Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches in Giza, Egypt
Giza, Egypt

Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches

Outty Ranking 77 4.6 · 205 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $15
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Outty Ranking

77/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 205 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches worth booking?

Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches is a 4-hour experience in Giza, Egypt, from $15 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 205 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
77 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (205)
Duration
4 hours
From
$15 per person

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.

What you get

    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.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • All Transfers by Private A/C latest Model Vehicle
    • Lunch at local restaurants(Local Egyptian Food) ( If Option Selected )
    • guide on site ( If Option Selected )
    • Bottle of water

    Not included

    • Personal Items
    • Tipping

    What you'll see and do

    1. Coptic Cairo

      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.

      60 minutes here

    2. Coptic Church of St. Barbara

      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

      30 minutes here

    3. The Hanging Church

      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

      30 minutes here

    4. Synagogue Ben Ezra

      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.

      60 minutes here

    5. St Simon the Tanner Monastery

      s 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

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Giza

    al haram

    Meeting point

    Giza

    cairo

    Meeting point

    Giza

    6th of October City, Egypt

    Meeting point

    Giza

    giza

    Meeting point

    Giza

    giza

    Meeting point

    Giza

    Giza

    Meeting point

    Giza

    Cairo

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    al haram

    Ends at

    cairo

    Ends at

    6th of October City, Egypt

    Ends at

    giza

    Ends at

    giza

    Ends at

    Giza

    Ends at

    Cairo

    Options you can book

    • Car +Tour guide Only

      Car +Tour guide Only Pickup included

    • Only Car With Driver

      Only Car With Driver Pickup included

    • Car +Guide + Lunch

      Car +Guide +Lunch Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ar, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Egypt Tours Online

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Cave Church of Saint Simon, Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches in GizaCoptic Cairo, Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches in GizaCoptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches in Giza, photo 4Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches in Giza, photo 5Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches in Giza, photo 6Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches in Giza, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 205 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    205 verified traveler reviews for Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    163
    4 star
    24
    3 star
    9
    2 star
    5
    1 star
    4
    Sort
    desireebG9555OB · October 2026

    Don’t Miss this enlightening experience!

    Wonderful experience visiting the Cave Church of St. Simon and the old Cairo churches. My Tour guide Karma was so informative and knowledgeable about the history of each church. This made the tour very special for me. I would also like to to thank my driver Reday for an enjoyable day.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jason_P · October 2026

    Compared to the other...

    Compared to the other tours we have done, this one just fell flat. Communication with the operator could be better. They were late to pick us up, which is not a problem at all, but there was no communication and reaching out was complicated. Our guide, while very kind and professional, was just not as passionate or knowledgeable compared to other tours we had in Egypt. I felt many of the questions we had unanswered. Just felt minimum compared to other tours. Would book this tour again, but with just the driver.

    via Viator

    Keith_G · October 2026

    Early Christian churches in Cairo

    Interesting and informative tour of early churches in Cairo.- I was moved by what I saw, especially at Church of Saint Simon. Our guide, Miriam, was excellent- warm, friendly and very knowledgeable !

    via Viator

    Anna_M · October 2026

    Wonderful experience

    Excellent tour guide,Karma. She was very knowledgeable, kind and patient. Stopped to get us drinks. Made sure we were comfortable and safe. We even booked extra tours requesting her as our guide. ❤️❤️

    via Viator

    rosannea503 · October 2026

    Great experience

    The cave church and the area was very beautiful but the drive through garbage city was fascinating! We really enjoyed the excursion. The lunch was also delicious!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $15 to $65
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    72
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Egypt Tours Online, who run 33 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.3.

    See everything Egypt Tours Online runs

    Why this scores 77

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)73
    Review evidence (18% weight)92
    Booking momentum (14% weight)91
    Value for money (12% weight)77
    Listing quality (10% weight)70
    Local standing (8% weight)23
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Giza.

    How much does Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches cost?

    +

    Prices start at $15 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Giza usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches take?

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    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Giza is not rushed.

    Is Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 205 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Giza, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches?

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    Around 72 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Giza can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Giza and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Giza within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Giza?

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    On Outty we rank every Giza experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel, ATV Bike, Shopping & Dinner Cruise, ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid, Giza Pyramids VIP Private Tour ATV Camel Inside Pyramid & Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Giza?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Giza?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches?

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    Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; All Transfers by Private A/C latest Model Vehicle; Lunch at local restaurants(Local Egyptian Food) ( If Option Selected ); guide on site ( If Option Selected ); and Bottle of water. Not included: Personal Items; and Tipping. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1967 listed pickup locations in and around Giza. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches offered in?

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    It is offered in Arabic, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Giza. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches?

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    Across 205 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including Car +Tour guide Only, Only Car With Driver, Car +Guide + Lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches.

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