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Private Tour: Coptic Cairo & Historic Churches Highlights

5.016 reviewsHanging Church (Al-Muallaqa)

  • 5 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • 3 languages
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Overview: Step into the deeply spiritual and ancient heart of Egypt on this private 5-hour guided tour of Coptic Cairo and Mokattam Hill. Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the historic Fortress of Babylon and its legendary sanctuaries, including the famous Hanging Church, the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (where the Holy Family took refuge), the Church of St. Barbara, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George, and the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue. Conclude your journey at the remarkable Cave Church of St. Simon the Tanner carved directly into the Mokattam Mountain. Enjoy seamless door-to-door private transportation and rich historical commentary on this unforgettable cultural experience.

Inclusions

What's included

  • All taxes, parking fees, and service charges
  • Complimentary bottled water during the tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (within central Cairo and Giza)
  • Licensed professional Tour Guide (English, Spanish, or Arabic)
  • Private round-trip transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle

What's not

  • Gratuities / Tipping for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
  • Lunch, additional food, and personal beverages

Itinerary

  1. Description: Begin your tour at one of Egypt's most famous and oldest Coptic churches, built above the gatehouse of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. Admire its beautiful wooden roof resembling Noah's Ark, intricate marble pulpit, and magnificent collection of ancient icons dating back centuries.

    45 minAdmission included

  2. Description: Explore the tranquil Church of St. Barbara, a classic example of early Coptic structure dedicated to a famous local martyr. Marvel at its historic wooden carvings, intricate screens, and rich Coptic art preserved within its peaceful courtyard.

    30 minAdmission included

  3. Description: Visit this sacred 4th-century church, traditionally believed to have been built over the crypt where the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph) rested during their flight into Egypt. Experience its unique historical atmosphere and extraordinary early Christian architecture.

    45 minAdmission included

  4. Description: Visit Egypt's oldest synagogue, famous as the site where the priceless "Cairo Genizah" documents were discovered. Learn about the deep Jewish heritage in Old Cairo and the legendary belief that Moses was found nearby on the banks of the Nile.

    30 minAdmission included

  5. Description: Head up into Mokattam Hills to marvel at the extraordinary Cave Church of St. Simon, the largest church in the Middle East, carved directly into the mountain rock. Discover the famous miracle of moving Mokattam Mountain and capture breathtaking views over Cairo.

    1.5 hAdmission included

Cancellation

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

Reviews

5.0

  • 516
  • 40
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10

Ratings come from 16 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

Meeting point
Tahrir square in downtown in front of KFC
Pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Egyptravel Tours
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Cairo

  • Its from-price is 25% below the median of the 10229 experiences we list in Cairo.
  • It is shorter than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 1277 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

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