Sail the Red Sea on a unique Pharaonic-themed luxury cruiser
Sail the Red Sea on a unique Pharaonic-themed luxury cruiser
Relax in style on our comfortable, themed sun deck
Immerse yourself in history with authentic Pharaonic costumes
Capture unique memories in traditional Egyptian dress
Feel like royalty on our specially designed throne deck
Witness the underwater world from our panoramic viewing deck
Elegant design meets modern luxury at every turn
Dive into the crystal clear waters for a snorkeling adventure
Enjoy refreshing drinks from our themed onboard bar
Enjoy refreshing drinks from our themed onboard bar
Witness the underwater world from our panoramic viewing deck
Witness the underwater world from our panoramic viewing deck
Witness the underwater world from our panoramic viewing deck
Visit the iconic Hanging Church (El Muallaqa) – suspended above the Roman Gate
Explore St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), where the Holy Family took refuge
See St. George Church (Greek Orthodox) with its unique spiral bell tower
Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue – a symbol of interfaith heritage
Walk through the ancient Babylon Fortress area
Expert Coptic guide explaining history, art, and liturgy
Private hotel transfers & bottled water included
⛪ Discover the spiritual heart of ancient Christianity in Egypt on this half‑day tour of Coptic Cairo, home to some of the world’s oldest churches and religious sites. Located within the walls of the Roman fortress of Babylon, the Coptic enclave preserves 2,000 years of Christian heritage. You’ll visit the remarkable Hanging Church (El Muallaqa), built above the Roman gate, whose wooden ceiling resembles Noah’s Ark. Then walk to the 4th‑century Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), built over a crypt where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed during their flight into Egypt. Next, see the beautiful St. George Greek Orthodox Church with its elegant bell tower, and finally the Ben Ezra Synagogue – once a Christian church, later converted. Optional short visit to the Coptic Museum (extra ticket) can be added. This tour offers a moving journey through centuries of faith, resilience, and art. Includes private transfers and an expert guide.
$55 adult | $30 child (6‑11 years) | Free for children under 6
Duration: ~4 hours | Pickup: 9:00 AM (morning) or 1:00 PM (afternoon)
Complimentary hotel pickup & drop‑off from all Cairo & Giza hotels
Entrance fees to Hanging Church, St. Sergius, St. George, Ben Ezra Synagogue included
Note: Drinks, personal expenses, and Coptic Museum entry ($10 extra) not included. Dress code: modest clothing (shoulders/knees covered) recommended.
⛪ About Coptic Cairo – The Cradle of Christianity in Egypt
Coptic Cairo, known as “Old Cairo,” is one of the most sacred sites for Christians worldwide. The area is built around the ancient Babylon Fortress, constructed by the Romans around 30 BC. After the arrival of Christianity in Egypt (traditionally by St. Mark in the 1st century AD), this area became the centre of the Coptic Church. The name “Coptic” derives from the Greek “Aigyptos,” which became “Gypt” and then “Copt.” Today, the narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and tranquil courtyards form a living museum of early Christian art and architecture. Many of the churches were built on sites linked to the Holy Family’s journey, making them important pilgrimage destinations.
📅 Detailed Itinerary – Half‑Day Coptic Heritage Walk
9:00 AM or 1:00 PM – Hotel Pickup
Your private guide and driver will collect you from your Cairo or Giza hotel in an air‑conditioned vehicle. Drive to Coptic Cairo (approx. 20‑30 minutes).
Babylon Fortress Entrance & Hanging Church
Enter the fortress area. Your first stop is the Hanging Church (El Muallaqa), built above the Roman gatehouse. Admire the 110 icons, the intricate ebony and ivory iconostasis, and the 13th‑century pulpit. Your guide explains how this church got its name and its importance as the seat of the Coptic Pope for centuries.
Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga)
A short walk leads to the 4th‑century basilica. Descend into the crypt – a cave where the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary, and infant Jesus) traditionally stayed during their flight to Egypt. The church’s marble columns and wooden doors date back to the 4th‑7th centuries.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church & Convent
Visit the distinctive round-towered church dedicated to St. George (Mar Girgis). The interior is decorated with vivid frescoes and icons. You’ll also see the convent and learn about the dedication of this warrior saint in Coptic tradition.
Ben Ezra Synagogue & Jewish Heritage
Conclude the church circuit at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, originally a Christian church (4th century) converted to a synagogue in the 9th century. It gained fame after the discovery of the Cairo Geniza (a collection of nearly 200,000 Jewish manuscripts). Your guide will explain the interfaith history.
Optional: Coptic Museum (extra entry fee, ~1 hour)
If you wish to extend the tour, you may visit the Coptic Museum (extra ticket $10). It houses the world’s largest collection of Coptic Christian artifacts: textiles, icons, stonework, and the Nag Hammadi codices. Please inform your guide if you want to add this.
Return to Hotel
After the tour, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel, arriving approximately 1:00 PM (morning tour) or 5:00 PM (afternoon tour).
Insider Tips: Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful when visiting churches, though not strictly enforced. Comfortable walking shoes are essential – the area has cobblestone paths and stairs. Morning tours are cooler and less crowded. Photography is allowed (no flash inside churches). The Coptic Museum is a must for art lovers – allow an extra hour.
✅ Included / ❌ Excluded
- Hotel pickup & drop‑off (Cairo / Giza)
- Private air‑conditioned vehicle transfers
- Licensed English‑speaking guide (Coptic history specialist)
- Entrance fees to Hanging Church, St. Sergius, St. George, Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Bottled water during the tour
- All taxes & service charges
- Coptic Museum entrance (additional $10 per person, optional)
- Lunch or snacks (you can bring a snack or eat after tour)
- Personal expenses & gratuities
- Pickup from New Cairo, Heliopolis, or airport hotels (extra $5‑10 per person)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
⛪ Are the churches open every day?
Yes, the Hanging Church, St. Sergius, and St. George are open daily (except during Sunday liturgies until ~11 AM). Ben Ezra Synagogue is open daily except Saturday (Jewish Sabbath). We schedule tours to avoid closure times.
🧣 Is there a dress code?
Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) is recommended out of respect. Women are not required to cover their hair. Your guide will advise if any church has stricter rules.
📸 Can I take photos inside the churches?
Yes, photography without flash is generally allowed. Some areas may restrict photos (e.g., certain icon corners). Your guide will inform you.
🍽️ Is lunch included?
No – this is a half‑day tour without a meal. You can have lunch after the tour (your guide can recommend local restaurants). If you wish to add a lunch stop, we can arrange it for an extra fee.
🧑🏫 What languages does the guide speak?
Our standard tour is in English. Guides for French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese are available on request (please specify when booking).
🕒 What is the exact pickup time?
Morning tours: pickup 9:00‑9:30 AM. Afternoon tours: pickup 1:00‑1:30 PM. You will receive confirmed timing via WhatsApp or email one day before.
♿ Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The Hanging Church and St. George Church have ramps, but St. Sergius has stairs and narrow walkways. The area has cobblestone streets. Please contact us in advance for accessibility advice.
🚐 Do you pick up from New Cairo / airport hotels?
Yes, but an additional surcharge of $5‑10 per person may apply for hotels in New Cairo, Heliopolis, or near Cairo Airport. Pickup from downtown Cairo, Zamalek, Dokki, Mohandiseen, and most Giza hotels is included.
Advance booking recommended – Coptic Cairo tours are popular. Book at least 24‑48 hours in advance. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
