Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery
- 1–4 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 5 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Uncover the deep spiritual roots and hidden architectural wonders of Cairo on an exclusive, day private journey. Relax in seamless comfort with end-to-end luxury transportation and a dedicated expert Egyptologist guide managing every detail. Begin in Coptic Cairo, exploring Egypt’s ancient sanctuary of faith. Walk through the iconic Hanging Church, suspended over a Roman fortress, and visit the sacred Abu Serga Church, historic refuge of the Holy Family. Discover the rich Jewish heritage housed within the exquisite Ben Ezra Synagogue. Continuing into the dramatic landscape of Mokattam Mountain, stand in awe before the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner—an incredible sanctuary carved directly into the rock face, adorned with master relief carvings. Guided by insider storytelling, cultural commentary, and rare local insights, this experience offers far more than a typical city tour: it is an extraordinary passage through centuries of history, faith, and living culture.
Inclusions
What's included
- • Hotel Pick-up & Drop off
- • Bottled water & Snacks
- • Egyptian Traditional Local Lunch
- • Entry/ Admission- Ben Ezra Synagogue • Entry/ Admission- Cave Church
- Pick up services from your hotel & return by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
- • Pre-booked timed-entry tickets to minimize on-site ticket lines
- • Entry/ admission of St. Simon Monastery & St. Simon Tanner
- • Expert Egyptologist Guide
- • Guaranteed to skip the lines
- •Entry/Admission-St. Sergius and Bacchus • Entry/ Admission- Hanging Church
What's not
- Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tipping
Itinerary
Discover one of Egypt’s most extraordinary cultural contrasts on a journey into the rugged Mokattam Hills. This eye-opening expedition takes you into the heart of Manshiyat Naser (Garbage City)—a vibrant, industrious neighborhood powered by the Zabbaleen, Cairo’s famed traditional recyclers. Witnessing their internationally celebrated recycling ecosystem offers a fascinating look into human ingenuity, resilience, and community enterprise. As you ascend the cliffside, the bustling streets give way to breathtaking grandeur at the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner. Carved directly into the sheer limestone mountain, this monumental rock-hewn sanctuary features a vast open-air amphitheater seating over 20,000 worshippers, surrounded by intricate biblical relief carvings. From the energetic pulse of local industry to the serene majesty of a world-famous cliffside monastery, this journey delivers a deep, unforgettable connection to faith, history, and the human spirit.
In the Footsteps of the Holy Family: Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Walk through centuries of sacred history at Abu Serga (Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus), one of Egypt’s oldest and most revered sanctuaries. Tucked in the heart of Coptic Cairo, this 4th-century landmark stands on the very ground believed to have sheltered the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus—during their flight into Egypt. Step inside to admire classic early-Christian basilica architecture, featuring a ship-keel wooden ceiling, ancient icons, and soaring marble columns. Descend into the sacred crypt—the revered resting site of the Holy Family—and experience the quiet spiritual resonance that draws pilgrims from around the globe. Guided by your personal expert, discover the enduring legacy of early Christianity and the rich Coptic heritage that shaped Cairo.
Suspended in Faith & History: The Iconic Hanging Church of Old Cairo Discover one of Egypt’s most extraordinary architectural treasures at The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa). Perched dramatically above the ancient southern gatehouse of the Roman Babylon Fortress, this 3rd-century sanctuary earns its famous title by appearing to float above the passage below. Step inside to marvel at its vaulted wooden ceiling—crafted to mirror Noah’s Ark—alongside intricate ivory-inlaid screens, ancient marble pulpits, and world-renowned Coptic icons. Once the official seat of the Coptic Pope, this living landmark holds centuries of papal tradition, miracle legends, and sacred heritage. Accompanied by your expert guide, uncover hidden artistic details, absorb its peaceful spiritual ambiance, and capture breathtaking photos of a true treasure of Old Cairo.
Where History & Legend Meet: The Historic Ben Ezra Synagogue Uncover a sacred chapter of Egypt’s multicultural heritage at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, a extraordinary 9th-century jewel nestled in Coptic Cairo. Steeped in profound tradition, legend holds that this holy ground marks the exact spot where baby Moses was drawn from the Nile reeds. Admire its magnificent interior, featuring marble columns, fine wooden carvings, and intricate geometric motifs that reflect centuries of artistic fusion. Here lies the home of the world-renowned Cairo Genizah—a hidden chamber where thousands of ancient manuscripts were discovered, unlocking a priceless window into medieval Jewish life across the Mediterranean. Guided by your personal expert, explore the fascinating legacy of Egypt’s Jewish community and the rich interfaith history that defines Old Cairo.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Passion Egypt Tours
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Instant Confirmation: Booking confirmation will be issued immediately upon purchase. Exclusive Private Experience: This is a private tour—only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized and flexible experience. Restroom Accessibility & Comfort: Fully accessible restroom facilities are available at all stops on your itinerary. Scheduled breaks are integrated into the tour, and your guide is always available to direct you to nearby facilities upon request. Modest Dress Code for Religious & Cultural Sites To respect local traditions and the sacred nature of the places visited, guests are asked to dress modestly. Recommended Attire: Loose, breathable clothing covering both shoulders and knees, paired with comfortable walking shoes. Items to Avoid: Sleeveless tops, short shorts/skirts, or sheer/transparent garments. Head Coverings: Women may be required to cover their hair at specific religious sites. Your guide will provide light scarves or instructions prior to entry. Thank you for helping us honor the sanctity and heritage of these historic landmarks.
How it compares in Cairo
- Its from-price is 100% above the median of the 10229 experiences we list in Cairo.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- 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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