Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery
- 4h 30m
- Skip the line
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 5 languages
Highlights
Step back in time and explore the spiritual heart of Cairo on this unforgettable Half-Day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery. Travel with your private expert guide in a private modern vehicle with everything included and no need to lift a finger to Coptic Cairo, home to some of the oldest Christian churches in Egypt. Visit the iconic Hanging Church, suspended above a Roman fortress gate, and the sacred Abu Serga Church, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family. Admire the rich history and stunning architecture of the Ben Ezra Synagogue, a treasure of Jewish heritage. Then, venture to Mokattam Mountain to discover the extraordinary St. Simon the Tanner Monastery, carved into the rock with breathtaking biblical carvings and home to one of Cairo’s largest churches. Along the way, immerse yourself in fascinating stories, cultural insights, and hidden gems that most tourists never see. This is more than sightseeing—it’s a journey through faith, history, and local life.
Inclusions
What's included
- Entry/Admission-St. Sergius and Bacchus
- Entry/ admission of St. Simon Monastery
- Entry/Admission- Cave Church
- Entry/Admission- Hanging Church
- Pre-booked timed-entry tickets to minimize on-site ticket lines
- Entry/Admission- Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Bottled Water & snacks
- Hotel Pickup & drop-off
- Egyptologist guide
What's not
- Gratuities
Itinerary
Embark on a unique journey to the St. Simon Monastery, a hidden gem in Cairo’s Mokattam Hills. Your drive takes you through Garbage City, a bustling, labyrinthine community where the Zabbaleen, Cairo’s informal garbage collectors, live and work. The streets are lined with stacks of recycled materials, vividly showcasing their remarkable recycling system. Though unconventional, the scene is one of resilience, ingenuity, and industry, offering a glimpse into a way of life unlike any other. As the road ascends the Mokattam cliffs,the transformation is striking. Upon reaching the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, you’ll be greeted by its awe-inspiring amphitheater, carved into the mountain, capable of hosting over 20,000 worshippers. The monastery is adorned with intricate carvings of biblical scenes etched into the rock, and its serene ambiance contrasts sharply with the lively chaos of Garbage City below. This tour offers a profound blend of human perseverance and spiritual tranquility.
Your guide will take you to the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, known as Abu Serga, one of the oldest and most revered churches in Egypt. Located in the heart of Coptic Cairo, this sacred site dates back to the 4th century and is famously believed to have sheltered the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus—during their flight into Egypt. Step inside to admire its simple yet beautiful basilica design, wooden ceiling, marble columns, and ancient icons. Descend into the crypt, where tradition says the Holy Family rested, and feel the spiritual atmosphere that draws pilgrims from around the world. Your guide will share captivating stories about the church’s history, its role in early Christianity, and the Coptic heritage of Egypt. This visit offers a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history in one of Cairo’s most peaceful and meaningful landmarks.
Your guide will take you on an unforgettable journey to The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa), one of the most famous and oldest Coptic Christian churches in Cairo. Built above the southern gate of the Roman Babylon Fortress, this iconic landmark seems to “hang” over the passage below, giving it its unique name. Admire the stunning wooden ceiling shaped like Noah’s Ark, beautiful icons, intricate carvings, and ancient marble pulpit. Learn about its rich history dating back to the 3rd century AD and its significance as the seat of the Coptic Patriarch for centuries. Your guide will share fascinating stories of saints, miracles, and religious traditions that shaped Egypt’s Christian heritage. Explore the church’s peaceful atmosphere, discover hidden details in its artwork, and capture stunning photos of this spiritual treasure in the heart of Old Cairo. This visit offers culture, history, and inspiration all in one.
Your guide will lead you to the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, a remarkable landmark nestled in the heart of Old Cairo. Steeped in legend and dating back to the 9th century, it is believed to be built on the spot where baby Moses was found in the Nile reeds. Admire its beautiful architecture featuring wooden carvings, marble columns, and intricate geometric designs. Inside, discover the site where the famous Geniza documents—ancient Jewish manuscripts—were uncovered, offering a priceless glimpse into centuries of Middle Eastern Jewish life. Your guide will share captivating stories of the Jewish community’s presence in Egypt and the synagogue’s role in religious harmony through the ages. Stroll the surrounding narrow lanes of Coptic Cairo, absorbing the blend of cultures and history that make this destination a must-visit for travelers seeking deeper insight into Egypt’s diverse heritage.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 516
- 40
- 30
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- 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
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Egypt Paradise Tours
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Accessible restroom facilities are available at all sites visited during the tour. Planned restroom breaks will be provided throughout the experience, and your guide can direct you to the nearest facilities whenever needed.
- Religious Sites Dress Code When visiting monasteries, churches, and mosques, guests are kindly requested to dress modestly out of respect for local customs and religious traditions. Recommended attire: • Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees • Loose and comfortable clothing • Comfortable walking shoes Please avoid: • Sleeveless tops • Very short shorts or skirts • Revealing or transparent clothing Women may be required to cover their hair when entering certain religious sites. Your guide will provide any necessary instructions during the tour. Thank you for helping preserve the respectful atmosphere of these sacred places.
How it compares in Cairo
- Its from-price is 37% above the median of the 10229 experiences we list in Cairo.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 1269 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.
Special offers in Cairo
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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