Coptic Cairo Day Tour: Explore the Coptic Museum & 7 Historic Churches

This is a full-day tour, typically lasting 6-8 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour guide speaks English, but we’re happy to provide a guide in your preferred language if needed.

You’ll visit 7 major sites: The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary), Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, The Coptic Museum, Church of St. Barbara, The Synagogue of Ben Ezra, Church of St. Mina, and Church of the Virgin Mary (Babylon).

The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary) is one of Egypt’s oldest and most famous Coptic churches, known for its beautiful architecture, spiritual significance, and its appearance of “hanging” above the gatehouse of the Roman Fortress of Babylon.

This historic church is believed to have sheltered the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus) during their journey through Egypt, making it one of the most sacred Christian sites in the country.

The Coptic Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Coptic Christian art, manuscripts, and artifacts. Your guided tour will showcase the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Egyptian Christianity.

St. Barbara is one of the oldest churches in the region, renowned for its stunning frescoes and beautiful artwork that has been preserved for centuries.

Yes, you’ll visit the historic Synagogue of Ben Ezra, which is located within the Coptic Cairo complex and has a rich Jewish history dating back centuries.

Saint Mina (also known as Saint Menas) was a Christian martyr and soldier. The Church of St. Mina is dedicated to his memory and tells the story of his life and faith.

You’ll visit two churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary: The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary) and the Church of the Virgin Mary (Babylon), which is built on the site where the Holy Family is said to have stayed.

Yes, convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from your Cairo or Giza hotel is included in the tour.

Yes, modest dress is required when visiting churches and religious sites. Please wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads if needed.

Yes, visitors of all faiths are welcome. The tour is educational and cultural, open to everyone interested in Egyptian Christian heritage.

Yes, the tour includes an optional stop at the museum shop where you can purchase souvenirs, religious items, and cultural artifacts.

This is a private tour with your own Egyptologist guide and driver, providing a personalized experience.

Moderate walking is required as you explore multiple churches and the museum. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Yes, entrance fees to all churches, the museum, and the synagogue are included in your tour package. (Anything mentioned in the itinerary above)

Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but flash photography and videography may be restricted inside some churches. Your guide will inform you of specific rules at each site.

Yes, this tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages interested in history, art, and religious heritage.

Tour start times vary, but morning departures (around 8-9 AM) are typical. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed when booking.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing, a head covering for women, sunscreen, a hat, bottled water, and a camera. Cash for shopping and tips is also recommended.

Yes, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is an integral part of the religious complex in Old Cairo and represents the area’s diverse religious heritage, making it an important stop on the comprehensive tour.

The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary) is famous for its architecture and elevated position, while the Church of the Virgin Mary (Babylon) is specifically built on the site where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed, giving it unique biblical significance.

Yes, your guide will share the biblical story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt and explain the significance of the sites associated with their journey, particularly the churches of St. Sergius and Bacchus and the Virgin Mary (Babylon).

Most of the churches date back to the 4th-7th centuries AD, with some structures built on even older Roman foundations. They represent nearly 2,000 years of Christian history in Egypt.

Coptic Cairo is where Christianity first took root in Egypt and contains some of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It’s also the area where the Holy Family sought refuge during their flight into Egypt.