Published on May, 2022

We seemed to have lost our way and passed through the narrow streets of Garbage City on the way up to the mountain cave church. This was unexpected but rewarding experience to have seen this part of Cairo, untrodden by tourists. The experience was unforgettable. Both sights were breathtaking- Garbage City for its aroma and feel and the mountain church for its splendor. Emeel was a great guide, highly knowledgeable of Christian history in Egypt. Wish you could all have this awesome experience.

Published on May, 2022

This was an awesome experience seeing Garbage City and the mountain cave church. Our guide Emeel was very knowledgeable about Christianity in Egypt. The tour itself was breathtaking for the “atmosphere” of Garbage City as well as the awesome sight that is the mountain cave church. Lunch was typical Egyptian street food. Very unusual and rewarding experience, highly recommended. Meyah Meyah!

Published on Apr, 2022

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the churches at the cave with Mary! Mary was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the area and we found the story behind garbage city and the development of the cave church to be very intriguing. Although not originally a part of our schedule, Mary willingly allowed us to add on the Coptic church tour, which was also enlightening. To end our day, Mary took us for Egyptian shawarma...and it was DELiCious! :-) Overall, a great experience.

Published on Jun, 2019

Medhat emailed me the afternoon before our tour to let me know when he was going to meet me. He was waiting for me in the lobby of my hotel by 9AM and we met our driver. He drove us through Zableen to El Mokkatm. During the drive, he asked me if there was anything else I wanted to see and also gave me more information on the surrounding sites. When we got to El Mokkatm, Medhat told me a story about the first monastery we went to (Saint Simon the Tanner) and about Saint Simon. After I learned about Saint Simon, we walked around the church and Ahmed and our driver (sorry forgot his name!) took photos of me. The church is decorated with carvings and paintings. After wandering Saint Simon, we walked up the road to Saint Mark’s which is underground. They have an even lower section for baptisms. While in Saint Mark’s, Medhat gave me the history of the church and transformation of Amen. I got some free time to wander around the church and see the carvings with bible verses. When we finished the churches, we all sat down for coffee in the common area and had a chat. While we were talking, Medhat let me know we’d be going for takeaway food (as a gift from both of them) as the falafel is great. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed for Ramadan but we pulled over and Medhat got me some snacks and a guava juice before we parted ways. The experience with Medhat was great. He is smart and kind. Our driver was very nice as well. I enjoyed getting to know them both.

Published on Sep, 2018

We really enjoyed the time we spent with our guide Wael. He was very welcoming and gave a great tour and description of the church which was very interesting and answered any questions we had. It was a great place to visit. Recommended!