Coptic Cairo Hanging Church, Saint Simon and Khan El Khalili

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Saint Simon the Tanner Church, also known as the Cave Church, is one of the most unique religious sites in Cairo, located in the Mokattam Hills within the famous Garbage City. Carved into the mountains, it is considered the largest cave church in the Middle East. The church is dedicated to Saint Simon the Tanner and is closely connected to the miracle of moving the Mokattam Mountain. It can accommodate thousands of worshippers and features impressive rock carvings, biblical scenes, and peaceful spiritual surroundings. Visiting the Cave Church offers a powerful cultural and spiritual experience and provides insight into Egypt’s Christian history and the daily life of the local Coptic community.

   1 hAdmission included

2. The Coptic Area, also known as Old Cairo, is one of the most historic and spiritual parts of the city. It represents the heart of Christian heritage in Egypt and includes some of the oldest churches in the country. Visitors can explore famous landmarks such as the Hanging Church, Abu Serga Church—believed to be one of the places where the Holy Family stayed during their journey in Egypt—and Saint Barbara Church. The area also features the Coptic Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of icons, manuscripts, and artifacts that reflect the development of Christianity in Egypt. Walking through the Coptic Area offers a peaceful atmosphere and a unique opportunity to experience the coexistence of Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic civilizations in one place.

   2 hAdmission included

3. Khan El Khalili is one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in the Middle East, located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. Dating back to the 14th century, the market is a vibrant maze of narrow alleys filled with shops selling traditional handicrafts, jewelry, spices, perfumes, souvenirs, and antiques. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere, interact with local merchants, and experience authentic Egyptian culture. The area is also home to historic cafés such as El Fishawy Café, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a traditional Egyptian tea or coffee after shopping. A visit to Khan El Khalili offers a true taste of Cairo’s history, culture, and daily life.

   1 hAdmission included

4. Traditional Egyptian Koshary Lunch

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 3 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Cairo

• Its from-price is 63% below the median of the 10229 experiences we list in Cairo.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 3169 of 10229.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Cairo

Cairo is Egypt's sprawling capital on the Nile, where the Pyramids of Giza meet medieval mosques, busy bazaars and the treasures of the pharaohs.

On the western edge of the city, the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx rise from the desert plateau, with the step pyramid of Saqqara and the ruins of Memphis further south. Cairo's great museums, the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square and the vast Grand Egyptian Museum beside the plateau, hold artefacts spanning thousands of years.

Top-ranked sights in Cairo: Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities), Saqqara (Sakkara), Khan El-Khalili.

See all 10229 experiences in Cairo