Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque

5.0
(21 reviews)
Cairo, Egypt

3 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This tour takes you through the heart of Old Coptic Cairo, a place rich in history and spirituality. You’ll visit the Church of Abu Serga, built above the cave where the Holy Family once took shelter, explore the Hanging Church, and discover the famous Cave Church of St. Simon carved into the Moqattam Mountains. The Monastery of St. Simon, the largest of the cave churches, even has an amphitheater that can seat 20,000 people. You will also visit Egypt’s oldest mosque, adding a unique Islamic historical perspective to your journey. This combination of historic sites, spiritual significance, and impressive architecture makes the experience unforgettable. At the end of the tour, you’ll return comfortably to your hotel.

What's Included

Private transportation
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
Licensed tourguide
Gratuities ( Tipping ) not obligated but appreciated

Meeting and pickup

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

Your guide will contact you before the pick up time to arrange everything

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Fort of Babylon

    The Babylon Fortress, located in Cairo, Egypt, is an ancient Roman fortress that dates back to the 1st century AD. Originally built to protect the city from invasions, it stands as a significant historical landmark showcasing the blend of Roman and Egyptian architectural styles. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, from military stronghold to a site for Christian worship, reflecting the diverse history of the region. Today, it remains a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Egypt's rich past.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    The Hanging Church

    The Hanging Church, also known as Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, is a historic church located in Old Cairo, Egypt. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, it is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and is renowned for its unique architectural design, which appears to "hang" over the ruins of two ancient towers. The church is an important religious and cultural site for Coptic Christians, and it contains beautiful artwork, intricate woodwork, and ancient artifacts. As a symbol of Egypt's Christian heritage, the Hanging Church attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and significance.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Synagogue Ben Ezra

    Ben Ezra Synagogue, located in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the oldest synagogues in the country, dating back to the 9th century. Originally a Coptic Christian church, it was later converted into a synagogue by the Jewish community in the 12th century. The synagogue holds historical significance as it is believed to be the place where baby Moses was found among the reeds of the Nile River. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations and restorations, blending various architectural styles. Today, the Ben Ezra Synagogue stands as a testament to Egypt's rich multicultural heritage and serves as a place of worship and historical interest for visitors.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus

    The Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as Abu Serga, is a Coptic Orthodox church located in Old Cairo, Egypt. Believed to have been built in the 4th century AD, it is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and is dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus, who were martyred during the 4th century. The church is renowned for its historical significance and its beautifully preserved Coptic architecture, including ancient icons, frescoes, and intricate woodwork. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians and attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its rich history and spiritual importance.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As

    Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, located in Cairo, Egypt, is the oldest mosque in the country and one of the oldest in the world. It was originally built in 641 AD by Amr ibn Al-A'as, the Arab conqueror of Egypt, making it a significant historical landmark in Islamic architecture. The mosque has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, but it retains its original architectural essence, with simple yet elegant designs reflecting early Islamic influences. As a symbol of Egypt's Islamic heritage, the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque continues to be an important religious and cultural site, attracting visitors and worshippers alike.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Cave Church

    Cave Church, also known as the Monastery of Saint Simon, is a remarkable religious site located in the Mokattam mountain range near Cairo, Egypt. Carved into the limestone cliffs, this vast complex includes several churches, chapels, and living quarters. It is one of the largest churches in the Middle East and is known for its unique setting and stunning architectural design. The Cave Church serves as a place of worship for the Coptic Christian community and attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its beauty and spiritual significance.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour includes a visit to the Monastery of Saint Simon (the Cave Church) in Cairo. To reach the site, we must drive through an area commonly known as Garbage City. This area can be very busy, visually challenging, and not very clean, and there may be unpleasant odors at times. We believe in being fully transparent with our guests, so please consider this carefully before booking. If you feel uncomfortable passing through such areas, this tour may not be suitable for you. Alternatively, you may choose to skip the Cave Church visit. Please make sure you are aware of this information before confirming your booking.
  • Important Note: Please be aware that if you book the tour on a Friday during prayer times, there is a high chance that the mosque included in the program will not be accessible for a visit.
Supplied by Egypt Discovery Tours

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
Excellent Quality
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 21 21 reviews
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