Cave Church and Manshiyat Naser Private Tour in Cairo

Overview

Tucked against the Mokattam cliffs on the edge of Cairo, you'll find the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner — the Cave Church hollowed into the mountainside. It is the largest church in the Middle East and can seat thousands. Nearby you'll see Manshiyat Naser, commonly called Garbage City, the neighbourhood where the Zabbaleen live. They process much of Cairo’s waste by hand and have built one of the most effective recycling systems anywhere. This private tour pairs these two places that belong together. A guide will tell you the story with respect: how the church was built, how the community lives and works, and why the church and the Zabbaleen are connected. As you move through the area, you'll learn about daily life in Manshiyat Naser and the role recycling plays there. The experience will be eye-opening rather than comfortable, and suits travellers who want to understand a side of Cairo beyond the monuments.

Highlights

• ✦Private tour
• ✦Hotel pickup

What's included

Frequently asked questions

How long is this experience?

4 hours - 5 hours

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes — you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before it starts.

What's included?

Licensed Egyptologist guide · Hotel pickup and drop-off in private air-conditioned vehicle · Bottled water · Entrance fees to Monastery of Saint Simon · Entrance fees to Manshiyat Naser community visit · All taxes and fees