Booking fee
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* 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.
Peter G
07 Apr 2025
This was an exceptional tour to the Monasteries of Wadi El Natrun. A unique opportunity to visit the sites where monasticism emerged. Zizou our guide for the day was excellent and ensured we had a monk escorting us around and informing us about the history of their individual monastery.
The journey to and from Wadi El Natrun was comfortable and safe for which we thank Omar, our driver.
In conclusion a magnificent day which we can strongly recommend.
783hrw
11 Feb 2025
It was our first visit to Cairo. We had booked the usual trips, pyramids, museums, citadel, etc. We wanted to see something outside Cairo so we booked a day trip to the monasteries of Wadi el Natrun. We were not disappointed.
It was a long day. We were picked up from our hotel in Central Cairo at 7.30am, as arranged, and arrived back at 5.30pm. Our driver, Essam, and guide, Hosni, both spoke excellent English and were very helpful.
We visited four monasteries. In each one an English speaking monk led the tour. We were always with other groups who did not speak English, so each tour was slowed down by the need for translation of the commentary.
The drive to the monasteries through the desert and some small towns was a very interesting part of our day, as we had hoped.
Highly recommended.
954frejad
15 Nov 2024
It was truly a wonderful and very special trip. It is a nice way to experience the richness and diversity of Egyptian history and culture. The monasteries are so calm and beautiful, and it is amazing how long they have stayed in use. The frescoes and icons are still very clear and colourful despite being many hundreds of years old, and the different buildings also bear witness to the not always easy life there in pre modern times. The guide, Henry, made it a very special tour for us - he introduced us to many different monks and we got to hear about their experience living in the monastery and why they chose this way of life. It was also nice to hear how they, despite their quiet and secluded lives, are involved in society both through agriculture, academic studies and charity. Truly a wonderful experience.
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.
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