Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery
Traveler rating
Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery worth booking?
Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery is a 1-hour experience in Giza, Egypt, from $160 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 47 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $160 per person
Uncover the deep spiritual roots and hidden architectural wonders of Cairo on an exclusive, day private journey. Relax in seamless comfort with end-to-end luxury transportation and a dedicated expert Egyptologist guide managing every detail. Begin in Coptic Cairo, exploring Egypt’s ancient sanctuary of faith. Walk through the iconic Hanging Church, suspended over a Roman fortress, and visit the sacred Abu Serga Church, historic refuge of the Holy Family. Discover the rich Jewish heritage housed within the exquisite Ben Ezra Synagogue. Continuing into the dramatic landscape of Mokattam Mountain, stand in awe before the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner—an incredible sanctuary carved directly into the rock face, adorned with master relief carvings. Guided by insider storytelling, cultural commentary, and rare local insights, this experience offers far more than a typical city tour: it is an extraordinary passage through centuries of history, faith, and living culture.
What you get
About this experience
Uncover the deep spiritual roots and hidden architectural wonders of Cairo on an exclusive, day private journey. Relax in seamless comfort with end-to-end luxury transportation and a dedicated expert Egyptologist guide managing every detail. Begin in Coptic Cairo, exploring Egypt’s ancient sanctuary of faith. Walk through the iconic Hanging Church, suspended over a Roman fortress, and visit the sacred Abu Serga Church, historic refuge of the Holy Family. Discover the rich Jewish heritage housed within the exquisite Ben Ezra Synagogue. Continuing into the dramatic landscape of Mokattam Mountain, stand in awe before the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner—an incredible sanctuary carved directly into the rock face, adorned with master relief carvings. Guided by insider storytelling, cultural commentary, and rare local insights, this experience offers far more than a typical city tour: it is an extraordinary passage through centuries of history, faith, and living culture.
What's included
Included
- • Hotel Pick-up & Drop off
- • Bottled water & Snacks
- Lunch
- • Entry/ Admission- Ben Ezra Synagogue • Entry/ Admission- Cave Church
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- • Pre-booked timed-entry tickets to minimize on-site ticket lines
- • Entry/ admission of St. Simon Monastery & St. Simon Tanner
- • Expert Egyptologist Guide
- • Guaranteed to skip the lines
- •Entry/Admission-St. Sergius and Bacchus • Entry/ Admission- Hanging Church
Not included
- Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tipping
What you'll see and do
St Simon the Tanner Monastery
Discover one of Egypt’s most extraordinary cultural contrasts on a journey into the rugged Mokattam Hills. This eye-opening expedition takes you into the heart of Manshiyat Naser (Garbage City)—a vibrant, industrious neighborhood powered by the Zabbaleen, Cairo’s famed traditional recyclers. Witnessing their internationally celebrated recycling ecosystem offers a fascinating look into human ingenuity, resilience, and community enterprise. As you ascend the cliffside, the bustling streets give way to breathtaking grandeur at the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner. Carved directly into the sheer limestone mountain, this monumental rock-hewn sanctuary features a vast open-air amphitheater seating over 20,000 worshippers, surrounded by intricate biblical relief carvings. From the energetic pulse of local industry to the serene majesty of a world-famous cliffside monastery, this journey delivers a deep, unforgettable connection to faith, history, and the human spirit.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Coptic Cairo
In the Footsteps of the Holy Family: Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Walk through centuries of sacred history at Abu Serga (Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus), one of Egypt’s oldest and most revered sanctuaries. Tucked in the heart of Coptic Cairo, this 4th-century landmark stands on the very ground believed to have sheltered the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus—during their flight into Egypt. Step inside to admire classic early-Christian basilica architecture, featuring a ship-keel wooden ceiling, ancient icons, and soaring marble columns. Descend into the sacred crypt—the revered resting site of the Holy Family—and experience the quiet spiritual resonance that draws pilgrims from around the globe. Guided by your personal expert, discover the enduring legacy of early Christianity and the rich Coptic heritage that shaped Cairo.
30 minutes here · Admission included
The Hanging Church
Suspended in Faith & History: The Iconic Hanging Church of Old Cairo Discover one of Egypt’s most extraordinary architectural treasures at The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa). Perched dramatically above the ancient southern gatehouse of the Roman Babylon Fortress, this 3rd-century sanctuary earns its famous title by appearing to float above the passage below. Step inside to marvel at its vaulted wooden ceiling—crafted to mirror Noah’s Ark—alongside intricate ivory-inlaid screens, ancient marble pulpits, and world-renowned Coptic icons. Once the official seat of the Coptic Pope, this living landmark holds centuries of papal tradition, miracle legends, and sacred heritage. Accompanied by your expert guide, uncover hidden artistic details, absorb its peaceful spiritual ambiance, and capture breathtaking photos of a true treasure of Old Cairo.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Synagogue Ben Ezra
Where History & Legend Meet: The Historic Ben Ezra Synagogue Uncover a sacred chapter of Egypt’s multicultural heritage at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, a extraordinary 9th-century jewel nestled in Coptic Cairo. Steeped in profound tradition, legend holds that this holy ground marks the exact spot where baby Moses was drawn from the Nile reeds. Admire its magnificent interior, featuring marble columns, fine wooden carvings, and intricate geometric motifs that reflect centuries of artistic fusion. Here lies the home of the world-renowned Cairo Genizah—a hidden chamber where thousands of ancient manuscripts were discovered, unlocking a priceless window into medieval Jewish life across the Mediterranean. Guided by your personal expert, explore the fascinating legacy of Egypt’s Jewish community and the rich interfaith history that defines Old Cairo.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Passion Egypt Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Instant Confirmation: Booking confirmation will be issued immediately upon purchase. Exclusive Private Experience: This is a private tour—only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized and flexible experience. Restroom Accessibility & Comfort: Fully accessible restroom facilities are available at all stops on your itinerary. Scheduled breaks are integrated into the tour, and your guide is always available to direct you to nearby facilities upon request. Modest Dress Code for Religious & Cultural Sites To respect local traditions and the sacred nature of the places visited, guests are asked to dress modestly. Recommended Attire: Loose, breathable clothing covering both shoulders and knees, paired with comfortable walking shoes. Items to Avoid: Sleeveless tops, short shorts/skirts, or sheer/transparent garments. Head Coverings: Women may be required to cover their hair at specific religious sites. Your guide will provide light scarves or instructions prior to entry. Thank you for helping us honor the sanctity and heritage of these historic landmarks.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 47
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Giza.
How much does Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery cost?
+
Prices start at $160 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 Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery take?
+
Plan for about 1 hour 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 Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery?
+
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 Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery?
+
Around 0 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 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery?
+
Included: • Hotel Pick-up & Drop off; • Bottled water & Snacks; Lunch; • Entry/ Admission- Ben Ezra Synagogue • Entry/ Admission- Cave Church; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary; and Tipping. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 264 listed pickup locations in and around Giza. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery offered in?
+
It is offered in German, English, Italian, French 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 Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery?
+
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 Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Tour to Old Cairo Churches and Saint Simon Monastery.
Pick your date
