Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque worth booking?
Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque is a 3-hour experience in Cairo, Egypt, from $50 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (24)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $50 per person
This tour takes you through the heart of Old Coptic Cairo, a place rich in history and spirituality. You’ll visit the Church of Abu Serga, built above the cave where the Holy Family once took shelter, explore the Hanging
What you get
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Licensed tourguide
- All Fees and Taxes
About this experience
This tour takes you through the heart of Old Coptic Cairo, a place rich in history and spirituality. You’ll visit the Church of Abu Serga, built above the cave where the Holy Family once took shelter, explore the Hanging Church, and discover the famous Cave Church of St. Simon carved into the Moqattam Mountains. The Monastery of St. Simon, the largest of the cave churches, even has an amphitheater that can seat 20,000 people. You will also visit Egypt’s oldest mosque, adding a unique Islamic historical perspective to your journey. This combination of historic sites, spiritual significance, and impressive architecture makes the experience unforgettable. At the end of the tour, you’ll return comfortably to your hotel.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Licensed tourguide
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Gratuities ( Tipping ) not obligated but appreciated
What you'll see and do
Fort of Babylon
The Babylon Fortress, located in Cairo, Egypt, is an ancient Roman fortress that dates back to the 1st century AD. Originally built to protect the city from invasions, it stands as a significant historical landmark showcasing the blend of Roman and Egyptian architectural styles. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, from military stronghold to a site for Christian worship, reflecting the diverse history of the region. Today, it remains a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Egypt's rich past.
10 minutes here
The Hanging Church
The Hanging Church, also known as Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, is a historic church located in Old Cairo, Egypt. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, it is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and is renowned for its unique architectural design, which appears to "hang" over the ruins of two ancient towers. The church is an important religious and cultural site for Coptic Christians, and it contains beautiful artwork, intricate woodwork, and ancient artifacts. As a symbol of Egypt's Christian heritage, the Hanging Church attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and significance.
30 minutes here
Synagogue Ben Ezra
Ben Ezra Synagogue, located in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the oldest synagogues in the country, dating back to the 9th century. Originally a Coptic Christian church, it was later converted into a synagogue by the Jewish community in the 12th century. The synagogue holds historical significance as it is believed to be the place where baby Moses was found among the reeds of the Nile River. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations and restorations, blending various architectural styles. Today, the Ben Ezra Synagogue stands as a testament to Egypt's rich multicultural heritage and serves as a place of worship and historical interest for visitors.
15 minutes here
Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus
The Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as Abu Serga, is a Coptic Orthodox church located in Old Cairo, Egypt. Believed to have been built in the 4th century AD, it is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and is dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus, who were martyred during the 4th century. The church is renowned for its historical significance and its beautifully preserved Coptic architecture, including ancient icons, frescoes, and intricate woodwork. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians and attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its rich history and spiritual importance.
30 minutes here
Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As
Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, located in Cairo, Egypt, is the oldest mosque in the country and one of the oldest in the world. It was originally built in 641 AD by Amr ibn Al-A'as, the Arab conqueror of Egypt, making it a significant historical landmark in Islamic architecture. The mosque has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, but it retains its original architectural essence, with simple yet elegant designs reflecting early Islamic influences. As a symbol of Egypt's Islamic heritage, the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque continues to be an important religious and cultural site, attracting visitors and worshippers alike.
20 minutes here
Cave Church
Cave Church, also known as the Monastery of Saint Simon, is a remarkable religious site located in the Mokattam mountain range near Cairo, Egypt. Carved into the limestone cliffs, this vast complex includes several churches, chapels, and living quarters. It is one of the largest churches in the Middle East and is known for its unique setting and stunning architectural design. The Cave Church serves as a place of worship for the Coptic Christian community and attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its beauty and spiritual significance.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Car + Tour Guide + fees
Car with a tourguide : Includes Car + tourguide + fees Pickup included
tour with a Nile Felucaa ride
Felucaa : You will have a relaxing experience by enjoy sailing in the Nile on a felucca boat Felucaa ride in the Nile Pickup included
Tour with lunch
traditional lunch included: Includes Car + tourguide + lunch + entry fees Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Egypt Discovery Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour includes a visit to the Monastery of Saint Simon (the Cave Church) in Cairo. To reach the site, we must drive through an area commonly known as Garbage City. This area can be very busy, visually challenging, and not very clean, and there may be unpleasant odors at times. We believe in being fully transparent with our guests, so please consider this carefully before booking. If you feel uncomfortable passing through such areas, this tour may not be suitable for you. Alternatively, you may choose to skip the Cave Church visit. Please make sure you are aware of this information before confirming your booking.
- Important Note: Please be aware that if you book the tour on a Friday during prayer times, there is a high chance that the mosque included in the program will not be accessible for a visit.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very nice tour guide
I went with my wife, and our tour guide was super nice. She taught us everything we needed to know and showed us everything we needed to see. She answered all our questions, and her english was excellent. Thank you, Roaa!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful end of trip in Cairo !
Started with roaa who greeted us at hotel lobby , we had a great conversation as curious with Egyptian history and she was able to fill in the gaps especially since this tour is after ancient egypt . The sites taken were unique and since we did an extensive tour prior , the time for each area was just perfect for Cairo. Thank you !
via Tripadvisor
An express introduction to the Coptic Cairo, Ben Ezra Synagogue and the 1st mosque in Egypt.
Roaa gave us a good overview of the historic buildings, the cultural context and shared a few anecdotes. Plus she was able to answer all our random questions. It was the perfect way to end our Egypt trip.
via Tripadvisor
Spiritual Adventure
Spiritual tour for us. Our tour guide explained and answered all of our questions and gave us time to observe and pray.
via Viator
Coptic Cairo at it's best!
This is a very good presentation of Coptic Cairo led by a enthusiastic tour guide and Egyptologist, fair amount of walking and sights included.Highly commendable! Fascinating sights and well presented!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $120
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Egypt Discovery Tours, who run 9 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.3.
See everything Egypt Discovery Tours runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairo.
How much does Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Cairo is not rushed.
Is Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque?
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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 Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque?
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Around 8 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 Cairo 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairo and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hidden Gems of Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Egypt’s Oldest Mosque 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 Cairo 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 Cairo?
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On Outty we rank every Cairo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include All-in-One Giza Tour, inside Pyramid, sphinx, Camel ride & lunch, VIP Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx Tour –Inside the Pyramids&More, Best of Cairo Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Museum Tour. 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 Cairo?
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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 Cairo?
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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.
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