Private Tour: Coptic Cairo, The Hanging Church, Abu Serga, Ben Ezra

Description

Discover the ancient sites and culture of Coptic Christians on a private tour through Old Cairo. Visit Abu Serga where the Holy family sort refuge, and Ben Ezra, one of the oldest synagogues in Cairo. Learn about Christian life in Egypt, a country where Christianity is a minority.

he Hanging Church is built into the walls of the water gate of the Roman fortress and is possibly the oldest Christian church in Egypt. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is one of Cairo's most beautiful churches. Continue to the Monastery and Church of St George This is not an old church, dating from 1909, but there has been a church in Coptic Cairo dedicated to the Martyr since the 10th-century. It is one of the few remaining circular churches in the Middle East.

Your next stop is the Abu Serga, one of the places where the Holy Family rested after fleeing Israel from King Herod.  There are 24 marble columns lining the central court, and a series of 12th-century icons depicting the 12 apostles.

Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest in Egypt. Set in a shady garden, it was built on the site of 4th-century Christian church. The synagogue was severely damaged by Arabs after the 1967 war with Israel, but it has been almost completely renovated.

At the end of the tour you will visit the fascinating Coptic Museum, which is located in an area of great historical importance within the precinct of the Babylon Fort. Occupying over 8,000 sq meters the museum features almost 16,000 objects of importance to the Copts of Egypt.

This is a private tour allowing you to determine the amount of time spent at each of the sites. In addition you have the chance to visit a Papyrus Institute to see how this famous artwork is made and have the chance to purchase genuine items if you wish.

Additional information

Inclusions

Exclusions

Private Tour: Coptic Cairo

Schedule details

Departure point

Tour departs from centrally located Cairo and Giza hotels

Departure time

9:00am (earlier or later departures are available until 1:00pm if required, please advise at time of booking)

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Return details

Returns to original departure point