Coptic Cairo is a historic quarter in Cairo, Egypt, known for its stunning Coptic architecture and religious sites. It is home to some of the oldest churches in Egypt, including the Hanging Church, Saint Sergius and Bacchus Church, and the Church of St. Barbara. The area also boasts an ancient Coptic museum that showcases a rich collection of artifacts and artworks from the early Christian era in Egypt.
The Cave Church, officially known as the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, is a unique Christian worship site located in the Mokattam Mountain in Cairo. Carved into the rock of the mountain, the church provides a breathtaking view of the city below. The Cave Church is a popular pilgrimage destination for Christians in Egypt and around the world, attracting visitors with its stunning architecture, colorful murals, and peaceful ambiance.
A felucca ride on the Nile River is a must-do activity for visitors to Cairo. Feluccas are traditional Egyptian sailboats that have been used for transportation and trade for centuries. A quiet and peaceful way to explore the Nile, a felucca ride offers stunning views of the city skyline, historical landmarks, and local life along the riverbanks. Whether you opt for a daytime excursion or a romantic sunset sail, a felucca ride provides a memorable and relaxing experience on the iconic river.
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INTERPOINT TOURS & TRAVEL
Interpoint Travel Agency, operating under license number 2450 and IATA number 90257860, is a premier destination specialist established to curate exceptional travel experiences. Founded on a commitment to excellence, we take pride in our dedication to delivering unparalleled services to our discerning clientele.
Our agency, founded with a vision in 2013, is uniquely positioned to coordinate and organize a wide array of travel and excursions in the Middle East. Our team, comprised of professionals with extensive industry experience, ensures the highest standards of qualification, responsibility, and reliability in every aspect of our operations.
At Interpoint, we understand the diverse needs and preferences of our global clientele. Whether you seek cultural exploration, leisurely escapes, or adventure-filled journeys, our travel experts are adept at tailoring bespoke itineraries that cater to your unique desires.
As a licensed and accredited entity, our commitment to quality and client satisfaction is unwavering. We invite you to entrust your travel aspirations to Interpoint, where every detail is meticulously managed, and every journey is crafted with precision and care. Discover the world with confidence, guided by the expertise and dedication of Interpoint Travel Agency.
Why interpoint ?
vision
For our company to be the first and ideal choice for all those wishing to obtain the best tourism services
our mission
Providing all tourism services to all clients of companies, tourist offices, tour operators and individuals of all nationalities who wish to visit our tourist destinations, whether they are groups, families, couples or individuals, in a distinct way. competitive. Fits all requirements through type, category and price, through A staff composed of a highly educated and experienced group of different nationalities and ages, qualified and ready to provide all kinds of tourism and travel services on demand.
our value
For our company to be the first and ideal choice for all those wishing to obtain the best tourism services
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Where does the tour begin and end? Do I need to worry about transportation?
Absolutely not! We make it completely seamless for you. The tour includes convenient private hotel pick-up and drop-off services. Our representative will meet you right at your hotel lobby around 9:00 AM, and you’ll be returned there comfortably at the end of the day. All transfers throughout the day are handled by a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
What fantastic sights will we explore on this unique day trip?
This tour is packed with incredible history and spiritual wonder! You will spend the morning exploring the ancient churches and historical sites within Coptic Cairo, including the famous Hanging Church (Al-Mu’allaqa), the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), and the Church of St. Barbara. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the magnificent Cave Church (Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner) carved directly into the Mokattam Mountain, which is a truly unforgettable sight.
Is the Nile River portion of the tour included, and what kind of boat is it?
Yes, it is! A memorable part of your day is a relaxing one-hour ride on the Nile River. We use a traditional Egyptian sailboat called a Felucca. It's a wonderful, peaceful way to see Cairo's skyline and enjoy the iconic river just like Egyptians have for centuries.
What exactly is covered in the price of the tour?
We've taken care of all the important details so you can just enjoy the day! Your tour price includes:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- A dedicated, private Egyptologist guide who speaks your language.
- All entrance fees for every site mentioned in the itinerary.
- A delicious lunch meal at a local restaurant.
- Bottled water throughout the trip.
- The one-hour felucca ride.
- All taxes and service charges.
Will we have a chance to try local food during the tour?
Yes! Lunch is definitely included. We make sure you get a flavorful, authentic experience by providing a delicious meal at a well-regarded local Egyptian restaurant during the day.
Do we have a chance to do any souvenir or gift shopping?
Absolutely. The tour thoughtfully includes time for a dedicated shopping tour in Cairo. Your guide can take you to appropriate local markets or shops if you wish to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
How experienced and helpful are the guides on this tour?
You will be traveling with a professional, private Egyptologist guide who is deeply knowledgeable about the history of Coptic Cairo, the significance of the Cave Church, and Egyptian culture. They are there to answer all your questions, provide rich context, and ensure your entire experience is both educational and highly enjoyable.
Approximately how long should we set aside for this entire experience?
This is designed to be a fantastic full-day experience! It typically lasts around 8 hours in total, starting from your scheduled hotel pick-up at 9:00 AM. This gives us plenty of time to thoroughly explore all the amazing sites, enjoy a relaxing lunch, and take our time on the Nile felucca ride.
What is the walking level like, and is the pace manageable?
While the tour involves a reasonable amount of walking as we explore the historic churches in Coptic Cairo and visit the sprawling Cave Church complex, the overall pace is comfortable and adapted for a private tour. We highly recommend wearing your most comfortable walking shoes so you can fully enjoy every moment of exploration!
Is the tour available year-round, or are there specific seasons when it runs?
This incredible experience is available for booking year-round! The historical and religious sites are always ready to be explored. We recommend checking the local weather forecast for the day of your booking to help you decide what clothing to wear.
Is there a specific dress code we should follow when visiting the churches?
Yes, as we will be visiting active religious sites in Coptic Cairo and the Cave Church, we highly recommend respectful, modest attire. For both men and women, it is best to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This ensures a comfortable and respectful visit to all the beautiful holy places on our itinerary.
Since tipping is not included, what is the suggested practice for showing appreciation to the guide and driver?
While gratuities (tipping or Baksheesh) are not mandatory, they are a customary and deeply appreciated way to acknowledge excellent service in Egypt. If you feel your guide and driver provided you with an outstanding and memorable experience, your guide can discreetly offer you advice on the local practice for tipping.
How flexible are the cancellation and booking policies for this experience?
We understand that travel plans can change! We aim to make the booking process worry-free. We offer generous cancellation terms, which typically allow you to cancel for a full refund if done a specified number of days before the tour date. Please refer to the "Terms & Conditions" section on our website for the precise details that apply to your booking.
Since this is a private tour, can we customize the start time or tailor the tour slightly?
One of the great benefits of booking a private tour is the flexibility! While the standard start time is 9:00 AM, if you have a special request, such as a slightly later start or a small modification to the itinerary, please communicate this when you book. We are always happy to do our best to accommodate your wishes and ensure the day is tailored perfectly for you.
How comfortable and safe is the transportation provided for the day?
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities! All transfers throughout the day are conducted in a high-quality, private, and modern air-conditioned vehicle. We use professional, experienced drivers familiar with navigating Cairo, which ensures a consistently smooth, relaxing, and secure journey between all the stunning sites.
Since lunch is included, are special dietary needs like vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
Yes, absolutely. We aim to ensure a great dining experience for everyone. We can certainly accommodate most common dietary requirements, including vegetarian and potentially gluten-free or other special options. To ensure the best meal for you, please make a detailed note of any dietary needs in the "Special Requests" section when you make your booking!
How does the private nature of the tour enhance the overall experience compared to a group tour?
Traveling privately means the entire day is catered exclusively to you and your party. This provides a huge benefit: you get the undivided attention of your expert Egyptologist guide, allowing for deeper conversations, more personalized historical context, and immediate answers to all your questions. You also set the pace, which guarantees a much more relaxed, comfortable, and personally tailored journey through Cairo's history.
Is the 1-hour felucca ride on the Nile an entirely private experience?
Yes, to ensure the most serene and enjoyable experience, the entire tour is designed to be private, including your tranquil one-hour felucca ride on the Nile. This allows you and your party to fully relax, soak in the beautiful views, and capture photos without being crowded.
Are we allowed to take photographs inside the historic churches and the Cave Church?
Yes, photography is generally welcome throughout the exteriors and most public areas of the sites, so you can capture the beauty of the architecture! Your guide will advise you on any specific rules at each location, as certain historical sections or museums inside the churches may prohibit flash photography or require a small fee for using a professional camera.
Will there be accessible and clean restroom facilities available throughout the day?
Absolutely. Your dedicated guide is highly experienced and familiar with the route. They will ensure that clean and accessible restroom facilities are available at appropriate stopping points, including at the local restaurant during your lunch break and near the major historical complexes.
What is the fee structure for this tour: is the price listed per person or per group?
The fee for this exceptional experience is typically calculated per person. However, because it is an exclusive private tour, the price often offers significant savings and great value as you increase the size of your group. The final price you see during the booking process is guaranteed to cover all the specified inclusions for each person in your party.
What is the recommended local currency for any shopping or for handling gratuities?
While the tour is often booked using international currency, we highly recommend carrying Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for any optional purchases during the shopping tour and for gratuities. Having the local currency ensures the most straightforward and friendly transactions at markets and with local staff.
Will the guide share specific details about the Holy Family’s historical journey through this area?
Absolutely! Coptic Cairo is known as a pilgrimage site specifically because of its strong connection to the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Your expert Egyptologist guide will dedicate time to sharing the deeply historical and spiritual significance of this journey, especially at sites like the Church of Abu Serga, which is built over the cave where they are said to have found shelter.
How will we recognize our guide at the hotel for the pick-up?
Your pick-up will be easy and completely stress-free! Our representative, who is also your guide, will be clearly identifiable. They will usually be holding a sign with your name or the company logo and will meet you directly in your hotel lobby at the scheduled 9:00 AM start time.
Since we are spending the day sightseeing in Cairo, is the bottled water provided chilled?
Yes! We want to ensure your day is as comfortable as possible, especially in the heat. Your private vehicle will be stocked with a generous supply of complimentary and chilled bottled water to keep you refreshed and hydrated throughout your entire sightseeing day.
We heard the Cave Church has a massive rock-carved amphitheater; will we get a good view of it?
Absolutely. The awe-inspiring amphitheater at the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner (the Cave Church) is one of the most unique aspects of this visit, with a massive seating capacity carved directly into the rock. Your tour specifically includes time to explore this remarkable structure and marvel at its sheer scale and breathtaking interior murals.
Do we need to worry about purchasing tickets in advance or queuing at the sites?
Not at all. This is the convenience of an all-inclusive tour! All entrance fees are fully covered and included in your tour price. Your private guide will seamlessly handle the acquisition and presentation of all necessary tickets at each location, allowing you to bypass the ticket lines and walk straight into the historical sites without any hassle.
Is there Wi-Fi available in the private transport vehicle?
While our priority is reliable, air-conditioned comfort, we cannot always guarantee Wi-Fi access due to signal variability across Cairo. We recommend enjoying the scenic views and using this time to chat with your private guide about the history ahead!
Can we bring children on this tour? Is it suitable for families?
Absolutely! This tour is very suitable for families. The private vehicle and customizable pace are ideal for traveling with children, and the stunning murals of the Cave Church and relaxing felucca ride often capture young imaginations. Just let us know the ages of your children during booking so we can plan accordingly!
How should I confirm my exact pick-up time?
Your standard pick-up time is 9:00 AM. However, we will send a final confirmation email or message to your preferred contact method (usually the evening before your tour) with the exact time and meeting point details to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We saw the tour mentions an "All Languages speaking Egyptologist guide." Which languages are usually available?
We pride ourselves on offering a truly personalized experience! When you book, you simply specify your preferred language (e.g., English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, etc.), and we ensure your private Egyptologist guide is fluent in that language, making your historical discussions and entire journey deeply comfortable and engaging.
What is the absolute best time during the day to capture photos on the Nile felucca ride?
While the entire ride is picturesque, the best photo opportunity is often during the late afternoon. Your guide will coordinate the timing to give you the most magical experience possible, ideally catching the "golden hour" light reflecting off the water and the Cairo skyline, providing breathtaking views!
If there is unexpected traffic or a slight unavoidable delay in our morning plans, is the tour schedule flexible?
We understand that things happen, and because this is a private tour, we maintain a comfortable level of flexibility! If you anticipate a slight delay to your morning, please contact us immediately. Your private guide will do their best to adjust the schedule seamlessly to ensure you still enjoy a wonderful, complete day without feeling rushed.
Descend into Cairo's ancient Christian history at the Hanging Church and the miraculous Cave Church before ending your day with a serene, unforgettable felucca ride on the Nile.