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Monastery Tour: Explore Ancient Coptic Heritage
5.0
15 Ratings
Hurghada
Discover Egypt’s history on a private tour to St. Anthony and St. Paul Monasteries from Hurghada. Enjoy desert views, expert commentary, and flexible exploration.
Discover Egypt’s history on a private tour to St. Anthony and St. Paul Monasteries from Hurghada. Enjoy desert views, expert commentary, and flexible exploration.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Hurghada - Our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Hurghada by air-conditioned private vehicle at approximately 07:00 AM and take you to Monasteries of Saint Anthony and Paul the Anchorite 250 km. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the beautiful, sand-smooth eastern desert, which offers a special sight through its mountains…
- Hurghada - Our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Hurghada by air-conditioned private vehicle at approximately 07:00 AM and take you to Monasteries of Saint Anthony and Paul the Anchorite 250 km. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the beautiful, sand-smooth eastern desert, which offers a special sight through its mountains and hills, as well as oases and plains.
- St. Paul Monastery - The Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite in Egypt is a Coptic Orthodox monastery located in the Eastern Desert, near the Red Sea Mountains. It is about 155 km southeast of Cairo. The monastery is also known as the Monastery of the Tigers.
- Monastery of Saint Anthony the great - The Monastery of Saint Anthony is a Coptic Orthodox monastery standing in an oasis in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, in the southern part of the Suez Governorate. Hidden deep in the Red Sea Mountains, it is located 334 km southeast of Cairo and can be reached from Hurghada in just 3 to 4 hours
- Hurghada - At the end of this visit to Monasteries of Saint Anthony & Paul the Anchorite, you will be brought back to your hotel in your private transportation.
What's Included
- Entrance fees
- Snacks
- Qualified Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees
- Snacks
- Qualified Egyptologist guide
What's Not Included
- Tips
- Extra transfer from Sahl hashesh, Makadi, Soma bay, Safaga 10€ per person
- Tips
- Extra transfer from Sahl hashesh, Makadi, Soma bay, Safaga 10€ per person
Additional Information
around 06:00 am Departure from the hotel. One way trip will take about 3.5 hours. The monasteries of St. Anthony and Paul are the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, founded in the fourth century AD among the rocks of Galala Al-Kibliya. Both monasteries are considered sacred to the Coptic Church in Egypt. Today, more than 100 monks live here. You…
around 06:00 am Departure from the hotel. One way trip will take about 3.5 hours. The monasteries of St. Anthony and Paul are the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, founded in the fourth century AD among the rocks of Galala Al-Kibliya. Both monasteries are considered sacred to the Coptic Church in Egypt. Today, more than 100 monks live here. You will see the library of St. Anthony, his medieval paintings. The library contains valuable ancient manuscripts.
NB: No extra supplement or hidden fees
Please read carefully all the trip details about timing, payment and the means of the transportation.
Location
Hurghada
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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1 star
Azt2025
Jan 6, 2025
incredible opportunity to visit the Saint Paul and Saint Anthony Monasteries from Hurghada - The drive from Hurghada offers a remarkable transition from the vibrant coast to the serene desert landscapes. Upon arriving at the monasteries, I was immediately struck by the tranquility and historical significance of these sacred places. Both monasteries are nestled in the desert, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection that is palpable from the moment you enter.
Saint Anthony Monastery, known as the oldest Christian monastery in the world, was a real highlight. Walking through its ancient walls, I could feel the centuries of devotion and dedication. The monks there are incredibly welcoming, eager to share insights into their daily lives and the rich history of the monastery. The architecture, murals, and artwork are simply stunning, providing a glimpse into the past with well-preserved details.
Saint Paul Monastery, not far from its counterpart, equally impressed me. The journey through the desert to reach it feels like a pilgrimage in itself. The remote location adds to the mysterious allure of the place. Exploring the underground caves where Saint Paul is believed to have lived as a hermit was both humbling and inspiring.
The entire trip was well-organized, with knowledgeable guides who enriched the experience with fascinating stories and historical context. They were more than willing to answer questions and made sure the group was comfortable throughout the journey.
In conclusion, visiting the Saint Paul and Saint Anthony Monasteries is a must for anyone interested in history, religion, or simply seeking a serene escape. The combination of spiritual depth and natural beauty makes it a truly unforgettable experience. I returned to Hurghada feeling refreshed and inspired, with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history and spirituality.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
624julih
Sep 14, 2024
So holy - My day with Mina was exceptional! He is a very nice and kind person. He took his time to show me a lot of cairo and tell me all about its history. He got me safely through the busy streets of cairo and even organised for me to make my own sugar cane juice. Thanks to Mina & HurghadaToGo is the best travel Agency in Egypt
Review provided by Tripadvisor
889philipsj
Sep 14, 2024
Can't recommend it enough - Both the Tour Guide and the Driver were EXCELLENT: Nothing could have been better. Very adapted to my needs: fluent English ; interesting conversations ; pleasing luncheon inclusion. Monks at 2 Monasteries most hospitable. Thanks To Mr Ahmed who organized this perfect tour
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Jeasonl2024
Jun 22, 2024
It's worth it - We went up to St. Anthony's Cave and visited the monastery. The rest is hard to describe. Go there. I'll be back when I get the chance.
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656hawardk
Jun 22, 2024
Place where God lives - Hallo,
The Monastery of Saint Anthony is the most worth seeing in Egypt near the Red Sea. I took Hurghadatogo from Cairo to the monastery. The road is pretty good. You can drive along the sea or over the highway. The journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours. After leaving Cairo, there is only one gas station on the highway to the Red Sea. Near the Red Sea, the gas station is located on the road to the monastery.
The monastery is very nice. It's a place where God lives. I felt it a lot. The place is quiet and relaxing. You can pray here. You can ask the fathers to stay for a night or more.
The fathers are very friendly. They are very happy to meet you. It was a great experience for me to feel their hospitality. Really. It was incredible. They were so open. We spoke like very good friends. They will show you the monastery.
The cave at the top of the hill. She's incredible. Truly a place where a man meets God. Really worth seeing.
It was very worth spending the whole day from Cairo to visit this place.
Like in Egypt. Near the Red Sea road there are many buildings and restaurants. But I prefer to prepare a second breakfast at the hotel in the morning. Many buildings are closed.
There are no public beaches in Egypt, so I only swam at the one near a construction site. I was a great conversation for people in the profession. :
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J1640xktonym
Jun 22, 2024
The holiest journey - Offers wonderful insights into the monasteries and their meaning and heritage, it could not be more authentic, the hike to the cave around which everything is built is worthwhile. Wonderful history, welcoming monks, excellent for religious objects. Make the effort and visit the country, it opens up a new perspective on the country.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marionbx3852gl
Jun 22, 2024
Stunning journey - This is the first time I see the monastery of Saint Anthony and its cave, it is an amazing and ancient monastery, full of history and beautiful places to see, it is for all types of people who love to learn. The people inside explain everything about this place and its history, a complete and detailed program, it is a place little known to people, but full of history, good gardens, a water well they said good to healthy because of minerals, a charming and mysterious place, and much more to discover, for me it was incredible, I really recommend it and I will do it again. Thank you Hurghada ToGo
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E16gnmarkusb
Jun 22, 2024
holy journey - I came here during Easter. Pater Markus guided us and made our stay very special.
This place is just magical. Thank you again, we still remember this day very well and feel happy and blessed.
Better, Markus and Viktoria
Review provided by Tripadvisor
164avilaa
Jun 6, 2024
Very good - Mina is the best guide you can see there. We have been visiting many of Egypt's sites with him for several years. He is very knowledgeable, patient (which is very important to me) and knows when is the right time to go on a tour. He knows the monks in the monasteries and we are always welcome. We went to eat at restaurants that you can't find on your own and ate authentic food! He explains wonderfully and is perfect for this job! These photos are from St. Anthony's Monastery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
457colep
Jun 2, 2024
Wow!! - Wow! Sunrise on Red sea is something to really take your breath away. The climb up there also does the same but in other ways! Most people on the trip weren’t very enthusiastic about the monastery purely because everyone was shattered from being up all night and having climbed a mountain. Maybe change the order and just start a little earlier?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
