• St Simon the Tanner Monastery - The Cave Church
  In late 1969, the governor of Cairo issued a decree to relocate all of Cairo’s trash collectors to a hill in Mokattam for residence. They constructed basic homes, essentially tin huts, referred to in their local language as “Zaraayib” (meaning pigsties). This name was derived from the area where donkeys, pigs, and other livestock such as goats and cattle were kept.

According to a study by the International Bank conducted in July 1987, approximately 15,000 trash collectors resided in that area. By the grace of God, this number has since doubled.

Each individual owned a basic trash cart resembling a wooden box on two wheels, pulled by two or more donkeys, due to the challenging, unpaved hill leading up to the mountain.

• Pharaonic Village - The Pharaonic Village offers a unique experience. As soon as you begin sailing down the canals that wind through the island, you are completely immersed in the Egypt of history and legend. Everywhere you look, the sights and sounds of ancient Egypt surround you, making it easy to imagine that you have traveled back in time to a distant and glorious past.

For those newly arrived in Egypt and eager to refresh their knowledge of Egyptian history, a visit to the Pharaonic Village is an excellent choice, particularly for families with children. This private tour, accompanied only by your travel companions, takes you directly from your hotel and allows you to learn as you explore.

• English speaking Guide
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All fees and/or taxes

• Lunch
• Tipping For Guide & Driver

St. Simon Monastery in Cairo, Egypt, draws visitors due to its religious importance, engaging cultural experiences, insider insights, and unforgettable interactions with local customs. It is dedicated to Saint Simon the Tanner, known for performing a miracle in Coptic tradition. The monastery’s distinctive cave architecture and breathtaking views of Cairo make it a remarkable site. Carved into the caves of Mokattam, it stands as a unique architectural wonder. The community’s history and their strong connection to the monastery provide a rich cultural backdrop.

The Pharaonic Village in Egypt offers an enthralling journey into ancient Egyptian civilization. Situated on an island in the Nile near Cairo, it showcases realistic reenactments of daily life, with actors in traditional attire depicting various scenes. Visitors can explore life-size replicas of iconic monuments, such as the temples of Abu Simbel and Karnak, as well as Tutankhamun’s tomb, providing an educational experience for tourists, adventurers, and families alike.

• The remaining tour duration will be spent enjoying free time to take photos at each attraction, also any potential traffic.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.