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Half-day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery

By Egypt Paradise Tours
Free cancellation available
Price is S$128 per adult* *Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 7h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
Overview

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.

Activity location

  • St Simon the Tanner Monastery
    • Mokattam Hills,
    • 11511, Cairo, Egypt

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • St Simon the Tanner Monastery
    • Mokattam Hills,
    • 11511, Cairo, Egypt

Check availability

Half-day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery
  • Activity duration is 7 hours7h
    7h
  • English

Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
S$128.13 x 1 AdultS$128.13
Total
Price is S$128.13

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedPrivate transport
  • What's includedWhat's includedEntry/Admission-St. Sergius and Bacchus
  • What's includedWhat's includedBottled Water
  • What's includedWhat's includedEntry/Admission- Cave Church
  • What's includedWhat's includedEntry/Admission- Hanging Church
  • What's includedWhat's includedEntry/Admission- Ben Ezra Synagogue
  • What's includedWhat's includedEntry/ admission of St. Simon Monastery
  • What's includedWhat's includedAir-conditioned vehicle
  • What's includedWhat's includedHotel Pickup & drop-off
  • What's includedWhat's includedEgyptologist guide
  • What's includedWhat's includedEntry/ admission of St. Barbara Church
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedService charge
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedLunch

Know before you book

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

St Simon the Tanner Monastery
  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Embark on a unique journey to the St. Simon Monastery, a hidden gem in Cairo’s Mokattam Hills. Your drive takes you through Rubbish City, a bustling, labyrinthine community where the Zabbaleen, Cairo’s informal waste 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 amphitheatre, 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 Rubbish City below. This tour offers a profound blend of human perseverance and spiritual tranquility.
Coptic Cairo
  • 30m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)
  • 30m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
Synagogue Ben Ezra
  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
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 travellers seeking deeper insight into Egypt’s diverse heritage.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESSt Simon the Tanner Monastery
    • Mokattam Hills,
    • 11511, Cairo, Egypt

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLESt Simon the Tanner Monastery
    • Mokattam Hills,
    • 11511, Cairo, Egypt

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