- Duration
- 7 hours
- Starts from
- Alexandria
- Group size
- Up to 12 guests
- Difficulty
- Easy
Overview
A seven-hour guided trip from Alexandria to Wadi El Natrun, visiting ancient Coptic monasteries that are still home to working communities of monks.
In the 4th century, Christian hermits went out into the desert west of the Nile Delta to live lives of prayer, and Wadi El Natrun became one of the cradles of monasticism. Four of its ancient monasteries still stand, and monks live and work in them today.
It's about an hour and a half from Alexandria by road. Your guide takes you to a selection of the monasteries, typically including St Bishoy and the Syrian Monastery, with their thick walls, fortified keeps built as refuges from raiders, and old churches with icons and wall paintings. Often a monk will show visitors round and talk about life in the community.
The atmosphere is calm and the pace gentle, with time to sit in the shaded courtyards before the drive back to Alexandria, about seven hours after pickup.
Highlights
- Ancient Coptic monasteries still home to monks
- St Bishoy and the Syrian Monastery
- Old churches with icons and wall paintings
- Fortified keeps built against desert raids
- A quiet, reflective atmosphere
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Alexandria → Wadi El Natrun monasteries → Alexandria
Morning pickup from your Alexandria hotel and a drive of about an hour and a half along the desert road. Guided visits to a selection of the monasteries, their churches and keeps, often with a monk as host. Time to rest in the courtyards before the drive back, about seven hours in all.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Alexandria
- Air-conditioned car with driver
- Licensed tour guide
- Entry fees where charged
- Shared small-group tour
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Donations to the monasteries
- Tips for guide and driver
What to bring
- Modest clothing covering arms and legs
- A scarf for women to cover their hair
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat and sunscreen
Pickup & meeting point
Pickup from your hotel in Alexandria; the exact time is confirmed the day before.
Children up to 11 pay the child rate
Photos
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