(+2) 01117005089
booking@cairoprivatetours.com
Enjoy a special private tour to visit St. Paul and St. Anthony Monasteries from Cairo, a chance to learn about the oldest Monasteries n the world. Dating to the 4th century, the Monastery of St Paul began as a grouping of hermitages in the cliffs around the site where Paul had his cell. The complex’s heart is the Church of St Paul, which was built in and around the cave where Paul lived. It’s cluttered with altars, candles, ostrich eggs (the symbol of the Resurrection) and murals representing saints and biblical stories. The fortress above the church was where the monks retreated during Bedouin raids.
Embark on a private tour of the oldest monasteries in Egypt, St. Paul and St. Anthony, departing from Cairo in the early morning. Your knowledgeable tour guide will collect you from your hotel at 7:00 am to begin your journey.
Travel approximately 250 km to the eastern desert of Egypt, near the Red Sea, where the historic monasteries are located. Dating back to the 4th century AD, these monasteries hold great significance in the history of Christianity.
St. Anthony’s Monastery, situated on Zafaraana Road towards Beni Suef, boasts a vast complex featuring churches, chapels, a lush garden, a bakery, and a fountain dedicated to Saint Anthony, the father of monasticism.
Continuing your journey through the rocky terrain, you will arrive at St. Paul Monastery, also established in the 4th century by hermits seeking solitude from worldly distractions.
These monasteries are revered as sacred sites within the Coptic Church of Egypt and offer a glimpse into the religious coexistence of different faiths in the country.
Despite the changes in the surrounding landscape over the centuries, St. Paul and St. Anthony Monasteries stand as enduring testaments to history.
The breathtaking views and spiritual significance of these ancient sites make the excursion from Cairo an unforgettable experience.
Tour prices are in USD but € and £ are also accepted. The prices quoted per person per tour all inclusive 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 30 USD
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person
You have the option to conveniently book and pay online, or alternatively, you may choose to pay in cash at the time of the tour.
Cairo Private Tours does not charge cancellation fees for tours canceled due to force majeure events like natural disasters. However, if the cancellation is due to personal or business reasons and expenses have been incurred, those costs will be passed on to the customer. The company aims to be transparent and fair, and this policy ensures financial obligations are covered. Cairo Private Tours strives to provide exceptional service and flexibility. Customers can contact customer service for any questions or concerns.
This famous icon represents the visit of Saint Antony (on the left) to Saint Paul, who lived in the eastern desert near the Red Sea.
St. Paul was born into a wealthy family in Alexandria in the mid-3rd century and originally fled to the Eastern Desert to escape Roman persecution. He lived alone in a cave here for more than 90 years, finding bodily sustenance in a nearby spring and palm tree. According to tradition, in AD 343 the then-90-year-old Anthony had a vision of Paul’s death and made a difficult trek through the mountains to visit Paul, and then to bury him.
St. Anthony is a Christian saint who was born to a wealthy family in Lower Egypt around 251 CE He was orphaned at the age of eight years. Most of what is known about him comes from the biographical work of Athanasius of Alexandria, Vita Antonii. This biography depicts Anthony as an illiterate and holy man who through his existence in a primordial landscape received an absolute connection to divine truth. The moment that St. Anthony dedicated his life to God and the church was due to the words he heard from Mark in which he was told to give up all of his belongings and seek God. At the age of 34, Anthony gave away all of his property and worldly possessions; he ventured into the Eastern Desert to seek a life of humility, solitude, and spiritual reflection. Saint Anthony took the words he heard in a literal sense and that is what caused him to venture into the desert to live a life of ascetism. He made his abode in a small cave where he lived ascetically. Although St. Anthony was not the first monk, he attracted many followers and disciples and is one of the fathers of modern Christian monasticism
Are you seeking a comprehensive understanding of our trips? Our Essential Trip Information offers detailed insights into all aspects related to our itineraries, visa requirements, inclusions and exclusions, key details about your transfers and accommodations with us, and everything you need to know about the incredible adventures we organize.
