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      Traveler viewing Coptic Cairo church mosaic wall on private tour to Cave Church and Nile felucca ride
      Ornate interior of a Coptic church in Old Cairo on private Coptic Cairo and Cave Church tour with felucca
      Carved wooden iconostasis with Virgin Mary icon in Coptic Cairo church on private tour and Nile felucca ride
      Historic Coptic Cairo church exterior with domed roof, featured on private tour to Cave Church and felucca ride
      Ornate Coptic Cairo monastery facade with carved stonework, stop on private Cave Church tour and Cairo felucca ride
      Entrance arch of a Coptic Cairo church with columns, visited on private tour to Cave Church and Nile felucca ride
      Historic Coptic Cairo church exterior on private tour to Coptic Cairo and Cave Church, Cairo Egypt
      Traditional felucca sailboats on the Nile in Cairo, Egypt, part of private Coptic Cairo tour and felucca ride
      White twin-tower Coptic church in Old Cairo, stop on private tour to Coptic Cairo and Cave Church, Egypt
      Coptic Cairo church courtyard with twin bell towers, stop on private tour to Cave Church and felucca ride
      Nile River view near Coptic Cairo with church skyline, scenic felucca ride stop on private Cairo day tour
      Ornate Coptic church interior dome fresco and chandelier, highlight of private Coptic Cairo and Cave Church tour
      Exterior of a historic Coptic Cairo church with palm trees, a stop on a private Cairo day tour
      Painted dome and icons inside a Coptic Cairo church, featured on private Coptic Cairo and Cave Church tour
      Ornate nave with carved wood and columns inside a Coptic Cairo church on a private Cairo tour
      Historic domed Coptic church exterior in Old Cairo, featured on private Coptic Cairo and Cave Church tour
      Twin-towered Coptic church facade in Old Cairo under blue sky, stop on private Coptic Cairo tour itinerary
      Ancient Coptic church interior with marble columns and ornate altar, part of private Coptic Cairo tour in Egypt
      Exterior of the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo, a highlight on a private Cairo Coptic churches tour
      Carved wooden iconostasis with Virgin Mary icons inside a Coptic church on a Private Tour to Coptic Cairo
      Private Guided Tour of Coptic Cairo Churches and Cave Church
      From € 46.13
      Listing ID : 41938

      Activity

      Duration6 Hours
      Group SizePrivate
      Starts AtYour Hotel, Cairo
      LanguagesArabic, German, Greek, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian
      Private Day Tour — Cairo, Egypt

      Private Tour to Coptic Cairo, Cave Church and Felucca Ride

      Follow the path of the Holy Family through ancient Christian Cairo and end with a peaceful sail on the Nile.

      This private Coptic Cairo tour takes you through one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, where ancient churches, a carved cave sanctuary, and a sacred tree mark the journey of the Holy Family through Egypt.

      The district of Old Cairo, historically known as Fustat, holds a remarkable concentration of early Christian monuments within the walls of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. Pilgrims and travelers have visited this area for centuries, drawn by the spiritual and historical weight that each site carries.

      Beyond the churches, the tour continues to the Moqattam Mountain to explore the Cave Church of St. Simon the Tanner, one of the largest religious gathering spaces in the Middle East. The day also includes a visit to the Virgin Mary Tree in the Matariya district, a sycamore tree venerated by Christians as a shelter of the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt.

      Tour Highlights

      Explore the Church of Abu Serga, built over the cave where the Holy Family took shelter from the Governor of Fustat.

      Visit the Hanging Church, one of the oldest and most celebrated Coptic churches in Egypt, suspended above a Roman gatehouse.

      Discover the Cave Church of St. Simon the Tanner, carved into Moqattam Mountain with an open-air amphitheater seating 20,000.

      See the Virgin Mary Tree in Matariya, a Sycamore believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their refuge in Egypt.

      Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest Jewish houses of worship in Egypt, with a history deeply intertwined with Coptic Cairo.

      Enjoy a relaxing Felucca ride on the Nile River as a peaceful conclusion to your exploration of Christian and historical Cairo.

      Travel on a fully private basis with a dedicated guide for a personalized and unhurried experience throughout the day.

      Itinerary

      1
      Hotel Pickup and Transfer to Old Cairo

      Your guide collects you from your Cairo hotel at 9:00 AM and transfers you to the historic district of Old Cairo, set within the ancient walls of the Fortress of Babylon. This area is recognized as one of the most significant Christian pilgrimage destinations in the Middle East.

      2
      Church of Abu Serga, St. Barbara and Ben Ezra Synagogue

      You enter the Church of Abu Serga, constructed above the cave that tradition holds as the refuge of the Holy Family in Egypt. Nearby, the Church of St. Barbara and the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue round out this concentrated cluster of sacred monuments from multiple faith traditions.

      3
      The Hanging Church

      The tour continues to the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary, widely referred to as the Hanging Church due to its position above the south gate of the Fortress of Babylon. The church's interior features decorated screens, icons, and a nave dating to early Christian Egypt.

      4
      Cave Church of St. Simon the Tanner, Moqattam

      You travel to the Moqattam Mountain district to visit the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, home to seven cave churches carved directly into the cliffside. The main amphitheater, with a capacity of 20,000 seats, remains an active site of worship for the Zabbaleen community.

      5
      Virgin Mary Tree, Matariya

      The group visits the ancient Sycamore tree in the Cairo district of Matariya, venerated by Christians as the shelter under which the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and Joseph rested during their flight from King Herod. The site is part of the officially recognized Holy Family Trail in Egypt.

      6
      Felucca Ride on the Nile and Return

      The tour concludes with a traditional Felucca sailboat ride on the Nile River, offering a calm and scenic perspective of Cairo from the water. After the ride, your guide transfers you back to your hotel.

      What Is Included

      Included

      • Private licensed Egyptologist guide
      • Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
      • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo
      • Entrance fees to all listed sites
      • Felucca ride on the Nile
      • Lunch during the tour

      Not Included

      • Gratuities for guide and driver
      • Personal purchases and souvenirs
      • Drinks and beverages beyond what is provided
      • Any sites or activities not listed in the itinerary

      Important Information

      This is a private tour. All visits are conducted at a relaxed pace suitable for most travelers. Modest dress is required when entering religious sites.
      Duration
      Approximately 6 hours, starting at 9:00 AM from your Cairo hotel.
      Meeting Point
      Pickup is arranged directly from your hotel lobby in Cairo. Confirm your hotel address at the time of booking.
      What to Bring
      Wear modest, comfortable clothing suitable for visiting churches and religious sites. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a small bottle of water.
      Cancellation
      Please refer to the booking platform's cancellation policy at the time of reservation. Contact the operator in advance for any schedule changes.
      Accessibility
      Some Coptic churches and the cave church involve uneven surfaces and steps. The tour is rated Easy but may present limited accessibility for visitors with mobility restrictions.
      Age Range
      This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and will benefit from the historical and spiritual context provided by the guide.

      Reserve Your Private Coptic Cairo Tour

      Secure your private guided day through the ancient Christian heart of Cairo, including the Cave Church, the Hanging Church, and a Felucca ride on the Nile.

      Book Now

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What is Coptic Cairo and why is it significant? ▼
      Coptic Cairo is the oldest part of the city, built within the Roman Fortress of Babylon, and is home to some of the earliest Christian churches in the world. It is considered one of the most important stops along the Holy Family Trail in Egypt, attracting Christian pilgrims from across the globe.
      Is the Cave Church of St. Simon the Tanner open to all visitors? ▼
      Yes, the Cave Church complex on Moqattam Mountain is open to visitors of all backgrounds. It is an active place of worship for the local Coptic community, so respectful behavior and modest dress are expected during your visit.
      What is the Ben Ezra Synagogue and is it still in use? ▼
      The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest Jewish religious buildings in Egypt, believed to date back to the 9th century. It is no longer used for regular worship but is preserved as a historical monument and is open to visitors as part of the Old Cairo complex.
      What should I wear when visiting the churches? ▼
      Modest dress is required at all religious sites on this tour. Shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Scarves or wraps can be useful if your clothing does not fully meet requirements.
      Is lunch included in this tour? ▼
      Yes, lunch is included as part of the tour. The meal is typically served at a local restaurant during the day. Dietary requirements can be communicated to the operator at the time of booking.
      How does the Felucca ride fit into the tour? ▼
      The Felucca ride is a traditional wooden sailboat experience on the Nile River and is included toward the end of the tour. It provides a relaxed contrast to the historical site visits and offers views of Cairo from the water before you return to your hotel.
      Coptic CairoCave ChurchHanging ChurchHoly Family TrailChristian EgyptOld CairoFelucca Ride NileBen Ezra SynagogueVirgin Mary TreePrivate Tour CairoMoqattam ChurchCairo Day Tour
      Last updated: 2025-07-10 | Product ID: coptic-cairo-cave-church-felucca-private

      Activity

      Availability

      You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

      Additional Information

      Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

      Duration

      6 hours

      Languages

      Arabic - Speaking Guide

      German - Speaking Guide

      Greek - Speaking Guide

      English - Speaking Guide

      Spanish - Speaking Guide

      French - Speaking Guide

      Italian - Speaking Guide

      Japanese - Speaking Guide

      Portuguese - Speaking Guide

      Russian - Speaking Guide

      Additional Information

      Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

      Cancellation Policy

      Select Date

      Meeting Point

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

      Activity Site

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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