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Wadi El-Natrun Monasteries: Private Day Tour from Cairo Showcasing Coptic Christian History
4.9
10 Ratings
Wadi El Natrun
Take a journey to Wadi El-Natrun, located approximately 68.35 miles (110km) to the northwest of Cairo. It’s famous for its Coptic monasteries, the retreat of thousands of Christians fleeing Roman persecution in the 4th century. Despite the original valley housing around 60 compounds, just four are still standing and open for visitation today.
Take a journey to Wadi El-Natrun, located approximately 68.35 miles (110km) to the northwest of Cairo. It’s famous for its Coptic monasteries, the retreat of thousands of Christians fleeing Roman persecution in the 4th century. Despite the original valley housing around 60 compounds, just four are still standing and open for visitation today.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Wadi El Natrun - Pick-up from your hotel in Cairo/Giza, and then drive around 1.5 hours with a modern air-conditioned vehicle/van to Wadi El-Natrun, the actual birthplace for Christian monasticism. There used to be about 50 monasteries; only 4 have survived into modern times. Begin your trip with Deir al-Baramus which is the oldest of the…
- Wadi El Natrun - Pick-up from your hotel in Cairo/Giza, and then drive around 1.5 hours with a modern air-conditioned vehicle/van to Wadi El-Natrun, the actual birthplace for Christian monasticism. There used to be about 50 monasteries; only 4 have survived into modern times. Begin your trip with Deir al-Baramus which is the oldest of the surviving 4 monasteries, and in many ways the most isolated, you will meet some Egyptian priests who will introduce the site to you and give you a lot of information about it. Then proceed to Deir Anba Bishoi, whose body is still in the monastery. Continue your trip to Deir Abu Maqar, it is also called Anba Makaryus Monastery, which is the richest monastery now in Wadi El-Natrun, as it has more than 100 monks and 600 workers in the extensive farm which spreads in front of it. You will end your trip with Deir El-Suryani which is the smallest and most compact of the 4 monasteries. At the end of your tour drive back to your hotel in Cairo.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All taxes, fees and handling charges included
- Guided by a professional
- Transport in an air-conditioned minivan
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All taxes, fees and handling charges included
- Guided by a professional
- Transport in an air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Location
Wadi El Natrun
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
4.9
(10 Ratings)
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Thomas_w
May 15, 2024
Good times at 4 monasteries - Good tour. Beautiful views and interesting places that show an interesting side of Egypt's history and present. The Guide Mahmoud B was knowledgeable about the region and helpful for showing me around the monasteries (all 4) and getting me in touch with interesting and helpful monks there. He speaks good English and was invested in the tour going well. The driver, Arabee, was on time and a smooth driver.
Review provided by Viator
Thomaswp1297fb
May 15, 2024
Good time seeing 4 different monasteries - The trip to the monasteries was very beautiful! We went to a unique part of Egypt's history and present, and covered all 4 of the active monasteries in Wadi el-Natrun. Mahmoud Badr the guide was knowledgeable about the area and history, and helpful to meet Monks and show me around the monasteries. The driver Arabee was good. He drove smoothly and arrived on time. It's definitely a good way to spend some of your time in Egypt to see the monasteries.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raluca_d
Dec 15, 2023
Great way to end and Ancient Egypt tour. - We took this trip at the end of an organized tour of ancient Egypt (we had an extra day). These Coptic (Christian) monasteries are indeed a link between the antiquity and the present day. The guide, Mahmoud Badr, was very responsive and entertained us with many stories aimed at helping us understand the context of what we were seeing. Thanks Mahmoud!
A special note for our driver, Omar: for some reason it was decided to "cut" in between two ring highways using the neighbourhood's streets ... amazing driving (I've been driving for many years, in many countries, and I don't think I would have got myself out of there)!
Review provided by Viator
Lilyo536
Nov 28, 2023
Fabulous and safe experience - Zizou, my guide, was utterly amazing and very knowledgable. He made it very easy for me to see the monasteries as a solo female traveller. I would highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel54465798898
Nov 21, 2023
Highly revommended - I really enjoyed my tour with Zanati, who was my guide, that day. He was warm, friendly, jovial and very informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless57800879764
Dec 15, 2021
Very interesting - This is an excellent trip special for ppl who like to envision the early days of Christianity .
Abla and Ahmed were very nice they went the extra mile and took me to the salt lake .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambassador753390
Jan 6, 2020
Very nice visit to the these monastries - Amazing day with Emad the guide, Mahmoud the driver. We visited very nice monasteries, the guide the monks were very knowledgeable. We took Many photos. The guide again is very nice as well as the driver. Thank you very much. We couldn’t do it without you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travelingnormands
Nov 17, 2018
A wonderful tour - I have no complaints regarding this tour. My guide Isaac and my driver Zaleh were both very friendly. Isaac was very knowledgable and took everything at a very nice pace. We visited all four monasteries and I got to meet monks at each monastery. Everyone at the monasteries were very friendly and it truly was a relaxing day away from Cairo. The tour was punctual. No lunch is included but snacks and beverages were offered regularly. I would definitely use this company again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quest47894065704
Apr 17, 2024
Wadi el Natrun - Was ever good in this travel.
Also the driver ( Omar) and the guide ( Mahmoud Badr ) are very friendly and gentle.
Just I did’t understood why we didn’t visit others 2 monastery around there how was in the online description of the tour.
Anyway was everything fine and smooth with guide and driver.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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