From Hurghada:Dendera & Abydos — Egypt's Best-Preserved Temple Colours
13 hours · Private option available · Pickup available
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From Hurghada:St. Anthony & St. Paul — The World's Oldest Christian Monasteries
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
A journey to the birthplace of Christian monasticism: two ancient desert monasteries between the Red Sea and the Nile, with cliffside caves, 10th-century frescoes and centuries of unbroken devotion.
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 14 hours
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Live tour guide
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian
Pickup available
Check availability for pickup options
Private group available
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Itinerary
Pickup location:
Hurghada
05:00
~2-hour desert crossing.
Hurghada
Monastery of St. Anthony
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing (2 hours)
Monastery of St. Paul
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing (1.5 hours)
Lunch
Meal (1 hour)
Return to your hotel
Main stopOther stop
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- The two oldest Christian monasteries in the world
- St. Anthony's cliff cave and its ancient hilltop community
- St. Paul's 4th-century hermit site with 10th-century frescoes
- Private Egyptologist guide and lunch included
Full description
Hidden in the mountains behind the Red Sea coast lie the two oldest monasteries in the world. St. Anthony's, founded in the 4th century, spreads beneath the cliff cave where the 'father of monks' lived as a hermit — reached today by around a thousand steps. Nearby, the smaller Monastery of St. Paul marks the site of another desert hermit's retreat, its ancient church walls covered in frescoes dating back to the 10th century. This private day tour crosses the desert to both w…
Includes
- Air-conditioned vehicle transfers
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entry fees to both monasteries
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Beverages on the bus
- Insurance and taxes
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Water
Know before you go
- Children 0–5 free; 6–11 half price; 12+ full price.
- These are active monasteries — please dress modestly and respect worship areas.
- The cave of St. Anthony involves a steep climb of about 1,000 steps and is optional.
- Pickup from El Quseir/Marsa Alam possible with a transfer supplement.
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Departures
- Hurghada
- El Gouna
- Sahl Hasheesh
- Makadi Bay
- Soma Bay
- Safaga
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