Half Day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery

By Egypt Paradise Tours

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
5h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup
Multiple languages

Overview

This tour includes visiting many churches located in Old Cairo that will reflect a great image of that epoch when the Holy Family was seeking a safe refuge and they found it in Egypt. Some of the churches are located upon a cave that was a residence for Virgin Mary and Jesus like the Church of Abo Serga, some others are connected to miracles and apparition of Virgin Marry like the Hanging Church. A unique Monastery of St. Simon, located in the Garbage City, will be visited. It is the biggest Monastery in the Middle East which is completely Carved in the mountain. It couldn't be found elsewhere in the world.

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

5h
English

Pickup included

Travelers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

$60.00 x 2 Adults$120.00

Total

What's included, what's not

Entry/Admission-St. Sergius and Bacchus
Bottled Water
Entry/Admission- Cave Church
Entry/Admission- Hanging Church
An Expert Egyptologist guide
Entry/Admission- Ben Ezra Synagogue
Entry/ admission of St. Simon Monastery
Air-conditioned vehicle
Taxes & fees
Hotel Pickup & drop-off
Entry/ admission of St. Barbara Church
Gratuities
Lunch

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 travelers 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 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.

Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As (Pass by)

As you pass by the Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, you’ll witness the grandeur of Egypt’s first mosque, built in 641 AD by the commander who introduced Islam to the country. This historic landmark, located in the heart of Old Cairo, stands as a testament to early Islamic architecture. Although it has undergone multiple renovations, the mosque retains its serene and modest charm. Its expansive courtyard, surrounded by elegant arcades with simple columns, creates a peaceful atmosphere. The mosque’s timeless design reflects the simplicity of early Islamic worship spaces, with an emphasis on functionality and community. While not as ornate as later mosques, its historical significance is unparalleled, marking the beginning of Islamic presence in Africa. As you admire it from the outside, you’ll sense its spiritual and cultural importance as a cornerstone of Cairo’s religious legacy.

Coptic Cairo

4h
Admission ticket included

Embark on a spiritual journey through Old Cairo, beginning at the awe-inspiring St. Simon Monastery, nestled in the Mokattam Hills, known for its massive open-air amphitheater and intricate carvings. Continue to the Hanging Church, suspended above a Roman fortress, showcasing exquisite Coptic icons and woodwork. Nearby, visit St. Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga), believed to have sheltered the Holy Family, and descend into its sacred crypt. Next, explore the serene Church of St. Barbara, renowned for its relics and intricately carved wooden screens. A short walk leads to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, blending Jewish and Islamic artistry and tied to the discovery of the Cairo Geniza. Conclude with a glimpse of Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, the first mosque in Egypt, reflecting early Islamic architectural simplicity. This tour offers a harmonious blend of Coptic, Jewish, and Islamic history, weaving together the religious and cultural legacy of Cairo.

Location

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

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Cairo your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top Experiences in Cairo

With so many things to do in Cairo, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours, and activities in Cairo. Families, couples, and business travelers can all find the perfect activity in Cairo to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.