Private Full-Day Tour of Monasteries St Paul and St Antonius
A trusted partner experience, hand-picked and featured on This is Egypt.
Overview
Ras Gharib is home to some of Egypt's oldest Christian monasteries, considered to be among the holiest places for Egyptian Orthodox Copts. These monasteries represent a rich cultural and historical heritage. One of the most significant is the monastery dedicated to St. Anthony, the oldest Christian monastery in Egypt. Currently, it houses more than 100 monks and features an ancient Coptic church that holds the tomb of St. Anthony. Visitors can admire well-preserved medieval paintings and explore a library filled with valuable ancient manuscripts. Just opposite lies St. Paul's Monastery, built over the cave where Saint Paul, a 4th-century Christian hermit, lived. Preferring an ascetic life in the desert over the comforts of the city, he devoted himself to worshiping God. According to legend, God sent bread to him via ravens to prevent him from starving. It is also said that lions dug his grave after his death at the age of 105, further adding to the mystique surrounding his life.
Hurghada · 976 Cultural & Historic · typical ~10,758 EGP · 5,630 EGP — good value
Highlights
- ✦Private tour
- ✦Hotel pickup
What's included
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓Landing and facility fees
- ✕Lunch
- ✕Pickup from Makadi hotels 5 euros per person surcharge and 10 Euro from Safaga
Itinerary
- 1St. Paul Monastery دير الأنبا بولا
- 2Monastery of Saint Anthony the Great
Frequently asked questions
- How long is this experience?
- 8-10h
- Can I cancel my booking?
- Yes — you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before it starts.
- What's included?
- Air-conditioned vehicle · Landing and facility fees
Reviews (11)
I had a very good experience and enjoyed the trip. All was very good. I can recommend this excursion.
A long way from Hurghada, 3.5 hours to get there with no other pick ups. St Anthony's monastery is strikingly beautiful and peaceful beyond belief (!). Almost 2000 years old and large and fully functioning with garden and copious spring water supply in the heart of the dessert. 1300 steps up to his cave. Well worth the effort. Don't overdo do it if that's too much for you. And St Paul's monastery is equally beautiful and quiet on a smaller scale. No tourist crowds at all in mid March. But it was both the 2nd day of Ramadan and the 2nd day of Lent. No catering is available within 20 miles! Sadl
Arranged this for a pick up from Soma bay. A small surcharge as a little further from Hurghada & just 1 person. Thanks Sameh. 4am start but good for the climb to St. Anthony’s cave. It was a scramble to get inside, a very small limited space & with those wanting to pray for a while, tempers got frayed - maybe due to a little claustrophobia with those who couldn’t out. We’ll worth the loooong climb. Had a tour with Father Marcus and joined a lovely family/ friends group. The children enthusiastically wanted to practice English. The Fathers English was excellent. As was the tour. Dropped into St
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“I had a very good experience and enjoyed the trip. All was very good. I can recommend this excursion.”
The same experience, compared across platforms.
- Booking.comCheapest5,524 EGP
- Viator(this listing)5,630 EGP
