Description

Discover the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul , the oldest Christian monasteries , they both date back to the 4th century AD,Exploar the holiest sites of the Coptic Church in Egypt.

Included

pick up from your hotel

air-conditioned transfer

entrance fees to the above mentioned sites

English speaking guide during your tour

all service charges and taxes

transfer back to your hotel at the end of your tour

Excluded

any extras not mentioned

Tipping

Remember to bring

Hat

sunscreen

Your Itinerary

  • 1) Coptic monasteries st.Anthony and st.Paul from Hurghada

    The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul are the oldest Christian monasteries; they both date back to the 4th century AD, when monks began to settle at the foot of the Red Sea mountain of Galala Al-Qibliya, in hidden cliffs and caves. Both monasteries are considered as the holiest sites of the Coptic Church in Egypt. Located off the Zafarana Road leading to Beni Suef, some 70 km south from Ain Sukhna, 45 km from Hurghada City Monastery of St.Anthony The Monastery of Saint Anthony is a Coptic Orthodox monastery standing in an oasis in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, in the southern part of the Suez Governorate. Hidden deep in the Red Sea Mountains, it is located 334 km (208 mi) southeast of Cairo. The Monastery of Saint Anthony was established by the followers of Saint Anthony, who is the first Christian monk. The Monastery of St. Anthony is one of the most prominent monasteries in Egypt and has strongly influenced the formation of several Coptic institutions, and has promoted monasticism in general. Several patriarchs have come from the monastery, and several hundred pilgrims visit it each day. - Other names:    Deir Mar Antonios - Established: 300 - Dedicated to: Saint Anthony the Great - Diocese: Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria - Founder(s): Saint Anthony the Great - Location: Red Sea Governorate Monastery of St.Paul The Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite in Egypt is a Coptic Orthodox monastery located in the Eastern Desert, near the Red Sea Mountains. It is about 155 km (96 mi) south east of Cairo. The monastery is also known as the Monastery of the Tigers. - Other names: Deir Anba Bola(Boula) - Established:4th century - Dedicated to: Saint Paul the Anchorite - Diocese: Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria - Location: Red Sea Governorate

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Anthony's Monastery, founded in the 4th century AD, is considered the oldest Christian monastery in the world. St. Paul's Monastery, slightly younger, contains remarkable medieval Coptic frescoes. Both are still active monastic communities in the Eastern Desert mountains.

St. Anthony's Monastery is approximately 120 km from Hurghada (about 1.5 hours drive). St. Paul's is nearby. The combined visit to both monasteries makes for a rewarding full-day trip departing in the morning and returning by late afternoon.

Yes, both monasteries welcome visitors of all faiths. Modest dress is required — shoulders and knees must be covered. Photography may be restricted in certain areas. Visitors should be respectful of the monks and the monastery's religious character during the visit.

Lunch is typically included and is served at a local restaurant along the route or in the Suez area on the way back. The meal usually features traditional Egyptian food. Water and soft drinks are provided throughout the day. Dietary preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Reviews

  • Luca Rossi

    June 23, 2026, 12:57 a.m.

    Visitare i monasteri di Sant'Antonio e San Paolo è stata un'esperienza eccezionale. La storia, l'architettura e la spiritualità del luogo sono semplicemente mozzafiato. Consiglio vivamente questo tour a chiunque si interessi di storia della Chiesa copta.

  • Claire Dubois

    April 1, 2026, 7:57 a.m.

    La visite des monastères de Saint Antoine et Saint Paul était merveilleuse. Ces lieux sont imprégnés d'histoire et de spiritualité. J'ai adoré chaque instant passé à explorer ces sites sacrés de l'Église copte. Une expérience inoubliable!

  • Max Müller

    March 25, 2026, 3:32 p.m.

    Die Besichtigung der Klöster von St. Antonius und St. Paulus war einfach unglaublich. Die historische Bedeutung dieser Stätten ist beeindruckend. Ich empfehle diesen Ausflug jedem, der sich für die Geschichte des frühen Christentums interessiert.

  • John Smith

    Sept. 3, 2025, 11:43 a.m.

    Exploring the oldest Christian monasteries was a profound experience. The sites of St. Anthony and St. Paul are not only historically significant but also breathtakingly beautiful. The tour was well-organized and informative. Highly recommend this for history enthusiasts.

  • Elena Petrova

    Sept. 4, 2024, 3:38 a.m.

    Изучение монастырей Св. Антония и Св. Павла — это уникальный погружение в историю христианства. Места пропитаны духовностью и миром. Настоятельно рекомендую это путешествие в прошлое для всех, кто интересуется религиозной историей.

  • Sophie Martin

    Aug. 31, 2024, 1:33 a.m.

    C'était une visite fascinante des monastères les plus anciens du christianisme. La paix et la spiritualité de St. Antoine et St. Paul m'ont vraiment touchée. Je recommande cette expérience enrichissante à tous ceux qui s'intéressent à l'histoire religieuse.

  • Isabella Torres

    Aug. 8, 2024, 8:45 a.m.

    An absolute highlight of my travels! The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul offer a deep dive into the roots of Christianity. The peacefulness and historical depth of these places are simply outstanding. A truly enlightening journey!

  • Michael Braun

    March 31, 2024, 5:13 a.m.

    Ein absolutes Muss für Geschichtsinteressierte. Die Klöster von St. Antonius und St. Paulus sind voller Geschichte und Spiritualität. Der Besuch dieser heiligen Stätten war eine bereichernde Erfahrung.

  • Sarah Johnson

    April 12, 2023, 10:55 p.m.

    Visiting the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul was an awe-inspiring experience. The history and serenity of these ancient sites were incredible. Learning about their significance in the Coptic Church was enlightening. A must-visit for anyone interested in early Christian history!

All tours are operated by licensed Egyptian travel companies under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

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