Private Half-Day Tour to Old Cairo Churches & St. Simon Monastery
Description
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 expert guide through 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 that you’ll never forget.
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will be more than happy to pick our customers up from the different hotels and residences in Cairo and Giza with an extra charge for those located outside the centre as in Nasr City, 6th October City, New Cairo, and the New Administrative Capital
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- 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.
Reviews(15)
Amazing Old Cairo Churches Tour! We had a wonderful experience exploring the churches of Old Cairo. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the history and culture of the area. We visited beautiful historic churches, learned fascinating stories, and had plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere. The tour was well organized, comfortable, and informative from start to finish. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cairo who wants to discover its rich Christian heritage and hidden gems. Thank you for such a memorable experience!
Thank you, Mariona, for your wonderful review and recommendation. Egypt Paradise Tours is delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the historic churches of Old Cairo and the remarkable St. Simon Monastery. These sites offer a unique opportunity to discover Egypt’s rich Christian heritage, fascinating history, and beautiful religious architecture. The team is especially pleased that the tour’s organization, comfortable transportation, and knowledgeable guiding helped make your experience both enjoyable and memorable. Creating authentic and personalized experiences is always a top priority. Thank you for choosing Egypt Paradise Tours. The team looks forward to welcoming you back to Egypt for more unforgettable experiences and cultural discoveries.
My tour guide, Hosny, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights throughout the tour. He truly went above and beyond to make the day special and memorable. Not only was he an excellent guide, but he was also a fantastic photographer who captured amazing photos that I’ll cherish forever. The churches were absolutely beautiful, rich in history, and unlike anything I’ve seen before. I highly recommend including them in your Egypt itinerary…they are definitely worth visiting!!! Thank you, Hosny, for making this such a wonderful experience in Egypt⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dear Ashley, Hosny sincerely thanks you for taking the time to share such an exceptional review of your Private Half-Day Tour to the Old Cairo Churches & St. Simon Monastery. He is truly delighted to know that you enjoyed discovering the highlights of Coptic Cairo, including the Hanging Church, the Church of Abu Serga, and the remarkable Cave Church of St. Simon. These sacred landmarks are among the most significant historical and spiritual sites in Egypt, and he is pleased they left such a meaningful impression on your journey. Hosny is especially grateful for your kind words regarding his guiding and photography. He places great importance on creating a private tour experience that goes beyond sightseeing—offering guests deep historical context, smooth organization, personal attention, and lasting memories captured along the way. Feedback like yours not only motivates him personally but also helps future travelers confidently choose a private guided tour in Cairo and experience Egypt’s heritage in an authentic, comfortable, and well-curated way. He would be honored to welcome you again in the future for more exclusive experiences across Cairo and beyond with Egypt Paradise Tours. Warm regards,
100% recommended. Very interesting visit all in one site. Amazing to learn how three cultures have shared history in Cairo. Hosny explanations will be unforgettable.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review and recommendation! We’re delighted that you enjoyed your Private Half-Day Tour to Old Cairo, including the historic churches, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and St. Simon Monastery. Coptic Cairo is one of the most important cultural and religious areas in Egypt, offering a unique experience that brings together centuries of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic history. We’re especially happy to know that the guide’s explanations helped you understand and enjoy the story behind each site. At Egypt Paradise Tours, we specialize in private Cairo tours designed to provide deep historical insight, comfort, and a personalized experience. Thank you again for choosing Egypt Paradise Tours. We look forward to welcoming you on more unforgettable tours in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and throughout Egypt.
This is an excellent tour for anyone interested in religious sites. The tour of the Coptic quarters and the Cave church were fascinating. In addition, visiting “garbage city” was an experience I will never forget. Hosny is a cheerful and insightful guide. He is eager for questions and will make your trip enjoyable.
Thank you for your kind review! We’re glad you enjoyed the Coptic Cairo tour, including the Coptic quarters, Cave Church, and Garbage City. Hosny is thrilled his guidance made your experience enjoyable. We hope to welcome you on another Egypt sightseeing and cultural tour soon!
I had an incredible tour with Hosny today! He is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and respectful. He was so patient while I took photos and very accommodating throughout the entire experience. I felt well taken care of and truly enjoyed the tour. Highly, highly recommend!
Dear Wenisilviani, thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful review on TripAdvisor 🌟 We’re truly delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience on our Private Half-Day Tour to Old Cairo Churches & St. Simon Monastery. Your kind words about Hosny mean a lot to us—his passion for Egyptian history, respect for guests, and attention to detail are exactly what we strive to offer on every private Old Cairo tour. Exploring the historic Old Cairo churches and the impressive Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner is a unique cultural and spiritual journey, and we’re so happy you felt well taken care of and enjoyed every moment, including taking photos at your own pace. Thank you again for your high recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back to Egypt for another unforgettable experience with Egypt Paradise Tours. Warm regards, Egypt Paradise Tours Team
We visited Coptic churches and Hosny explained each churches how the family of Jesus traveled to Egypt and moved from one place to another He showed the map route they took
Dear Josie, thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Private Half-Day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery with Hosny. As an Egyptologist guide, he takes great joy in explaining the sacred history of the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt, visiting each church and showing the route they followed across the country. At Egypt Paradise Tours, we’re passionate about creating meaningful and authentic experiences that connect travelers to Egypt’s spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon to explore more of Egypt’s treasures. Warm regards, Egypt Paradise Tours Team
Hosni is, like many Egyptian tour guides extremely knowledgable and a big asset. However, his charisma, care, and kindness are unmatched. Thanks to him, I had a wonderful time on my tour.
Dear Gian, thank you for joining our Half-Day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery. We’re delighted you enjoyed exploring the Coptic Churches of Old Cairo and the unique St. Simon Monastery with Hosni. His unmatched charisma, kindness, and deep knowledge make him a true asset to Egypt Paradise Tours. We look forward to welcoming you back to discover more historic Cairo landmarks and hidden gems of Egypt. Warm regards, Egypt Paradise Tours Team
Had a FABULOUS day with Hosni Could not have asked for a better, or more knowledgeable Would highly recommend him as a guide!
Hi Greg, thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear you had a fabulous day with Hosni! He’s truly one of our top guides, and we’re glad his knowledge and energy made your experience unforgettable. Your recommendation means a lot to us and helps others know what to expect from Egypt Paradise Tours. We’d love to welcome you and your family back anytime! Warm wishes, The Egypt Paradise Tours Team
Hosni led a fantastic tour of Egypt’s Coptic churches—deeply knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the history and faith. The Hanging Church and St. Sergius were highlights. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore Egypt’s Christian heritage!
Dear Kevin, thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an insightful and inspiring experience exploring Egypt’s Coptic heritage with Hosni. He truly has a passion for sharing the rich history of Old Cairo, and we’re glad it shone through during your tour. The Hanging Church and St. Sergius are indeed remarkable landmarks, and we’re thrilled they left a lasting impression. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in Egypt! Warm regards, Egypt Paradise Tours Team
Our tour of Coptic Cairo was a lovely experience filled with beauty, history, and expert guidance. We were picked up very early and everything ran smoothly. The driver was courteous and professional, and we felt safe and comfortable on the drive through busy Cairo. The sites themselves were absolutely stunning—rich with history and architectural splendor. Each stop, from the Cave Church to the Hanging Church, offered lovely photo opportunities that truly captured the spirit of Coptic Cairo. We had an excellent guide in Hosni. His depth of knowledge was impressive, sharing not just historical facts but fine details and stories that brought the sites to life. The pace of the tour was perfect—not rushed, yet efficient—allowing us to fully absorb each location without feeling hurried. The guide was enthusiastic and passionate, often encouraging us to book additional tours to get the most of Cairo, but we were limited on time during our stay. Overall, this tour offered great value for the experience we received. It was a perfect blend of education, exploration, and comfort.
Dear esteemed guest, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your tour of Coptic Cairo was such a meaningful and enjoyable experience. It’s great to know that everything—from the smooth pickup to the comfort of the drive—met your expectations. We’re especially pleased that Mr. Hosni’s deep knowledge, storytelling, and passion helped bring the rich history of these sacred sites to life. We understand time can be limited, but we’re glad you made the most of your visit, and we truly hope to welcome you back in the future for more unforgettable tours!
