Discover Egypt’s ancient Christian heritage on a guided cultural excursion to the Eastern Desert. Explore the , ancient hermit caves, and
Monasteries of St. Anthony & St. Paul
We will meet you at your hotel in Hurghada; you will recognize our driver by a sign with your name in his hands. Throughout our journey north, we will make some stops so you can admire and capture the beauty of the Egyptian landscape.
Your path will fall through the desert until you reach the first stop – the monastery of St. Anthony. More than 1600 years ago Antony lived as a hermit in one of the caves in the mountain at 680 meters above sea level. A staircase of 1000 steps will bring you to his cell. On the walls along the stairs you can see the scriptures and drawings of the saint, and from the roof offers a fantastic view of the mountains and desert. At the foot of the mountain itself, Christian monks founded a monastery in 356 AD, immediately after his death. This date is considered to be the beginning of Christian monasticism and today about 100 monks live on the monastery grounds.
The monastery occupies a huge area of 6g and is surrounded by a wall (about 1200 meters long and 12 meters high), which protected the monks from Bedouin attacks. You will see the ancient Coptic church where the saint was buried and where medieval paintings are preserved. The monastery library contains priceless ancient manuscripts. The monastery itself has recently been renovated.
After lunch, you will head to the other side of the mountain range, where the second monastery is located – the monastery of St. Paul,built over the cave of St. Paul. He was a Christian hermit who died in the 4th century AD. According to legend, God sent a crow who brought bread to Paul every day so that he would not starve to death, and after Paul’s death at the age of 119, the lions dug a grave for him. You will visit the crypt, located deep under the monastery and decorated with colorful frescoes. Besides icons, there are practical things, such as an old chain block, olive presses, and, unusual for desert, a freshwater source.
In the evening you will go on your way back to your hotel in Hurghada.
The tour is held daily.
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 150 $ |
| 2 -3 | 75 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 65 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 60 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 50 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
