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

Experience Egypt’s ancient spiritual legacy on a private full-day tour to the Monasteries of St. Paul and St. Antonius. Venture beyond Hurghada into the Eastern Desert, where you’ll uncover the serene beauty and profound history of these historic sites, dating back over two millennia. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll learn about the timeless monastic traditions and captivating architectural wonders that have endured through the ages. From the scenic drive to the delectable lunch, this journey promises to be a truly enriching and unforgettable adventure, offering a glimpse into the heart of Egypt’s spiritual heritage.

Key Points

• A private full-day tour exploring the historic Monasteries of St. Paul and St. Antonius in Egypt, rated 4.5/5 stars based on 8 reviews.
• Tour includes air-conditioned transportation, landing and facility fees, and a delicious lunch, with additional surcharges for pickups from Makadi and Safaga hotels.
• The tour requires a minimum of 2 persons and is not suitable for those with mobility issues, as it involves a strenuous 1,300-step climb to the Monastery of St. Anthony’s cave.
• Visitors praise the serene beauty and tranquil ambiance of the monasteries, although limited services may be available during religious holidays like Ramadan and Lent.
• The monasteries are located approximately 3.5 hours from Hurghada, with pickup and drop-off services available for an additional cost.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour offers visitors a chance to explore the centuries-old Monasteries of St. Paul and St. Antonius.

The tour is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews and is operated by Egypt Travel Guide in Hurghada. Priced at $96.74, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, landing and facility fees, and lunch.

Pickup is available from Makadi and Safaga hotels, with additional transportation costs. The tour is considered private and starts from a minimum of 2 persons, with single travelers incurring extra costs.

Guests should have a moderate fitness level and be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport visitors throughout the day.

Other inclusions are:

• Landing and facility fees
• A delicious lunch
• Additional fees for pickups outside of Makadi Bay (€5) and Safaga (€10)

The tour is considered private, starting from 2 persons, with single travelers incurring extra costs.

The logistics are straightforward, with a 6:00 AM start time and confirmation received at the time of booking.

Travelers can select their preferred pickup point, and any additional transportation costs will be communicated to them beforehand.

Pickup and Timing

Regarding the pickup and timing, the tour starts at 6:00 am, with confirmation received at the time of booking.

Clients can select a pickup point, and any additional transportation costs will be communicated to them.

Pickup from Makadi hotels incurs a 5-euro surcharge, while pickup from Safaga carries a 10-euro surcharge.

The tour is considered private, starting from 2 persons, and single travelers may incur extra costs.

Health and Accessibility

The tour’s health and accessibility requirements are notable.

The monasteries visited on this tour aren’t wheelchair accessible, and the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves a 1,300-step climb to the cave at the Monastery of St. Anthony.

Key considerations for potential participants include:

• Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues
• Strenuous climb to the cave at the Monastery of St. Anthony
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions
• Pregnant women should exercise caution when considering this tour

Traveler Experiences: Monastery of St Anthony

Dating back over 2,000 years, the Monastery of St. Anthony offers visitors a peaceful and tranquil experience.

Situated in a remote location, the monastery features a beautiful and well-preserved complex, including a church and a cave where St. Anthony is believed to have lived.

Travelers must climb over 1,300 steps to reach the cave, a challenging but rewarding journey that provides stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

While the services may be limited during religious holidays like Ramadan and Lent, visitors consistently praise the monastery’s serene atmosphere and the knowledgeable guides who provide insight into its rich history and significance.

Traveler Experiences: Monastery of St Paul

The Monastery of St Paul is smaller in scale compared to its counterpart, the Monastery of St Anthony, yet it’s equally captivating for visitors.

Reviewers describe the monastery as beautiful and less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat.

The experience includes:

• Exploring the historic structure, dating back centuries
• Admiring the tranquil ambiance and serene surroundings
• Appreciating the architectural and religious significance of the site
• Noting that services may be limited during religious observances like Ramadan and Lent

Highlights From Reviews

Across reviews, travelers consistently highlight the serene beauty and tranquil ambiance of the monasteries. Many describe the Monastery of St. Anthony as a peaceful, 2000-year-old site, though note the 1300-step climb to the cave. The smaller Monastery of St. Paul is equally beautiful and less crowded. While some travelers encountered limited services during Ramadan and Lent, overall experiences were positive, with visitors appreciating the knowledgeable guides despite the long 3.5-hour journey from Hurghada. The table below provides a concise summary of the key highlights from reviews:

Positive Highlights	Potential Drawbacks
Serene, tranquil ambiance	Long travel time from Hurghada
Stunning, centuries-old architecture	Limited services during religious holidays
Knowledgeable, informative guides	Physically demanding 1300-step climb
Less crowded Monastery of St. Paul

Getting to the Monasteries

Reaching the monasteries requires a significant journey from Hurghada, as they’re located approximately 3.5 hours away.

Pickup and drop-off services are available, but travelers should be aware of additional transportation costs:

• Pickup from Makadi hotels incurs a 5 euros surcharge
• Pickup from Safaga incurs a 10 euros surcharge
• Travelers can select a convenient pickup point, with transportation costs communicated after booking

The early start time of 6:00 am allows ample time to reach the monasteries and explore their rich history and serene surroundings before returning to Hurghada.

Proper planning is essential to make the most of this full-day excursion.

Recap

The private full-day tour of the Monasteries of St. Paul and St. Antonius offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient spiritual history. With knowledgeable guides, scenic drives, and delicious meals, visitors can enjoy the serene beauty and rich heritage of these remarkable sites. Whether seeking a spiritual journey or a glimpse into the past, this tour provides an unforgettable experience.