Cairo: Cave Church, Hanging Church & Old Cairo Private Tour

Summary

Ancient churches, echoing prayers and Cairo’s hidden layers

You’ll walk through Coptic Cairo’s winding alleys, step into the vast quiet of the Cave Church on Mokattam Mountain, climb into the Hanging Church above an ancient gatehouse, and listen as your guide shares stories that linger long after lunch is over.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the drive up Mokattam Mountain to feel so different from downtown Cairo. The air got cooler, dustier somehow, and then suddenly we were winding through what locals call “garbage city.” Our guide, Ahmed, just grinned and waved at kids darting between trucks piled with plastic bottles. He told us how families here have sorted the city’s waste for generations. I could smell something sharp—like sun-baked paper and oranges—and honestly, it stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

The Cave Church of Saint Simon is huge—carved right out of the rock. It’s strange to stand inside a place that fits thousands but still feels quiet. Ahmed pointed out carvings on the stone walls; he said some people come here just to sit in silence. There was this moment when sunlight fell across the altar and caught dust in the air—it made everything shimmer for a second. I tried to take a photo but gave up; it felt better just watching it.

Back in Old Cairo, we wandered narrow lanes past stalls selling incense and tiny crosses. The Hanging Church sits above an old Roman gatehouse—you actually climb up these steep steps (my legs complained). Inside, the wood ceiling looks like an upside-down boat. We met a woman lighting candles for her family; she smiled at us but didn’t say much. There’s something about these churches—the Church of St. Barbara too—that makes you lower your voice without really knowing why.

We ended at Ben Ezra Synagogue, where Ahmed told stories about ancient manuscripts found hidden there—a whole treasure trove of forgotten languages. By then my feet were tired and my head was full of history I’d never heard before. Lunch was simple Egyptian food at a local spot (the bread was warm and soft), and I kept thinking about that first glimpse of sunlight in the cave church—how it made everything feel both old and new at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Coptic Cairo churches and sites

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Old Cairo area
• See Church of St. Barbara
• Tour the Hanging Church
• Explore Ben Ezra Synagogue
• Visit El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church

Top questions

How do I get to the Cave Church from central Cairo?

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cairo by private vehicle, so you don’t need to arrange transport yourself.

Is lunch included in this Old Cairo churches tour?

Lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant is included if you select that option when booking.

What sites are visited on this Coptic Cairo day trip?

You’ll visit the Cave Church (Saint Simon), Hanging Church, Saints Sergius & Bacchus Church, Saint Barbara Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, plus Old Cairo’s historic district.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most travelers but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to walking and steps.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

A knowledgeable local guide will accompany you if you select that option when booking.

Are transfers included in this private tour?

Yes, all transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Can infants join this Coptic Cairo tour?

Specialized infant seats are available; check when booking if needed.

What languages does the guide speak?

The main language is English; check availability for other languages when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Cairo by private air-conditioned vehicle, entry to all churches and synagogues listed on the itinerary, bottled water along the way, plus an optional lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant if you choose that add-on before heading back to your hotel or next stop.