Private Full-Day Tour of Monasteries St Paul and St Antonius

Hurghada , Egypt

Private Full-Day Tour of Monasteries St Paul and St Antonius

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(9 reviews)

8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Private Full-Day Tour of Monasteries St Paul and St Antonius

Pickup included

What's included

Landing and facility fees

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

First we take you to St. Paul's Monastery. It was built over the cave of Saint Paul, a Christian hermit who lived in the 4th Century AD. He preferred an ascetic life in the desert to the comfort of a city and devoted his life to worshiping God. According to legend, God himself sent bread from ravens to his faithful servant to save him from starvation, and his grave is said to have been dug by lions after Paul's death at the age of 105.
Crypt under the tomb
Visit the beautiful crypt located deep under the tomb. Level of the monastery, decorated with many colorful frescoes. In addition to sacred objects, you will also find everyday items such as an old chain block and an olive press. You will also be surprised to find a freshwater well in the middle of the desert.

On the other side of the hill from St Paul monastery there is a cave where the hermit Antonius lived more than 1600 years ago. The cave is 680 meters above sea level; A staircase with around 1,000 steps leads to this hollow. As you climb up to the cell of the saint, you can see scriptures and drawings - and when you look outside, you have a fantastic view of the mountains and the desert.
Immediately after the death of the ascetic in 356 AD, Christian monks founded the monastery of St. Antonius at the foot of Antonius Mountain. This monastery is considered the beginning of Christian monasticism because it served as a model for believers throughout the Christian world.
Nowadays it houses more than 100 monks. It covers a huge area of 6 hectares, which is surrounded by a wall that is around 1,200 meters long and 12 meters high. Here you will find an old Coptic church where the holy man is buried and well-preserved medieval paintings. His library contains valuable ancient manuscripts.

What's not included

Lunch

Pickup from Makadi hotels 5 euros per person surcharge and 10 Euro from Safaga

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Hurghada

Hurghada is a vibrant coastal city on the Red Sea known for its stunning beaches, world-class diving, and lively nightlife. It's a popular destination for water sports, relaxation, and exploring the rich marine life of the Red Sea.

Top Attractions

Giftun Islands

A group of islands known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The islands are part of a protected marine park.

Nature/Beach Full day Moderate

Hurghada Marina

A vibrant area with restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a great place to stroll, dine, and enjoy the marina views.

Entertainment/Shopping A few hours Free to explore

Red Sea Divers Association

A renowned diving center offering courses and excursions for divers of all levels. The Red Sea is famous for its coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ful Medames

A traditional dish made from mashed fava beans, often served with olive oil, lemon, and spices.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Grilled Seafood

Freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection, often served with rice or salads.

Dinner Contains seafood

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Desert safaris Beach relaxation Spa treatments Visiting historical sites Exploring local markets Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

October to April

The peak season offers pleasant weather with warm days and cool nights, perfect for beach activities and water sports. The city is lively with many tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F