Day Tour to Wadi El Natrun from Alexandria
Alexandria, Egypt
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Explore Egypt's rich Christian history on a private tour to the monasteries of Wadi El Natrun from Alexandria. Visit four ancient Coptic monasteries with an expert guide, learn about monastic traditions, and enjoy an optional local lunch.
- Visit all four surviving Coptic monasteries in Wadi El Natrun
- Learn about the practices and history of modern-day Coptic monks
- Enjoy a scenic drive through Egypt's desert landscapes
- Capture photos at Alexandria Library and Qaitbay Citadel
What's Included
- All Transfers by Private A/C latest Model Vehicle
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
- Entry Fees
- driver guide
- Lunch at local restaurants(Local Egyptian Food) (If option selected)
- Bottle of water
- Personal Items
- Tipping
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Itinerary
Start with 8am pickup at your hotel in Alexandria, then begin the 75-mile (120-km.) trip to Wadi El Natrun in a private vehicle. Of the 50 monasteries that once thrived at the edge of the Western Desert, only four remain, and the Wadi El Natrun monasteries are still an important place of pilgrimage for Egypt’s Coptic Christians.
Make the first stop of the day at Deir al-Baramus, the oldest of the monasteries, which is surrounded by high fortifications that once sheltered the monks against desert raids by Berbers and Bedouins. Explore the sanctuary, keep, and refectories, where you’ll find colorful frescoes that date back to medieval times.
Continue to Deir Anba Bishoi, a monastery with exquisite art and architecture that houses the remains of several important Coptic saints. Visit the five churches contained within the monastery walls, then head to a nearby local restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, tour Wadi El Natrun’s two remaining Coptic monasteries, Deir Abu Maqar and Deir El-Suryani. Begin the return trip to Alexandria after your time at the monasteries, and pause for a photo stop at the Alexandria Library and The Citadel of Qaitbay. This 12-hour tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.
Make the first stop of the day at Deir al-Baramus, the oldest of the monasteries, which is surrounded by high fortifications that once sheltered the monks against desert raids by Berbers and Bedouins. Explore the sanctuary, keep, and refectories, where you’ll find colorful frescoes that date back to medieval times.
Continue to Deir Anba Bishoi, a monastery with exquisite art and architecture that houses the remains of several important Coptic saints. Visit the five churches contained within the monastery walls, then head to a nearby local restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, tour Wadi El Natrun’s two remaining Coptic monasteries, Deir Abu Maqar and Deir El-Suryani. Begin the return trip to Alexandria after your time at the monasteries, and pause for a photo stop at the Alexandria Library and The Citadel of Qaitbay. This 12-hour tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.
1
Wadi El Natrun
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
The Monastery of St. Macarius
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Syrian Monastery
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Near public transportation
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- The duration of transfers are approximate,the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 5 reviews
Nancy_P, Nov 2022
Lovely day trip. Peaceful and spiritual location. Guide and driver friendly, helpful and informative. One small suggestion is a “packed lunch” to be eaten there rather than a restaurant on the late afternoon return, although lunch back in Alexandria was certainly nice!
Travis B, Feb 2017
it was a really great day out at the monasteries being personally shown around by one of the monks. Just a peaceful and tranquil place to visit. My guide, Kholoud, was amazing knowing absolutely everything about Wadi El Naturn and the surrounds.
Roberto_S, Apr 2026
Interesting tour, on paper, but not well organized. Of the four monasteries scheduled, I could only visit two: one (Deir Es Surian) is open only a few days a week (but the organizers should know this), another was told that it was too far away and that the road was rough (but then why put it in the program?). The two I visited (Deir Anba Bishoi and Deir Abu Maqar) were many interesting, but they represented only half of what was promised.
The driver and guide were certainly two good people, but for both of them that was the first time they reached the Coptic monasteries of Wadi Natrum. If for the driver this could be good (in fact he was very good) for the guide not; he had no information on the places to visit, fortunately in both places a monk accompanied me on the visit and provided me with a bit of information and explanations (of course in exchange for a small donation, but then what is the cost of the guide, who also knew my language quite roughly?). In summary: very interesting tour, but badly organized, at a not small cost (€107).
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From $110.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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