Private Full-Day Tour of Monasteries St Paul and St Antonius
Explore ancient Coptic monasteries, sacred art, and desert spirituality near Ras Gharib
About 240 km north of Hurghada lie some of Egypt’s oldest Christian monasteries, among the holiest places for Egyptian Orthodox Copts. The Monastery of St. Anthony is the oldest Christian monastery in the world. Founded in the 4th century by followers of St. Anthony, the father of monasticism, it still houses more than 100 monks. Its ancient church holds his tomb, with medieval wall paintings and a library of rare manuscripts. Each monastery has a spring of unknown source; the water has flowed for centuries and still supplies the gardens. Above St. Anthony’s, a church and his cave sit on the mountain, 1,420 steps, if you are fit for it. Opposite, about 30 km and a 40-minute drive away, is St. Paul’s Monastery, built over the cave where St. Paul, a 4th-century hermit, lived in prayer. Tradition says ravens brought him bread, and that lions dug his grave after he died at 105. The monastery still shows the monks’ medieval dining table, preserved for centuries.
What You’ll See
St. Anthony Monastery
Visit the oldest working Christian monastery in the world, founded in honor of Anthony the Great, considered the father of Christian monasticism. Inside the monastery walls you will discover:
- The historic Church of St. Anthony with its beautiful Coptic frescoes
- The saint’s tomb and sacred religious sites
- Ancient manuscripts and a historic monastic library
- Peaceful courtyards surrounded by desert mountains
St. Paul Monastery
Continue to the nearby monastery dedicated to Paul of Thebes, believed to be the first Christian hermit. Built near the cave where he lived for decades in solitude, this monastery offers:
- The cave where St. Paul spent much of his life
- Ancient chapels and historic religious icons
- Stories and traditions from early Christian desert life
- Stunning views of the surrounding desert mountains
How the Day Works
1. Hotel Pickup & Desert Journey
Your day begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Hurghada in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle. Enjoy the scenic drive through the vast Eastern Desert with impressive mountain landscapes along the way.
2. Visit the Ancient Monasteries
Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you through the Monastery of Saint Anthony and the Monastery of Saint Paul. Learn about their fascinating history, architecture, and spiritual significance while exploring the churches, courtyards, and peaceful surroundings.
3. Lunch Break & Return to Hurghada
You may stop for an optional lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the afternoon journey back to Hurghada. Arrival at your hotel is expected in the late afternoon after a memorable cultural experience.
