• St Simon the Tanner Monastery - Embark on an extraordinary journey to the St. Simon Monastery, a hidden treasure in Cairo’s Mokattam Hills. The drive takes you through Garbage City, a vibrant, maze-like community where the Zabbaleen, Cairo’s informal waste collectors, reside and work. The streets are lined with piles of recycled materials, vividly displaying their impressive recycling system. Although unconventional, the scene is one of resilience, creativity, and industriousness, offering a glimpse into a unique way of life. As the road climbs the Mokattam cliffs, the transformation is remarkable. Upon reaching the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, you’ll be welcomed by its breathtaking amphitheater, carved into the mountain, capable of accommodating over 20,000 worshippers. The monastery is adorned with intricate carvings of biblical scenes etched into the rock, and its peaceful ambiance contrasts sharply with the lively chaos of Garbage City below. This tour offers a profound blend of human perseverance and spiritual tranquility.
• Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As - As you pass by the Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, you’ll witness the magnificence of Egypt’s first mosque, constructed in 641 AD by the commander who introduced Islam to the country. This historic landmark, located in the heart of Old Cairo, stands as a testament to early Islamic architecture. Although it has undergone several renovations, the mosque retains its serene and modest charm. Its expansive courtyard, surrounded by elegant arcades with simple columns, creates a tranquil atmosphere. The mosque’s timeless design reflects the simplicity of early Islamic worship spaces, with an emphasis on functionality and community. While not as ornate as later mosques, its historical significance is unparalleled, marking the beginning of Islamic presence in Africa. As you admire it from the outside, you’ll sense its spiritual and cultural importance as a cornerstone of Cairo’s religious legacy.
• Coptic Cairo - Embark on a spiritual journey through Old Cairo, beginning at the awe-inspiring St. Simon Monastery, nestled in the Mokattam Hills, known for its massive open-air amphitheater and intricate carvings. Continue to the Hanging Church, suspended above a Roman fortress, showcasing exquisite Coptic icons and woodwork. Nearby, visit St. Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga), believed to have sheltered the Holy Family, and descend into its sacred crypt. Next, explore the serene Church of St. Barbara, renowned for its relics and intricately carved wooden screens. A short walk leads to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, blending Jewish and Islamic artistry and tied to the discovery of the Cairo Geniza. Conclude with a glimpse of Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, the first mosque in Egypt, reflecting early Islamic architectural simplicity. This tour offers a harmonious blend of Coptic, Jewish, and Islamic history, weaving together the religious and cultural legacy of Cairo.

• Entry/Admission - St. Sergius and Bacchus
• Bottled Water
• Entry/Admission - Cave Church
• Entry/Admission - Hanging Church
• Expert Egyptologist guide
• Entry/Admission - Ben Ezra Synagogue
• Entry/Admission - St. Simon Monastery
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Taxes & fees
• Hotel Pickup & drop-off
• Entry/Admission - St. Barbara Church

• Gratuities
• Lunch

This tour offers visits to numerous churches in Old Cairo, providing a vivid glimpse into the era when the Holy Family sought refuge and found safety in Egypt. Some churches, such as the Church of Abo Serga, are built over a cave that served as a dwelling for the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Others, like the Hanging Church, are associated with miracles and apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The tour also includes a visit to the unique Monastery of St. Simon, located in Garbage City. It is the largest monastery in the Middle East, entirely carved into the mountain, and is unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.