Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Drive to Wadi El-Natrun, about 68.35 miles (110km) northwest of Cairo, known for its Coptic monasteries where thousands of Christians escaped from Roman persecution in the 4th century. Of the 60 or so original compounds in the valley, only four remain, which will be visited today.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Professional guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Centrally located Cairo and Giza hotels
Wadi El Natrun, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt 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. 180 minutes
Wheelchair accessible
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Thomas_W
15 May 2024
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.
thomaswP1297FB
15 May 2024
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.
Quest47894065704
17 Apr 2024
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.
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
How great that you want to share your experience! Your feedback helps other travelers to make a better choice.