TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- The Hanging Church is an ancient Coptic church built over a Roman gatehouse.
- The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus is a 5th-century church linked to the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt.
- Ben Ezra Synagogue is Cairo’s oldest Jewish synagogue, known for its Geniza documents.
- Babylon Fortress is an ancient Roman fort foundational to Coptic Cairo.
- The Cave Church is carved into the Mokattam Mountain cliffs.
- The Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is a 14th-century Mamluk complex with impressive architecture.
- Al-Rifai Mosque is a 19th-century royal mosque housing Egypt’s royal tombs and the last Shah of Iran.
- Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque is the oldest mosque in Egypt and Africa.
- Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a historic market offering spices, crafts, and antiques.
DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY
Get ready for a cool trip through Cairo’s awesome history! You’ll visit some really old mosques and see the famous Hanging Church, plus a few other interesting Coptic spots. No need to sweat about the weather—you’ll be cruising around in a nice, air-conditioned car. There’s even a yummy lunch included, and your guide will tell you all sorts of cool stories about the places you visit.
Your adventure starts when your guide picks you up right from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Jump into your comfy ride, and let the exploring begin
The Hanging Church of Saint Mary
People call it the Hanging Church because it looks like it’s floating above the ground! This amazing Coptic Christian church was built way back in the 200s AD, right on top of an old gatehouse from the Babylon Fortress. Inside, you’ll find cool Roman columns and really detailed wooden decorations. The church isn’t just a place where people pray—it’s also packed with old treasures and objects that show the history of the Coptic people.
The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus
St. Sergius and Bacchus Church in Old Cairo is a really old and special building from the 400s. People think it was built where Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus once stayed. The church is shaped like a cross and has cool brick walls, colorful paintings, and lots of religious pictures. Its bell tower looks different from most others because it mixes styles from different cultures. Even today, people still go there to pray, and it’s an important place for learning about Coptic Christian history.
Synagogue Ben Ezra
Tucked away in the narrow lanes of Coptic Cairo, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is the city’s oldest Jewish place of worship, built way back in the 800s! These days, not many people go there to pray because most of Egypt’s Jewish community left in the 1950s, but lots of visitors come to see it. The synagogue is still really important because it tells the story of Jewish history in Egypt.
The Fortress of Babylon
Babylon Fortress, also called Qasr el-Shamaa, is a really old Roman castle you can find in Coptic Cairo, Egypt. It was built way back around 30 BC when Emperor Augustus was in charge. The fortress still has strong towers and thick walls that have lasted for centuries. Visiting this place is like stepping into a time machine and seeing what life was like in ancient times!
The Cave Church
Deep inside Cairo’s Mokattam Mountain, you’ll find the Cave Church, which belongs to St. Simon Monastery. What makes this church awesome is that it’s carved straight into the rock! Visitors come here not just to pray, but also to check out the amazing stone walls and cool shapes all around. It’s a one-of-a-kind place where you can explore, learn about the local religion, and see something you won’t find anywhere else.
Al-Rifa’i Mosque
The Al-Rifa’i Mosque was built in the 1800s because people wanted it to be as impressive as the nearby Sultan Hassan Mosque. Even though it’s named after Ali, the grandson of a famous Sufi leader, he isn’t actually buried there. The mosque stands out with its fancy walls and tall, beautiful towers called minarets. It was also the first mosque in Egypt to be built using cement. Inside, there are places for people to pray and special rooms where important people like Khedive Ismail and the last king of Iran, Muhammad Reza Pahlavi, are buried.
The Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan
Sultan Hasan’s Mosque and School is a huge and impressive building in Egypt that was put up way back in the 1300s by a ruler named Sultan Hasan. It’s famous for its big open yard with a fountain in the middle, and it has four special areas where students used to learn about Islam. There are also two tall towers called minarets that look really cool in the Mamluk style. Long ago, this place was like a fortress close to the citadel, and over the years, people have fixed it up many times. The mosque stands out because of its fancy domes and detailed decorations that make it look amazing.
Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque
The Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque is super old—it was built in 640 AD by a leader named Amr ibn al-As. This makes it the oldest mosque you can visit in Egypt and even in all of Africa! It’s located in Fustat, which was the very first Muslim capital in Egypt. When the mosque was first made, some of Prophet Muhammad’s close friends helped build it. Over time, especially in the 1900s, people repaired and changed parts of the mosque, but it still looks simple and traditional, just like it did in the early days of Islam.
Khan Al-Khalili Bazars
Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar is a super lively place where you can find all sorts of cool stuff. It’s not just about regular souvenirs—there are stalls filled with colorful spices that smell amazing, fancy perfumes, sparkling gold jewelry, and even old, interesting antiques. The market is always busy and exciting, so there’s always something new to see. After you’ve checked everything out and maybe bought a few things, you can head back to your hotel, feeling like you’ve just been on a big adventure!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Schedule: Everyday
- Departure Location: Cairo & Giza
- Destination Tour: Cairo / Egypt
- Duration: 08 to 09 hours
- Types: Private Day Trip
- Guide Languages: Licensed English Egyptologist guide (other languages on request)
- Pickup Time: 8:00 AM (Hotel pickup & drop-off included)
- Meal: Lunch at a local restaurant included
Our Tourism License Number: 1569. Check our Travel License here
IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED
- Bring your passport or ID.
- Dress modestly for visits.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunglasses and hat recommended.
- Photography allowed in most locations.
- Bring cash for shopping.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSION
Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Qualified Egyptologist English guide.
- Bottled water.
- Lunch in quality restaurant.
- All service charges, taxes.
Excluded:
- Gratuities.
- Travel insurance.
- Drinks at restaurant.
- Tour guides are available in (French – Spanish – German – Italian) for an additional fee of $10 per person.
- Entrance fees to the mentioned sightseeing:
– Al-Rifa’i Mosque & Madrasa of Sultan Hasan: Adult 220 LE – Child 110 LE
– Al-Muizz Street: Adult 220 LE – Child 110 LE
ADDITIONAL INFO
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Sign up for the tour at least 48 hours in advance to ensure everything is prepared for you.
- Travelers can send their own pickup location.
CANCELLATION POLICY
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your experience for a full refund.
- To receive a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before your experience begins.
- If you try to cancel with less than 24 hours to go, you won’t get a refund.
- You can’t make any last-minute changes in that final 24-hour window.
- Remember, all these times are based on the local time where the activity happens.
Take a minute to check out the Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does the tour include and exclude?
A: Included: Private hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, private air-conditioned transportation, professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide, lunch at a quality local restaurant, bottled water, and all taxes/service fees.
Excluded: Gratuities/tips for guide and driver, drinks during lunch, travel insurance, and optional guide services in other languages (German, French, Spanish, or Italian available upon request for an extra fee).
Q: What are the key sites visited during this tour?
A: The tour covers both Coptic and Islamic landmarks:
Coptic & Religious Sites: The Hanging Church (St. Mary), Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), Ben Ezra Synagogue, Roman Fortress of Babylon, and the Cave Church of St. Simon at Mokattam.
Islamic Landmarks: Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, Al-Rifa’i Mosque, Amr Ibn Al-A’as Mosque, and the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.
Q: What is the dress code for visiting churches and mosques?
A: When you go to churches or mosques, you need to dress respectfully since people are there to pray. That means everyone—guys and girls—should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Think long pants, long skirts, or dresses, and shirts with sleeves.
If you’re going into a mosque, you’ll have to take your shoes off at the door, so wearing socks is a good idea. Also, girls might need to put a scarf over their hair when they go into the main prayer area of a mosque.
Q: Is lunch included, and are dietary restrictions accommodated?
A: You don’t need to worry about bringing your own food—lunch is part of the tour, and you’ll get to eat at a nearby restaurant. If you’re vegetarian or have other common food needs, just let your guide know when they pick you up, and they’ll make sure you get something you can eat.
Q: Is this a private or group tour?
A: This is a 100% private tour. You and your travel party will have a dedicated air-conditioned vehicle and a private Egyptologist guide, allowing flexibility with pacing and photo stops.
Q: What time does the tour start and how long does it last?
A: Start Time: Pickup is typically around 8:00 AM directly from your hotel lobby in Cairo or Giza.
Duration: Approximately 8 to 9 hours, returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to departure are non-refundable.
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