Private Tour to the Cave Monastery of Saint Simon & Old Churches in Cairo

Witness the impressive scale of the Cave Church, where thousands gather weekly. Learn about the Zabbaleen’s origins, their migration from Upper Egypt, and their ingenious waste recycling system that sustains their community.

Continue your spiritual journey with a visit to Old Cairo, a historical enclave boasting some of the earliest Christian churches in the Middle East, dating back to the 4th century AD. Explore the significant Church of Abu-Sergah and St. Barbara, the iconic Hanging Church (Al-Mu’allaqa), and the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, reflecting the area’s diverse religious past.

This tour offers a unique blend of cultural insight and historical exploration, revealing a lesser-known yet significant aspect of Cairo’s heritage.

Tour Itinerary

Pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza
Your guide will meet you in the morning in your hotel lobby. Relax in a private, air-conditioned vehicle as you begin your spiritual and cultural adventure.

Monastery of Saint Simon (“Cave Church”)
Tucked away in Cairo’s Mokattam Hills, this jaw-dropping church can seat over 20,000 worshippers. It is carved into a cliff and serves the vibrant Christian community known as the Zabbaleen, who migrated from Upper Egypt and became Cairo’s primary garbage collectors and recyclers.
Learn how faith, survival, and community come together in one of the most unique places of worship in the world.

Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo)
Step back in time as you explore some of Egypt’s oldest Christian and Jewish sites:

• The Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa), suspended above a Roman fortress

• The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, built atop the crypt believed to have sheltered the Holy Family

• The Church of St. Barbara, showcasing beautiful Coptic architecture

• Ben Ezra Synagogue, steeped in Jewish history and legend

Return to your hotel
Your journey concludes around 1:00 PM with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience isn’t just a sightseeing trip — it’s a deep dive into faith, heritage, and the perseverance of communities who shaped Egypt’s rich spiritual landscape. Whether you’re interested in religion, history, or culture, this tour offers a unique window into a lesser-known side of Cairo.

• Beyond Tourist Trails – Visit local communities most tours skip
• Living History – Active worship sites with 1,700+ years of continuity
• Ethical Tourism – Supports Zabbaleen livelihoods

Monastery of Saint Simon  Tour Highlights

• Discover the Cave Church of Saint Simon — the largest church in the Middle East, carved directly into the mountain

• Explore the historic churches of Old Cairo, including:

  • The Hanging Church

  • Saint Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga)

  • Saint Barbara Church

• Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt’s most significant Jewish heritage sites

• Enjoy a private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle

• Led by an expert local guide (optional add-on)

Monastery of Saint Simon & Old Churches Tour

A Journey Through Egypt’s Living Christian History

Discover Cairo’s profound Christian legacy on this full-day pilgrimage to hidden sacred sites, from a miraculous mountain church to 1,700-year-old Coptic treasures. This unique experience blends spiritual wonder with cultural immersion in the Zabbaleen community.

Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Type: Private guided tour
Starting Point: Hotel in Cairo or Giza
Availability: Daily – You choose your start time!

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey!
Experience the spiritual heart of Cairo and discover stories that have stood the test of time.

Book now to secure your spot and travel through the soul of ancient Egypt.