Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery

Høydepunkter

Inkludert

Rute

1. 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.

   1 tInngang inkludert

2. 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.

   30 minInngang inkludert

3. 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.

   30 minInngang inkludert

4. 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.

   20 minInngang inkludert

Avbestilling

Gratis avbestilling inntil 24 timer før opplevelsen starter, med full refusjon.

Anmeldelser

Vurderingene kommer fra 16 anmeldelser som bookingpartneren vår har samlet inn. Det er de reisendes egne ord, i den rekkefølgen de ble skrevet — aldri stokket om for å pynte på opplevelsen.

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How it compares in Kairo

• Its from-price is 37% above the median of the 10229 experiences we list in Kairo.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 1269 of 10229.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Kairo

Kairo er Egypts vidstrakte hovedstad ved Nilen, der pyramidene i Giza møter middelalderske moskeer, travle basarer og faraoenes skatter.

I byens vestlige utkant reiser pyramidene i Giza og Den store sfinksen seg fra ørkenplatået, med trappepyramiden i Saqqara og ruinene av Memfis lenger sør. Kairos store museer, Det egyptiske museet ved Tahrir-plassen og det enorme Grand Egyptian Museum ved siden av platået, rommer gjenstander fra tusenvis av år.

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

See all 10229 experiences in Kairo