Coptic Cairo Tour Cave Church and Old Cairo churches

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4 to 6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Discover a side of Cairo that many visitors miss on this half-day journey through Old Cairo’s historic religious quarter and the remarkable Cave Church of Saint Simon. Explore centuries-old Christian landmarks, step inside the Hanging Church, and discover the fascinating heritage of Ben Ezra Synagogue before heading to Mokattam to see a church carved into the rock. With convenient hotel pickup and a guide to help explain the stories behind each site, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Egypt’s Christian and Jewish heritage, as well as the living communities that make Cairo such a culturally rich city. It’s an ideal experience for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and anyone curious to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions.

What's Included

Private English Egyptologist guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All Transfers by Private A/C latest Model Vehicle
Bottle Water
Tipping
Any additional request that is not included on the itinerary is Excluded.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Our driver and representative will wait for you at the reception desk of your accommodation holding a sign with your name on it.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Coptic Cairo

    Begin your exploration in Old Cairo, one of the city's most historically significant religious districts. Walk through the atmospheric lanes around ancient churches and historic landmarks while your guide explains the development of Christianity in Egypt and the traditions that have shaped this community over the centuries. The area's layers of Roman, Christian, and Jewish heritage make it a fascinating introduction to Cairo beyond its famous pharaonic monuments.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Church of St. Barbara

    Step inside the Church of St. Barbara, a historic Coptic Christian church dedicated to the revered early Christian martyr. Its traditional architecture, religious icons, and sacred atmosphere offer a glimpse into the worship and artistic traditions of Egypt's Coptic community. As you explore, learn about the church's place within Old Cairo's historic religious quarter and the enduring importance of its Christian heritage.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    The Hanging Church

    Visit one of Coptic Cairo's best-known landmarks, the Hanging Church, officially dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its name comes from its position above a gateway in the ancient Babylon Fortress. Inside, discover intricate wooden ceilings, historic icons, and decorative screens that reflect centuries of religious craftsmanship. Your guide will explain the church's distinctive structure and its importance in Egypt's Christian history.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Synagogue Ben Ezra

    Discover another side of Old Cairo's heritage at Ben Ezra Synagogue, an important landmark in the history of Egypt's Jewish community. The site is especially famous for the Cairo Geniza, a collection of historic Hebrew, Aramaic, and Judeo-Arabic manuscripts that transformed scholars' understanding of Jewish life and culture in the medieval Middle East. This visit highlights the diverse religious traditions that have flourished in Cairo across generations.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    St Simon the Tanner Monastery

    Finish your tour at the extraordinary Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner in Cairo's Mokattam area. Carved into the surrounding rock, this vast religious complex features cave churches and an impressive open-air amphitheater that can accommodate large congregations. Learn about the Coptic tradition associated with Saint Simon and the story of Mokattam Mountain. The journey through the nearby Zabbaleen neighborhood also reveals a lesser-seen side of everyday life in Cairo.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Exodus Travel

Tags

Full-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Limousine Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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