St. Anthony & St. Paul Monastery Private Tour | WawelEg

Discover the cradle of Christian monasticism in the heart of the Red Sea mountains! An unforgettable spiritual journey to the Monastery of St. Anthony the Great and the Monastery of St. Paul the Hermit – the oldest monasteries in the world and the cradle of Christian monasticism.

Monasticism is a life of asceticism, renouncing material goods and marriage in favor of constant prayer and contemplation of God. Egypt is the cradle of Christian monasticism worldwide.

The Story of Two Great Saints:

St. Anthony the Great (The Father of Monasticism)

Born in 251 AD in Beni Suef, he lived for 105 years. After hearing the words of the Gospel, he sold all his property and went into the desert, where he lived in total isolation. His food was bread with salt, and he drank water from mountain springs.

St. Paul the Hermit (The First Hermit)

Born in 228 AD in Luxor, he lived for 113 years. For 90 years, he lived in complete isolation in a cave. He wore a garment made of palm leaves, and a raven brought him food (half a loaf of bread a day). He drank water from a spring next to the cave.

Best prices for the excursion from Hurghada to the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul

Child Policy & Tour Prices

* Ages 0–5: Free of charge
* Ages 6–11: 50% of the adult tour price
* Ages 12+: Full adult price

Additional Transfer Fees per Person

* From El Gouna, Safaga, or Soma Bay: +10 USD per person
* From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh: +5 USD per person
* From Marsa Alam: Price depends on the hotel location and distance from Hurghada

Tour Itinerary: Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul from Hurghada:

* 04:30 AM – Hotel pick-up in Hurghada and departure.

* Scenic Drive – A comfortable journey of approximately 300 km through the picturesque Red Sea mountains.

* Monastery of St. Anthony (Approx. 3 Hours) – Explore the historic complex, including the original cave of St. Anthony, the ancient 4th-century church, and the miraculous water spring.

* Authentic Monastery Lunch.

* Monastery of St. Paul (2 to 3 Hours) – Visit the historic underground church and the sacred spring of St. Paul.

* 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM – Return transfer and arrival back at your hotel in Hurghada.

What to Bring for the Monasteries Tour?

* Conservative Clothing: Modest dress is required out of respect for the holy sites (both shoulders and knees must be covered).
* Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers suitable for mountainous terrain and climbing.
* Sun Protection: Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
* Breakfast Box: Please order a wake-up breakfast box from your hotel reception the evening before the trip.
* Refreshments: Extra bottled water and snacks, especially if traveling with children.
* Passport Copy: A clear photo or digital scan of your passport saved on your phone.
* Camera: A phone or camera to capture the stunning historical architecture.

Important Notes:

• St. Anthony’s Cave & Physical Fitness (Optional): Reaching St. Anthony’s cave requires climbing approximately 1,200 stairs up the mountain. This part of the tour requires good physical health and is 100% optional. Guests who prefer not to climb can comfortably rest in the monastery courtyard, visit the church, or explore the library while waiting for a monk to open and guide us through the ancient archaeological church, the historic dining hall, and the natural water spring.

• Authentic Monastery Lunch: Lunch will be an authentic, traditional Oriental meal inside the monasteries. You will experience the genuine, natural food prepared by the monastery, exactly the same as what the monks serve to their guests and visitors.

• Distance & Return Route Efficiency: The distance between the Monastery of St. Anthony and the Monastery of St. Paul is about 70 to 80 km, taking approximately 1 hour of driving through the mountain landscape. Including both monasteries in our itinerary is a major advantage: after visiting St. Paul, we will actually be closer to Hurghada, cutting your return journey time by about 2 to 2.5 hours.