Tour Facts
Explore Cairo's rich religious heritage on a private tour of Coptic Cairo. Visit historic churches, the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue while discovering the fascinating history of one of the city's oldest districts.
- Tour Name
- Coptic Churches & Ben Ezra Synagogue Private Cairo Tour
- Duration
- 1 day
- Tour Type
- Religious
- Start Location
- Hotel
- End Location
- Hotel
- Main Attractions
- Old Cairo & Ben Ezra Synagogue (opens in a new tab)
- Guide Type
- English speaking Guide
- Transportation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
- Accommodation Category
- See the accommodation details for each pricing option
- Price from
- 95 USD per person
Destinations
Package starting prices
- Essentials
- 95 USD per person
- Signature
- 120 USD per person
- Luxury
- 160 USD per person
Tour Overview
Egypt
1 days
Hotel
Hotel
6+
Yes
Yes
English speaking Guide
Optional Lunch
Tour Style
Religious
Private
Fully Guided
Best For
- Travelers with limited time in Cairo
- Religious & Christian travelers
- Jewish heritage travelers
- Architecture enthusiasts
- Cultural travelers
- Travelers interested in Egypt's multicultural history
Explore the Journey
Follow the Coptic Churches & Ben Ezra Synagogue Private Cairo Tour itinerary stop by stop
Itinerary stops
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Tour Highlights
Itinerary
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Coptic Cairo — Where Three Faiths Share One Street
Tour OverviewYour private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Travel to Old Cairo and begin your exploration of the historic Coptic quarter. During the tour, discover ancient churches, monasteries and religious monuments while your Egyptologist explains their history, architecture and significance. The tour also includes a visit to Ben Ezra Synagogue, an important Jewish heritage site located within the historic religious district. After sightseeing, enjoy an optional traditional Egyptian lunch before returning to your hotel.Tour Details• Duration: Full Day • Location: Old Cairo / Coptic Cairo • Tour Type: Private • Guide: Private English-speaking Egyptologist • Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle • Pickup: Cairo or Giza hotel • Walking: Moderate walking • Meals: Optional lunch • Return: Cairo or Giza hotel • Suitable For: Families, couples, history lovers, religious travelers, photographers and culture enthusiastsDetailed ItineraryPickup from Your Cairo or Giza Hotel Your private driver and Egyptologist will meet you at your hotel at the agreed departure time. Travel comfortably toward Old Cairo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas of the city. Your guide will introduce you to the history of Cairo and explain how Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities contributed to the city's extraordinary cultural heritage.Coptic Cairo Discover One of Egypt's Most Important Christian Heritage Areas Coptic Cairo is home to a remarkable concentration of historic churches and religious buildings. The area developed over centuries and preserves important evidence of Egypt's Christian history. As you walk through the district, your guide will explain the development of Christianity in Egypt and the significance of the Coptic tradition.The Hanging Church Church of the Virgin Mary Begin your visit with the famous Hanging Church, also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the most recognizable churches in Coptic Cairo. The church is traditionally associated with the Coptic Christian community and is famous for its unusual architectural position above the remains of an older Roman fortress area. The interior features beautiful woodwork, icons and religious decorations. Your guide will explain the history of the church, its architectural features and its importance to Coptic Christianity.Why Is It Called the Hanging Church? The church is commonly known as the "Hanging Church" because of its location above the southern gate area of the old Roman fortress. Its elevated position gives the building its distinctive appearance and contributes to its unique architectural character. Inside, look for: • Wooden screens • Religious icons • Decorative ceilings • Stone columns • Historic artwork • Traditional Coptic architectural detailsChurch of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Abu Serga Church Continue to the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, commonly known as Abu Serga. The church is one of the most important religious monuments in Coptic Cairo. According to Christian tradition, the church is associated with the Holy Family's journey through Egypt. The crypt beneath the church is traditionally connected with the Holy Family's stay in the area. Your guide will explain the traditions surrounding the Holy Family and the importance of Egypt within Christian history.The Holy Family in EgyptEgypt has an important place in Christian tradition because of the story of the Holy Family's journey through the country. According to tradition, Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus traveled through parts of Egypt seeking refuge. Different locations throughout Egypt are associated with this journey. Coptic Cairo is particularly important because several religious sites in the district are connected with the tradition. Your guide will explain the historical and religious traditions while distinguishing between documented history and Christian tradition.Saint Barbara Church Continue to Saint Barbara Church, another important monument in Coptic Cairo. The church is dedicated to Saint Barbara and represents another chapter in Egypt's long Coptic Christian tradition. Explore the interior and observe the traditional religious architecture and decorative elements. Your guide will explain the history of Saint Barbara and the role of the church within the Coptic community.Coptic Christian Architecture One of the most interesting aspects of the tour is the opportunity to observe the distinctive characteristics of Coptic churches. Depending on the sites accessible during your visit, you may see: • Wooden icon screens • Coptic icons • Stone columns • Religious inscriptions • Traditional altars • Decorative ceilings • Historic manuscripts and artwork Your guide will explain how Coptic architecture developed while incorporating influences from different periods of Egyptian history.Ben Ezra Synagogue Discover Cairo's Jewish Heritage Continue to the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, one ofthe most important Jewish heritage sites in Cairo. The synagogue stands within the same historic district as the Coptic churches, demonstrating the remarkable diversity of Old Cairo. According to tradition, the site has a long history extending back many centuries. The present building has undergone restoration over time.The Geniza of Ben Ezra The Ben Ezra Synagogue became particularly famous because of the discovery of the Cairo Geniza. A geniza is a repository where Jewish communities traditionally stored worn or damaged religious texts and other documents rather than simply destroying them. The Cairo Geniza preserved a remarkable collection of manuscripts and documents that provide valuable information about Jewish life and wider social and economic history in medieval Egypt. Your guide will explain the importance of this discovery and its contribution to the study of medieval Cairo.Jewish Heritage in EgyptThe Ben Ezra Synagogue provides an opportunity to understand another important part of Egypt's history. For centuries, Jewish communities lived in different parts of Egypt and contributed to the country's commercial, intellectual and cultural life. The synagogue is therefore an important reminder that Cairo's history cannot be understood through a single religious or cultural tradition.Old Cairo's Religious Heritage One of the most fascinating aspects of this tour is the close proximity of different religious monuments. Within the historic district, visitors can encounter: • Coptic churches • Christian monasteries • Jewish heritage • Islamic monuments • Roman archaeological remains This remarkable concentration of heritage makes Old Cairo one of the most culturally significant areas in the Egyptian capital.Optional Coptic Museum Visit If time permits and the museum is open, the itinerary can be extended with a visit to the Coptic Museum. The museum contains a significant collection related to Egypt's Christian heritage. Possible exhibits include: • Icons • Manuscripts • Religious textiles • Woodwork • Stonework • Metalwork • Architectural elements The museum provides useful context for understanding the churches visited during the tour. Museum entrance is optional and may involve an additional entrance fee.Optional Traditional Egyptian Lunch After exploring Coptic Cairo, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant. Depending on your preferences, you may try traditional Egyptian dishes such as: • Koshari • Ful • Falafel • Grilled meats • Egyptian rice • Mixed Egyptian dishes • Vegetarian specialties Your private guide can recommend a suitable restaurant.Optional ServicesEnhance your Coptic Cairo experience with: • Coptic Museum visit • Traditional Egyptian lunch • Old Cairo walking tour • Citadel of Cairo • Al-Muizz Street • Khan El-Khalili Bazaar • Islamic Cairo tour • Private professional photography • Guide in another language • Additional religious heritage sitesReturn to Your Hotel After completing your Coptic Cairo and Ben Ezra Synagogue experience, your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Cairo or Giza. If you have an evening flight, Nile cruise or other activity, the tour can be adjusted to suit your schedule.Suggested Tour ScheduleA typical schedule may look like: 08:15 — Hotel pickup 09:00 — The Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa) 09:45 — Church of St George and the Roman towers 10:00 — Church of St Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) 10:45 — Church of St Barbara 11:10 — Ben Ezra Synagogue 11:45 — Coptic Museum Optional 13:15 — Mosque of Amr ibn al-As 13:45 — Lunch 15:00 — Cave Church of St Simon the Tanner, Mokattam 16:45 — Return to hotel- Overnight:
- Your Hotel
- Meals:
- Optional Lunch
- Visit:
- Old Cairo Churches Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Entrance Fees:
- $40
Arrival flight for Day 1
Book to land in time for the first day of the tour.
→ CAI · pick your date
Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights//cai//?adults=2&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&cabinbags=1&sortby=bestKayak: https://www.kayak.com/flights/-CAI/2adults?sort=bestflight_a&fs=cfc%3D1
Your Daily Details
Request your personalized itinerary for all 1 day of Coptic Churches & Ben Ezra Synagogue Private Cairo Tour, a downloadable PDF brochure and a private My Egypt Journey page to contact your Explore Plus travel expert.
Pricing
Choose the package you want — the price updates and you can pay for it right away.
Essentials
$95 / per person
$60 per child
- Group departure
Signature
$120 / per person
$75 per child
- Small group (max 8)
Luxury
$160 / per person
$100 per child
- Private Guide & Driver
How much pay for Entrance Fees
Cost & Entrance Fees
- Coptic MuseumEGP280US$6
- NMEC — optionalEGP550US$11
- Hanging ChurchEGP00US$0
- Ben Ezra SynagogueEGP00US$0
Guest Brief
Important Entrance Fee Information
Prices and update date
Prices shown were last checked on 1 October 2026. Entrance fees are subject to change; please confirm current rates before your visit.
Visitor categories
Fees may differ for Egyptian and foreign visitors. Reduced rates may be available for children, students, or other eligible visitors.
Student discounts
Discounts are not available at every site. Eligibility and accepted student ID vary, so students should bring valid identification and confirm requirements with the ticket office.
Optional tombs and attractions
Some sites require separate tickets for special tombs or areas. These tickets may have limited availability and additional fees.
What the fee covers
Unless stated otherwise, listed prices cover site admission only. They do not include transportation, guide services, meals, or optional activities.
Payment and currency
Payment options vary by site. Bring a payment method accepted locally, and check whether card payment is available.
USD conversions
Dollar amounts are estimates for reference only. The amount charged in EGP may differ because exchange rates change.
Opening hours and access
Opening times, visitor routes, and access to individual areas may change without notice. Check with the site or your tour provider before travelling.
Best Time to Visit
Average weather in the places this tour visits — pick the month that suits you best.
Cairo & Giza
Best: October to AprilTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
| Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza | 24°C (75°F) | 3.4 |
Averages across the recommended months for each place.
Before You Travel to Egypt
A quick checklist for a smoother arrival and more comfortable sightseeing.
Choose the season that suits you
October to April is usually more comfortable for long sightseeing days. Summer can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so plan lighter schedules, shade and water breaks.
Check entry rules before you fly
Visa eligibility depends on your passport and can change. Confirm your requirements through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal or the nearest Egyptian embassy before travel.
Carry Egyptian Pounds
Cards are useful at many hotels and larger businesses, but small EGP notes are practical for tips, small purchases and everyday services.
Use sealed bottled water
Drink sealed bottled water and keep extra water with you during sightseeing, particularly on warm days and longer excursions.
Dress for heat and local customs
Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light layer are useful. Modest clothing is respectful at mosques, churches and traditional communities.
Know when to bargain
Friendly bargaining is common in bazaars and souks. Prices in fixed-price shops, hotels, restaurants and official ticket offices are generally not negotiated.
Distances from Cairo
How far the main destinations are from Cairo — road distance with typical drive time. Internal flights are shown where they save hours on the road.
| Destination | Km |
|---|---|
| Cairo | 0 km / 0 mi |
| Giza Pyramids | 25 km / 16 mi |
Approximate road distances and times in normal traffic. Longer journeys may be reached by a short internal flight.
Select a city
Cairo
Cairo is the starting point for these distances.
Approximate distances and normal travel times from central Cairo.
Visa Requirements for Egypt
Type your nationality to see what you need, then follow the steps below.
No visa needed (7)
Enter with a valid passport (6+ months validity).
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Hong Kong, Macau
e-Visa or visa on arrival (61)
Apply online in advance (recommended) or obtain a visa on arrival if eligible. Current fees are shown on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, Albania
Special rules (1)
Israeli passport holders: free 15-day entry stamp for South Sinai only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, St Catherine) via Taba. For Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the Nile, a visa from an Egyptian embassy/consulate is required before travel.
UK, US and EU passport holders visiting only Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba receive a free entry stamp valid up to 15 days. Travel outside the permitted South Sinai area or a longer stay requires a visa.
Israel
Embassy visa required (17)
Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate before travel; allow 2–4 weeks.
Travellers holding a valid (and in some cases previously used) visa from the Schengen area, UK, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or Canada may obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Confirm with the official portal or your airline before travel.
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam
How to apply for an e-Visa
- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
- Apply on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg (about 7 business days) — or buy on arrival if eligible.
- Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport and return ticket.
- Show it at passport control on arrival in Egypt.
Rules can change — always confirm with the official portal or your Egyptian embassy before travel.
Daily Budget
Typical personal spending per person per day, on top of what the tour includes. Converted at today's rate (1 USD ≈ 48.5 EGP).
| Expense | USD | EGP |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal (koshary, falafel) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Sit-down restaurant meal | $8–$20 | 390–970 EGP |
| Bottled water & soft drinks (per day) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Coffee or fresh juice | $1.5–$4 | 75–195 EGP |
| Uber / taxi within the city | $3–$8 | 145–390 EGP |
| Tips for guides, drivers & staff (per day) | $5–$10 | 245–485 EGP |
| Souvenirs & small extras | $5–$20 | 245–970 EGP |
| Estimated daily total | $26.5–$70 | 1,285–3,395 EGP |
Tips for saving money
- Carry small Egyptian pound notes (5–50 EGP) for tips and toilets.
- Use Uber or Careem in Cairo and Alexandria — fixed prices, no haggling.
- Eat where locals eat: koshary and ta'ameya are tasty and cost little.
- Pay in EGP rather than USD — prices quoted in dollars are usually higher.
- Haggle politely in markets; start around half the first price.
- Buy water in supermarkets, not at monuments or hotels.
- Withdraw from bank ATMs (CIB, NBE, Banque Misr) for the best exchange rate.
Prices are typical estimates and vary by city and season.
Nights You Will Stay
Meals
Included
- Lunch: Optional on request
Why Choose This Tour?
Top Attractions
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What's included & what's not
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Included (3/3)
What's Not Included
Additional Extras
Sound and light show
A Nile River dinner cruise
An optional lunch buffet
Good To Know
What can I see in Coptic Cairo?+
What is Ben Ezra Synagogue famous for?+
Which churches can I visit?+
How long is the Coptic Cairo tour?+
Is modest clothing required?+
Can this tour be combined with Islamic Cairo?+
What does this Coptic Cairo Day Tour include?+
What makes this different from other full-day tours from Cairo?+
What sites or experiences does this tour cover?+
How long is this tour and when does it start? +
Are entrance fees included? +
Is this tour suitable for travelers with a Coptic heritage interest? +
What is the best time of year for this tour? +
Do I need an ISIC Student Card in Egypt?+
Book Now — Pay Now
Signature package
$120 / per person · $75 / Children Under 12
$120 per adult
Offset your trip's carbon footprint and directly support Red Sea coral conservation & local Nubian artisan communities in Aswan.
Secure payment via PayPal
$120 / adults · $75 / children
Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).
Send Inquiry
About this tour
Additional information
Confirmation
You receive written confirmation by email once your booking is accepted, usually within 24 hours.
Documents
A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required. We advise on visas for Egypt and Jordan before travel.
Pick-up
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the tour city is included; we confirm your exact pick-up time the evening before.
Group size
Private departures run for your party only. Small-group departures are capped so everyone hears the guide.
Accessibility
Some archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and heat. Tell us about mobility needs and we adapt the pace.
Children
Family friendly. Child rates and car seats are available on request; infants usually travel free.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, modest clothing for religious sites and cash for tips.
Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in the tour price.
Cancellation & refund policy
30 days or more before departure
100% refund
15 – 29 days before departure
50% refund
14 days or less before departure
No refund
- • Cancellations must be sent in writing to explore@exploreplus.net; the date we receive your email is the cancellation date.
- • Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 working days.
- • Third-party costs already paid on your behalf (domestic flights, Nile cruise cabins, special-event tickets, visas) are non-refundable once issued.
- • Date changes requested 15 days or more before departure are free of charge, subject to availability; inside 14 days they are treated as a cancellation.
- • If we have to cancel your tour for reasons within our control, you receive a full refund or a free date change — your choice.
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