Holly day tour to Coptic Cairo and saint Simon Church

Cairo , Egypt

Holly day tour to Coptic Cairo and saint Simon Church

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About this experience

Explore the unique spiritual atmosphere of Egypt during this tour by visiting the most famous coptic churches and the famous Synagouge ,and enjoy with nice walking around the coptic district and have a complete idea about the Christian history and the Jewish history as well

Have alook to see the roman fortresses and the churches built on such fortresses like Hanging church and visit the Cavern in which the holly family been protected during their flight from jursalim to Egypt on your stop by the church of Abu Sergah

Then drive with your Egyptologist tour guide to El Moqatem mountain to explore the garbage village or Zabbaleen village

To have a unique experience about the life style for the garbage collectors and visiting the church of saint Simon or Sam''an al Kharaz

Which counted to be one if the largest churches in Egypt

Available options

Car+ driver

Private Duration: 5 hours Extra charge A/C vehicle Pickup included

Car +guide +admission

Private Duration: 5 hours A/C vehicle Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Fuel surcharge

All taxes

Qualified Egyptologist guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our Egypt Select Tours tour guide will escort you in a tour to Coptic Cairo where you will visit the Hanging Church which is dating back to the 3rd Century AD and was dedicated to Virgin Mary, It’s called "Hanging" because of its location above the gatehouse of the ancient Roman fortress "Babylon" .It contains 110 Holy icons depicting beautiful religious scenes.

Then visiting Saint Sergius and Bacchus Church which is believed to have been built on the spot where the holy family rested at the end of their journey into Egypt.

Then, visiting the Jewish Synagogue of Ben Ezra which gained its importance from its Geniza (Store room) was found during the 19th century containing a treasure of abandoned Hebrew secular and sacred manuscripts

And ending Coptic Cairo tour with a visit to one of the marvelous Coptic buildings in Cairo, The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner or The Cave Church which is located in el Mokattam hills area near the Zabbaleen slum or Garbage City which is Cairo's largest informal garbage collectors settlement, where garbage recycling is central to its population's economy. The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner is the largest and it has an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 20,000.This church is the largest church in the Middle East. It is named after the Coptic Saint, Simon the Tanner, who lived at the end of the 10th century and is associated with the legend of the moving of the Mokattam Mountain. The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner include the St. Bola's Church, St. Marks Church, and St. Simon the Tanner's Hall.

What's not included

Food and Drinks

Gratuities

Optional Activities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE AR EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant metropolis where ancient history and modern life intertwine. As one of the largest cities in Africa, it offers a wealth of historical landmarks, bustling markets, and rich cultural experiences that attract millions of visitors each year.

Top Attractions

The Great Pyramids of Giza

The iconic pyramids are one of the most famous landmarks in the world and a must-visit for any traveler to Cairo. They are part of the Giza Necropolis, which also includes the Great Sphinx.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (around $10-20 for entrance fees)

Egyptian Museum

This museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Egypt's rich history.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $10-15 for entrance fees)

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

One of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East, Khan el-Khalili offers a vibrant shopping experience with a wide range of goods, from spices and perfumes to jewelry and souvenirs.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate (prices vary depending on items)

Coptic Cairo

This area is home to some of the oldest Christian churches in Egypt, including the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. It's a fascinating place to explore for those interested in the history of Christianity in Egypt.

Historical 1-2 hours Low (around $5-10 for entrance fees)

Nile River Cruise

A Nile River cruise offers a unique way to see Cairo from a different perspective. Many cruises include dinner and entertainment, making it a memorable experience.

Cultural 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (depending on the cruise package)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Koshari

A popular street food made with a mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, pasta, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional breakfast dish made with mashed fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, often served with bread.

Breakfast Vegetarian, Vegan

Molokhia

A green leafy vegetable soup made with jute leaves, garlic, and coriander, often served with rice or bread.

Main Dish Vegetarian, Vegan

Kofta

Grilled minced meat skewers made with a mix of ground beef, lamb, or chicken, seasoned with spices and herbs.

Main Dish Contains meat

Popular Activities

Desert safaris Quad biking in the desert Hot air balloon rides over the Nile Nile River cruises Beach relaxation in Alexandria or Hurghada Spa and wellness treatments Exploring ancient temples and ruins Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the city's historical sites.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts of the city

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cairo is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing, scams, and harassment can occur, especially in crowded areas. It's important to stay vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or deserted areas.
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always agree on a fare or use the meter before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Cairo International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Ramses Station

By bus

Cairo Bus Station, Turgoman Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around Cairo. It has three lines and is relatively affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Cairo Islamic Cairo Zamalek Giza

Day trips

Alexandria

220 km from Cairo • Full day

Alexandria is a beautiful coastal city with a rich history, offering a mix of ancient landmarks, beaches, and vibrant culture.

Luxor

670 km from Cairo • Overnight

Luxor is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, offering a wealth of ancient Egyptian landmarks and temples.

Aswan

870 km from Cairo • Overnight

Aswan is a charming city on the Nile, known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and relaxing atmosphere.

Festivals

Cairo International Film Festival • Late November to early December Cairo Jazz Festival • Late January to early February Cairo Fashion Festival • April

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Hire a guide for major attractions, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum, to gain a deeper understanding of their history and significance.
Bargain when shopping at markets and bazaars, as it's expected and can help you get a better deal.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for local customs and traditions.
Be prepared for heavy traffic and crowded streets, especially during peak hours and in popular tourist areas.