inspiring mosques, located across from each other, near the Salah Salem Road. The Sultan Hassan Mosque, dating back to the 14th century, is an architectural masterpiece with its massive yet elegantly detailed structure. Right next door, Al-Rifa"i Mosque houses the tombs of Egyptian royalty and offers a stark contrast with its more modern decorative styles. Both mosques offer a serene atmosphere and are a perfect introduction to Islamic art and architecture.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal at the nearby Naguib Mahfouz Cafe in Khan El-Khalili, where you can taste local dishes like koshari (a mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas) or the mouth-watering shawarma.

Afternoon: Al-Azhar Park

Just a short drive from Khan El-Khalili, Al-Azhar Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. Once a garbage dump, now transformed into a lush green park, it offers panoramic views of the entire Cairo skyline. It"s a great place for families to unwind, with plenty of space for kids to play.

Evening: Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

End your day with a stroll through the bustling alleyways of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. This market is one of the oldest in the Middle East, dating back to the 14th century. It"s a wonderful place to shop for souvenirs, from handmade crafts to intricate silver jewelry. Don"t forget to grab a cup of traditional Egyptian tea at one of the local coffee shops.

Tips

- Dress modestly when visiting mosques.

- If traveling by taxi, make sure to agree on the fare in advance or insist on using the meter.

- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

This itinerary will leave your family enriched with the beauty and history of Islamic Cairo, creating unforgettable memories of your journey!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.