Cave Church of Saint Simon and Hidden Churches of Old Cairo

Giza , Egypt

Cave Church of Saint Simon and Hidden Churches of Old Cairo

Active

(2 reviews)

4h - 6h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visit El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church, or the Monastery of St Simon, on a private tour that also explores the magnificent churches of Coptic Cairo. You’ll see some of Cairo’s most important Christian sites, including the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, the Church of Saint Barbara, and the Hanging Church, while going beyond sightseeing for a glimpse of ‘garbage city,’ a fascinating Cairo neighborhood that most visitors overlook entirely.Private tour ensures personalized service Included lunch and entrance fees mean no extra tour costs Enjoy the comfort and security of traveling by private vehicle Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo

Available options

Car driver Tourguide

Pickup included : Tourguide
Driver
Car
Bottle of water <br/>Pickup included

All inclusive

Pickup included : Tourguide
Driver
Car
Lunch
Bottle of water
Private car
Shopping tour <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottle of water

Tourguide

Comfortable & private car

Private tour

Entrance fees

Lunch ( if booked all inclusive)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

As Per Requested time Pick up from the Hotel by Your guide to Start your Half day tour to Old Cairo that Also known as Coptic Cairo which is mean Christian Cairo it has been Recognized as a holy place because some of the locations there has been visited by the Holy Family where the spiritual impact of their presence is most felt still; though their stay was brief, for the Governor of what was then Fustat enraged by the tumbling down of idols at Jesus’ approach sought to kill the Child. But they took shelter from his wrath in a cave above which, in later years, the Church of Abu Serga (St Sergius) was built. This and the whole area of the Fort of Babylon is a destination of pilgrimage not only for the Egyptians but for Christians from around the world. An air of piety and devotion pervades the whole district there.

Stop 2

the Coptic Orthodox saint associated with the story of the moving the Mokattam Mountain in Cairo, Egypt, during the rule of the Muslim Fatimid Caliph al-Muizz Lideenillah (953–975) while Abraham the Syrian was the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church

Stop 3

Saint Barbara Coptic known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian Lebanese and Greek saint and martyr. Accounts place her in the 3rd century in Heliopolis Phoenicia, present-day Baalbek, Lebanon. There is no reference to her in the authentic early Christian writings nor in the original recension of Saint Jerome's martyrology

Stop 4

The Hanging Church is named for its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo); its nave is suspended over a passage.[2] The church is approached by twenty-nine steps; early travelers to Cairo dubbed it "the Staircase Church".[2] The land surface has risen by some six metres since the Roman period, so the Roman tower is mostly buried below ground, reducing the visual impact of the church's elevated position

Stop 5

his was the synagogue whose geniza or store room was found in the 19th century to contain a treasure of forgotten, stored-away Hebrew, Aramaic and Judeo-Arabic secular and sacred manuscripts. The collection, known as the Cairo Geniza, was brought to the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England at the instigation of Solomon Schechter. It is now divided between several academic libraries, with the majority being kept at the Cambridge University Library.

What's not included

Tipping

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Giza

Giza, home to the iconic Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, is a city steeped in ancient history and modern intrigue. Just a short distance from Cairo, Giza offers a blend of ancient wonders and bustling urban life, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Top Attractions

Great Pyramids of Giza

The iconic Great Pyramids, including the Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure, are the last standing wonders of the ancient world.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Great Sphinx of Giza

The enigmatic Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, is a symbol of ancient Egypt and a must-see attraction.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Solar Boat Museum

This museum houses the reconstructed solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu, discovered near the Great Pyramid.

Historical 1 hour Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Saqqara

Saqqara is an ancient burial ground and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Dahshur

Dahshur is an ancient royal necropolis featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Camel Market

The Camel Market is a unique and bustling market where you can see and buy camels, as well as experience traditional Egyptian commerce.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (Purchases extra)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Koshari

A hearty dish made with lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.

Dinner Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Breakfast Vegan

Grilled Kofta

Spiced minced meat (usually lamb or beef) shaped into sausages and grilled to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Molokhia

A green leafy vegetable soup, often served with chicken or rabbit and eaten with bread.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian (if made without meat)

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides over the pyramids Quad biking in the desert Spa treatments Beach visits in Alexandria Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional Egyptian performances Boat tours on the Nile Visiting historical sites during the cooler months

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the ancient sites.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Giza is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Avoid accepting help from strangers, especially at tourist sites.
• Use reputable tour companies and guides.

Getting there

By air

Cairo International Airport • 25 km from Giza

By train

Giza Station

By bus

Giza Bus Station, Downtown Cairo Terminals

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Giza. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Pyramids Road Downtown Giza Haram

Day trips

Cairo

20 km • Half day to full day

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant city with a rich history and numerous attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, and Coptic Cairo.

Saqqara

20 km • Half day to full day

Saqqara is an ancient burial ground and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.

Dahshur

30 km • Half day to full day

Dahshur is an ancient royal necropolis featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.

Festivals

Cairo International Film Festival • November (dates vary) Eid al-Fitr • End of Ramadan (dates vary) Coptic Christmas • January 7

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the ancient sites and their significance.
Visit the pyramids early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the intense heat.
Bargain politely but firmly when shopping at markets and souks.
Carry small bills and coins for easier transactions, as change can be hard to come by.
Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture.