From Cairo: Half Day Tour to St. Simon Monastery in Mokattam & the Citadel
CAIRO
Overview
Venture into two of Cairo’s most remarkable yet contrasting worlds on this half-day cultural journey — from the awe-inspiring Cave Church of St. Simon, carved into the cliffs of Mokattam Mountain, to the commanding Citadel that once guarded the city. This thoughtfully crafted tour reveals the resilience, artistry, and spiritual depth that define Cairo’s layered heritage.
Highlights
- Visit the extraordinary St. Simon Monastery (The Cave Church), the largest church in the Middle East
- Explore dramatic cliffside carvings, biblical scenes, and open-air amphitheaters set within Mokattam Mountain
- Learn about the Zabbaleen community and their remarkable contribution to Cairo’s recycling traditions
- Discover the Citadel of Salah El-Din, Egypt’s medieval fortress and royal stronghold
- Enjoy panoramic views across the city’s minaret-studded skyline
- Benefit from the expertise of a professional Egyptologist guide
- Travel in comfort with private, air-conditioned transportation
Detailed Itinerary
St. Simon Monastery: The Cave Church of Mokattam
Your morning begins with a scenic drive to the heart of Mokattam Mountain, where the extraordinary St. Simon Monastery unfolds as a masterpiece of devotion and artistry. Carved directly into the mountainside, this vast open-air complex can welcome up to 20,000 worshippers. Its dramatic stone amphitheaters, sculpted biblical scenes, and reliefs etched into the rock create an atmosphere unlike any other sacred space in Egypt. Accompanied by your guide, you learn the fascinating story of the Zabbaleen community, the city’s most skilled recyclers, who transformed this once-remote area into one of Cairo’s most vibrant spiritual centers. The setting — raw, monumental, and deeply moving — offers a rare opportunity to witness faith expressed through both environmental resilience and artistic expression.
The Citadel of Salah El-Din: Cairo’s Historic Stronghold
Leaving Mokattam’s cliffs behind, you ascend to the nearby Citadel, a powerful symbol of Cairo’s medieval might. Built in the 12th century and expanded over the centuries by Mamluk and Ottoman rulers, the Citadel served as the seat of Egyptian power for nearly 700 years. Inside its vast walls, your guide reveals stories of sultans, soldiers, and statesmen who shaped the city’s destiny. As you cross its courtyards and climb its terraces, you are rewarded with sweeping vistas of Cairo — a skyline punctuated by centuries of minarets, domes, and distant desert horizons.
Return to Your Hotel
After this immersive encounter with two of Cairo’s most compelling historic sites, relax during your private transfer back to your hotel, carrying with you a deeper understanding of the city’s spiritual and cultural mosaic.
What's Included
- Private round-trip transfers from your Cairo or Giza hotel
- Licensed Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to all visited sites
- Bottled water during the tour
- All taxes and service charges
What's Not Included
- Meals and personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
Know before you go
- •Tour Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- •Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- •Walking Level: Moderate; some uneven or sloped surfaces at the monastery
- •Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended
- •Photography: Allowed in most areas
- •Guide Language: English (other languages available upon request)
- •Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle
What to bring
- •Passport or ID
- •Comfortable walking shoes
- •Modest attire
- •Sun protection: sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- •Camera or smartphone
- •Small cash for personal purchases
Cancellation Policy
We strive to provide the best service to our customers and understand that circumstances may arise requiring a cancellation. The following conditions apply upon cancellation:
- Cancellation 72 hours or more before the scheduled trip/service time: The client is entitled to a full refund of the amount paid.
- Cancellation less than 72 hours before the scheduled trip/service time: In this case, no part of the amount paid will be refunded.
Important Notes:
- The cancellation period is calculated based on the date and time the formal cancellation request is received.
- The refund process may take a few business days to reflect in the client's account, depending on the bank or payment method used.
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