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Wadi El-Natrun Monasteries: Private Day Tour from Cairo Showcasing Coptic Christian History

4.9

9 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.

Duration: 8 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

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 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

What's Not Included

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

Location

Wadi El Natrun

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.9

(9 Ratings)

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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!