Description

Explore coptic monasteries of wadi el natrun private day tour to coptic monasteries of wadi el natrun. Enjoy 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) Wadi El Natrun Coptic monasteries from Giza or Cairo

     

    Wadi El-Natrun, the actual birthplace for Christian monasticism. There used to be about 50 monasteries; only 4 have survived into modern times. Begin your trip with Deir al-Baramus which is the oldest of the surviving 4 monasteries, and in many ways the most isolated, you will meet some Egyptian priests who will introduce the site to you and give you a lot of information about it. Then proceed to Deir Anba Bishoi, whose body is still in the monastery. Continue your trip to Deir Abu Maqar, it is also called Anba Makaryus Monastery, which is the richest monastery now in Wadi El-Natrun, as it has more than 100 monks and 600 workers in the extensive farm which spreads in front of it. You will end your trip with Deir El-Suryani which is the smallest and most compact of the 4 monasteries. The Monastery of Anba Bishoy: The Monastery of Saint Pishoy in Wadi El Natrun, Beheira Governorate, Egypt, is the most famous monastery of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria named after Pishoy. It is the easternmost of the four current monasteries of Wadi el Natrun The Monastery of Paramus: The Paromeos Monastery, also known as Baramos Monastery, is a Coptic Orthodox monastery located in Wadi El Natrun in the Nitrian Desert, Beheira Governorate, Egypt. It is the most northern among the four current monasteries of Scetis, situated around 9 km northeast of the Monastery of Saint Pishoy. Monastery of St. Macarius (Deir Abu Magar, Abu Maker): The Monastery of Saint Macarius The Great also known as Dayr Aba Maqār is a Coptic Orthodox monastery located in Wadi El Natrun, Beheira Governorate, about 92 km north-west of Cairo, and off the highway between Cairo and Alexandria . The Monastery of El – Saurian: The Monastery of Saint Mary El-Sourian is a Coptic Orthodox monastery located in Wadi El Natrun in the Nitrian Desert, Beheira Governorate, Egypt. It is located about 500 meters northwest of the Monastery of Saint Pishoy. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and carries her name Location: The wadi is located 110 km (62 miles )from Cairo , Cairo- Alexandria road about 1.5 hour

     

Frequently Asked Questions

Wadi El Natrun is an ancient valley in the Egyptian Western Desert that has been a center of Coptic Christian monasticism since the 4th century. It contains four active monasteries — Deir Anba Bishoy, Deir El Suryan, Deir El Baramous, and Deir Abu Makar — each with ancient churches, libraries, and resident monks. It is considered the heartland of Coptic monastic tradition.

The tour typically visits two to three of the four monasteries: Deir Anba Bishoy (housing the relics of St. Bishoy) and Deir El Suryan (known for its remarkable Coptic art and library of ancient manuscripts) are the most commonly included. The exact monasteries visited may vary depending on the day of the week and opening schedules.

Wadi El Natrun is approximately 90 km northwest of Cairo along the Alexandria Desert Road. The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way, making it a very comfortable day trip from Cairo or Giza. Tours typically depart in the morning and return to Cairo by late afternoon or early evening.

Absolutely. This tour is excellent for travelers of any background interested in ancient history, religious heritage, and architecture. The monasteries are centuries-old living communities with extraordinary frescoes and artifacts. Non-Coptic visitors are welcomed with warmth and the experience offers fascinating insight into one of Christianity's oldest traditions.

Reviews

  • Anna Russo

    May 19, 2026, 7:46 a.m.

    Il tour privato ai monasteri copti di Wadi El Natrun è stato incredibile. L'intimità della visita ha reso l'esperienza ancora più speciale. Consiglio vivamente a chiunque voglia approfondire la spiritualità e la storia di questa area.

  • James O'Connor

    May 12, 2026, 12:36 a.m.

    What an enlightening experience it was to explore the Coptic monasteries of Wadi El Natrun! Our private tour was intimate and informative, offering a profound insight into the rich history of these sacred sites. I highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in history and culture.

  • Michael Schmidt

    Jan. 22, 2026, 10:20 p.m.

    This private day tour of the Coptic monasteries was just incredible. The serenity and historical context provided a unique and spiritual journey. Our guide was wonderful, offering intriguing insights into the Coptic Church's heritage. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Egypt.

  • Emily Wright

    Dec. 22, 2025, 5:33 a.m.

    If you're in Egypt, this is a tour you cannot miss. The Coptic monasteries of Wadi El Natrun offer a beautiful glimpse into a part of Egypt's history that is both fascinating and deeply spiritual. Our guide was engaging and knowledgeable, making the experience even more memorable.

  • Sophie Leblanc

    Dec. 16, 2025, 8:03 a.m.

    Une journée inoubliable! La visite des monastères coptes de Wadi El Natrun était fascinante. Notre guide était extrêmement compétent et aimable. Une expérience spirituale et culturelle enrichissante que je recommande vivement!

  • Marco Bianchi

    Dec. 9, 2025, 12:35 p.m.

    Una visita privata ai monasteri copti di Wadi El Natrun che rimarrà nel cuore. La guida ci ha fornito molte informazioni storiche e culturali che hanno reso l'esperienza unica. Assolutamente consigliata.

  • Natalia Petrova

    Oct. 8, 2025, 8:56 p.m.

    Это было невероятное путешествие во времени! Посещение коптских монастырей в Вади эль Натрун оставило незабываемое впечатление. Наш гид поделился множеством историй и фактов, и вся экскурсия прошла в приятной и познавательной обстановке.

  • Hans Müller

    April 25, 2024, 10:19 p.m.

    Die private Tour zu den koptischen Klöstern in Wadi El Natrun war ein absoluter Höhepunkt unseres Ägyptenaufenthalts. Die ruhige Atmosphäre und die reichen historischen Erzählungen unseres Führers haben uns tief beeindruckt. Ein Muss für Geschichtsliebhaber!

  • Claudia Trémaux

    March 27, 2024, 7:47 a.m.

    Une expérience exceptionnelle! Découvrir les monastères coptes de Wadi El Natrun était profondément inspirant. Notre guide était fantastique, enrichissant chaque moment de nouvelles perspectives historiques.

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

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