Monastery St Simon with Cave Church and Garbage City Private Tour
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Monastery St Simon with Cave Church and Garbage City Private Tour

By Excursion Cairo Day Tour
Recommended by 92% of travelers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Visit El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church, or the Monastery of St Simon, on a private tour that also explores the magnificent churches of Coptic Cairo. You’ll see some of Cairo’s most important Christian sites, Private tour ensures personalized service Included and entrance fees mean no extra tour costs Enjoy the comfort and security of traveling by private vehicle Convenient pickup and drop-off at Cairo hotels check option rates
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-90
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private tour
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Entry/Admission - Cave Church
What's not included
  • Gratuities


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • cairo and giza hotels
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 61931P40

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Most travelers can participate
        • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 61931P40

        From
        $10.00
        $9.00
        per adult (price varies by group size)
        Select date and travelers

        Similar experiences

        Itinerary
        • 1
          our guide will pick you up from your hotel in cairo or giza at any time you request us start from 10  am , max you request till 1 pm by private air conditional car transfer to st simon monastery   have a visit to the Monastery of Saint Simon . Simon the Tanner was a craftsman saint who lived during the 10th century and the cave church that was dedicated to him seems as though it might last for 10 more. Using a pre-existing cave and the slope that led into it, the current monastery seats 20,000 people around a central pulpit. Other nearby caves have also been built into separate church spaces and all of them have been linked to create a massive Christian complex in the heart of garbage city. then transfer  back to hotel
        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Excursion Cairo Day Tour
          5.0 of 5 bubbles808
          Cairo, Egypt
        • lharvey000
          0 contributions
          2.0 of 5 bubbles
          They are trying to drain you of every single cent you have.
          From beginning to end I will describe my experience. They picked me up from my hotel, they were on time. We went to see the pyramids. My tour guide took great pictures. I will say, when I found out the actual price of the camel ride, I felt like they ripped me off big time. It is only 500 egyptian pounds for an hour long camel ride in reality and at some point if you paid for the 15 minute camel ride, the tour guide is going to say you can upgrade to an hour for an extra $20 which turns out to be double the price of the actual one hour camel ride. But we are tourists so they think we are stupid and I guess I was. I just didn’t like how much they took advantage of the fact that they know we wouldn’t know any better. She told me the 1 hour camel ride would give me the opportunity to take pics by the sphinx, however, the camel ride guys were kind of rude and kept rushing everything and did not take any pictures by the sphinx and they kept saying, oh, let’s make your camel go faster even though I was clearly uncomfortable and was nearly falling off the camel when it was going anything faster than it’s normal walking pace. Then they kept saying for the camel to go faster again! I was so annoyed. The people running the camel ride and the atv ride kind of talk to you like you’re stupid, which I certainly did not like. Was not sure if it was because I was female but I did not like the vibe at all. We kept stopping at all these shops and there was a point when I was like, okay, no more shops; I don’t want to spend anymore money and the tour guide kept pushing to take me to some spice shop. Then we were late for the cruise dinner and I had to catch the next cruise instead which left at 7:30pm. The food was really good but I got back so late, much later than necessary if we didn’t stop at all those gosh darn shops. Anyway, this was my honest review. Hope it is helpful!
          Written March 14, 2025
        • anapM1692XO
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Visiting Egypt
          I had an amazing experience with our guide in Egypt! They were knowledgeable, friendly, and made the trip truly memorable. Their deep understanding of Egypt’s history and culture brought each site to life, and they always ensured we were comfortable and well taken care of. From the pyramids to the temples, every moment was fascinating. I highly recommend this guide to anyone visiting Egypt!”
          Written March 11, 2025
        • Rubstar888
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Party with Rafat
          Rafat is a very happy and welcoming person/ guide. We listened to good Egyptian music in the car. He took me to have tasty fellafel and beans with pickled vegetables. I also tried a selection of sweets. Also Khoshry - delicious! We drank plenty of tea and Egyptian coffee. We visited oil factory, spice house, carpet school and museum of papyrus. I enjoyed the felluca ride on the Nile river the best. I had a great time. Thank you Rafat!
          Written March 7, 2025
        • noahbT1318QI
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Tour of Khan El-Khalili market, shops, and Mosque
          We had a very nice time on the tour with Roma. She was very friendly and informative, and the driver also did a great job. We learned a lot about Egyptian culture and saw a number of interesting sites. As it was Ramadan, some of the shops/stalls were closed in the market although there was still plenty to see. Visiting the Mosque was also a highlight.
          Written March 1, 2025
        • 628manamim
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Good tour with a very nice local guide!
          We liked the guide, driver and the tour a lot! The shops in old cairo they took us were sophisticated, had a good service, and the price was reasonable. I definitely recommend this tour.
          Written February 25, 2025
        • Global27455483461
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Best tour guide ever
          Eslam Desoky; is the best way to go if you want to have a great, authentic experience in getting to know about and move around Cairo, Egypt 🇪🇬! He was, kind, understanding, patient and helpful in helping me with getting things done from my first trip here to Egypt 🇪🇬!
          Written February 23, 2025
        • paulinelL4878KA
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          The best experience every
          Eslam Desoky is an excellent tour guide because of his hospitality. He took his time to show me around with great care and instructed me on the way local way of life, such as food, art, and culture. I wish I could have booked my other tours with him, but next time deserves a raise. Book with the locals because you get a better experience.
          Written February 23, 2025
        • D8377AWangelas
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Pigeon is delicious!
          Kareem was fabulous, and so was Shady! Private tour made me feel safe and I got to feel like a local. Pigeon was delicious, and the restaurant atmosphere was great. I highly suggest trying! Great day highly recommend!
          Written February 21, 2025
        • 936angelinaw
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Cairo VIP tour guide
          Eslam was our guide for Cairo market tour. He made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the day. He did not let anyone speak to us with out him next to us. We needed to be back at our hotel a little earlier then the the time listed he made accommodations for us and got us back on time. He spoke great English and translated for us well. He did lots of negotiating for us when it came to purchasing items. He is great definitely recommend booking with Eslam. Photos below of Eslam helping us.
          Written February 19, 2025
        • ileanag315
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Khan el khalili
          Eslam was our tour guide for the day and did an amazing job!!!! He was super nice and talkative with our entire group of 4 and always made sure we stayed together at all times. He never once complained if we were at a certain shop for a while etc. He held all our shopping bags/water bottles for us. Overall I would recommend booking with him!!!!
          Written February 19, 2025
        • kelsk2025
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Cairo market tour
          Eslam was a great tour guide for the market, he was super nice and helped us buy everything we wanted! We had a great time and Eslam was so friendly and made it even better!
          Written February 19, 2025
        • Sherpa664447
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Market
          We had a great time during the tour. Eslam was our tour guide and he was amazing! He was very friendly. He negotiated for us, was our advocate, and now our friend. I recommend this tour for those that are interested in the Khan El-Khalili market. We felt very safe with him and had an amazing time.
          Written February 19, 2025
        • bphillips1786
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great experience for shopping
          Great half day tour of some shopping areas of Cairo and the famous Bazaar. Opt for the falafel lunch as well! Would book another tour with our tour guide ahead of was great!
          Written February 17, 2025
        • Brandon C
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Market
          Very nice and kind guide, we travel around the city visiting different markets, a person who can trust and also the meal was delicious
          Written February 16, 2025
        • wilieb2025
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Kareem is the best
          Kareem is the best tour guide . He introduced me to the history of Egypt substantially. We visited famous oil and papyrus making shops . And shopped in Khan Al Khalil I souq with sumptuous Egyptian pancakes. Love it. Surely will recommend the trip for friends. If you need souvenirs shopping free from hassle. Shukran!
          Written February 14, 2025
        See all 808 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

        Popular mentions

        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles13 reviews
        Excellent
        12
        Very good
        0
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        1
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        0
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        0

        These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
        This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

        Eleonore A
        10 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Tamer my driver/ guide came to pick me at 2pm and was on time. We started the drive to go to the st Simon church passing by the garbage city and after we arrived at the church who was breathtaking inside the cave, was about sunset so really nice light. We also have been visited the city of the deads which has sad part for the people living there (even if they were nice and looked happy), Tamer took really good care of me during this trip and I recommend you to ask for this guide.
        Written December 11, 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear our respected clients , it is our honor to receive your honest and real review . We would like to thank you for your time to write your feedback and review ...we are happy to show you Egypt by our local eyes our goal to make sure you have unforgettable experience We hope to see you again in Egypt for longer vacation Please Keep in touch. make sure the tour is including shopping. Excursion Cairo Day Tour +201286808284
        Written December 11, 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        María
        16 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        It is a very very beautiful and impressive place. It's completely worth it. Go through the
        Garbage City is interesting, although even the church has a bad smell.
        We asked the driver to recommend where to eat something quick and he was very accurate.
        Google
        Written August 23, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Estimados nuestros respetados clientes, es un honor para nosotros recibir su reseña honesta y real. Nos gustaría agradecerle por su tiempo para escribir sus comentarios y reseñas... estamos felices de mostrarle Egipto a través de nuestros ojos locales, nuestro objetivo es asegurarnos de que tenga una experiencia inolvidable. Esperamos verlo nuevamente en Egipto para unas vacaciones más largas. Mantenerse en contacto. Asegúrese de que el recorrido incluya compras. Excursión El Cairo Tour de un día +201286808284
        Written August 24, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Joanne B
        6 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Our guide Dias was fantastic. She was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, made us feel comfortable and allowed us plenty of time to explore the cave church complex. The driver was very calm and skillfully navigated the intense traffic of Cairo.
        Written February 20, 2025
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear our respected clients , it is our honor to receive your honest and real review . We would like to thank you for your time to write your feedback and review ...we are happy to show you Egypt by our local eyes our goal to make sure you have unforgettable experience We hope to see you again in Egypt for longer vacation Please Keep in touch. Excursion Cairo Day Tour +201286808284
        Written February 21, 2025
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Charise C
        Cape Town, South Africa229 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Tamer is a great guide and was very knowledgable about the tour. He is punctual and went the extra mile to explain the history about the Garbage city and cemetaries in Cairo and answered all my questions. I would recommend him to anyone as you will walk away with a lot of information and appreciate the tours more. Thank you Tamer. You are great at what you do and such a kind person🙂
        Written March 24, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear our respected clients , it is our honor to receive your honest and real review . We would like to thank you for your time to write your feedback and review ...we are happy to show you Egypt by our local eyes our goal to make sure you have unforgettable experience We hope to see you again in Egypt for longer vacation Please Keep in touch. make sure the tour is including shopping. Excursion Cairo Day Tour +201286808284
        Written March 25, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Jocelyn K
        Gilroy, CA33 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        Our driver, Moaz, was great, navigating the traffic in Cairo and Giza is no easy feat. He maintained contact with us from the time we booked the trip. He was very pleasant and answered our questions as we drove. So his part was great. We weren't happy with the "expert" at the site. He spoke too quickly and didn't take us around, just sat in the car. We didn't know there would be additional stops for aromatherapy and papyrus. Had we known, it wouldn't have been such a big deal.
        Written March 10, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        thank you for review ,but your partner asked him to show in old cairo good price for some Egyptian souvenir,you, you went only to one place and second place you said no , he said with pleasure and you went to hotel,you got your time in thyou, cave church and garbage city,thank you , be fair, enjoy your vacation
        Written March 11, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Joy K
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2023 • Friends
        Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of Coptic Christians in Egypt. We especially enjoyed our time under the mountains visiting the monastery. Our guide also helped us get lunch at a famous koshary restaurant afterwards as well! Overall great experience! Be sure to let the guide know if you have time constraints.
        Written March 14, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear our respected clients , it is our honor to receive your honest and real review . We would like to thank you for your time to write your feedback and review ...we are happy to show you Egypt by our local eyes our goal to make sure you have unforgettable experience We hope to see you again in Egypt for longer vacation Please Keep in touch. make sure the tour is including shopping. Excursion Cairo Day Tour +201286808284
        Written March 14, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Yordee V
        4 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2024 • Solo
        I tried to get here with uber but the drivers refused to get in that area so I decided to book this tour with a driver only and no guide. I booked it at midnight for 11am and everything was organised on the spot. Ahmed was my driver and he was awesome! Spoke great English and we talked about many things. Crossing the Zabbaleen was a task for experienced drivers like Ahmed.
        Once at the church we walked around and saw the buildings and took some pictures. It was really worth it!
        Written February 19, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear our respected clients , it is our honor to receive your honest and real review . We would like to thank you for your time to write your feedback and review ...we are happy to show you Egypt by our local eyes our goal to make sure you have unforgettable experience We hope to see you again in Egypt for longer vacation Please Keep in touch. Excursion Cairo Day Tour +201286808284
        Written March 16, 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        JoAnna F
        Boone, NC58 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        May 2023 • Couples
        We had a wonderful trip with Tamer. He was an informative guide about places we passed on the way to the Cave Church. The ride through Garbage City was interesting, topped by the beautiful summer and winter Cave churches. We would be happy to take a tour with him another time.
        Written May 1, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear our respected clients , it is our honor to receive your honest and real review . We would like to thank you for your time to write your feedback and review ...we are happy to show you Egypt by our local eyes our goal to make sure you have unforgettable experience We hope to see you again in Egypt for longer vacation Please Keep in touch. make sure the tour is including shopping. Excursion Cairo Day Tour +201286808284
        Written May 3, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Peter P
        Summerside, Canada45 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2024 • Solo
        Saint Simon’s cave church is spectacular. I was lucky to arrive at the end of a service and could hear prayers being chanted, which was amazing. The reliefs carved into the stone are beautiful. Had aenjoyed tea under stone gazebos.

        I hope no one is put off by the term “garbage city”. To get to the cave church you must pass through a poor neighborhood in Cairo. It was charming. Interesting to see how life works in this neighborhood. The garbage is neatly contained in large sacks and hoisted to the rooftops for recycling. Yes there is a smell of garbage. I found it quite mild. I hope no one misses the opportunity to see the cave church just because you must pass through a poor neighborhood.

        Overall a great tour. My guide Kereem was fabulous. Very knowledgeable. Very friendly. Eager to help me understand the history of the church and life in Egypt in general.
        Written April 27, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear our respected clients , it is our honor to receive your honest and real review . We would like to thank you for your time to write your feedback and review ...we are happy to show you Egypt by our local eyes our goal to make sure you have unforgettable experience We hope to see you again in Egypt for longer vacation Please Keep in touch. Excursion Cairo Day Tour +201286808284
        Written April 28, 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Fenella A
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2024 • Couples
        This was a last minute booking before we left the U.K. as this tour interest us very well.Initially I only booked for a driver only and I am glad that Hesham advised me to get a tour guide for the last minute.We are very happy to meet Karim who is very articulate thorough and best guide ever.We learned a lot about Egypt.He answered all my curiousity and give me more reason to come back and explore Egypt.With regards to our driver Walid I am very pleased that he made this trip possible he was calmed and driven us safely to every destination we stopped until we reach our hotel.They are both highly recommended and especially this tour….It is worth your money.Sukran and thank you very much for this wonderful experience.
        Written February 24, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear our respected clients , it is our honor to receive your honest and real review . We would like to thank you for your time to write your feedback and review ...we are happy to show you Egypt by our local eyes our goal to make sure you have unforgettable experience We hope to see you again in Egypt for longer vacation Please Keep in touch. Excursion Cairo Day Tour +201286808284
        Written March 16, 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Monastery St Simon with Cave Church and Garbage City Private Tour provided by Excursion Cairo Day Tour

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