Wadi Natrun which is in the eastern desert near the delta, is one of the prime attractions for the Christian religious tourist that comes to Egypt. Christianity reached the area with St. Macarius the Great who retreated there in c.330. Other religious men were drawn to the area and a sort of loose community was formed. The community grew in number and became more organized. Thus, a flourishing monastic system was created.

A safe refuge for those who seek solitude, Wadi el-Natrun houses Coptic monasteries that are a testament to the resilience of the Coptic Christian community in Egypt.

Wadi el-Natrun, or the Valley of Salt, dates back to ancient Egypt. The region contains large alkaline lakes that accumulate natron-rich salt deposits.The mineral was used in the mummification ceremonies in ancient Egypt, and was also used by Egyptian artisans to paint elaborate artworks inside ancient tombs.

Visit the Coptic monasteries of Wadi El Natrun on a full-day, private tour from Alexandria, and explore Egypt’s fascinating Christian history with the convenience of a personal guide.

Visit all four surviving monasteries, learn about the modern-day practices of Coptic monks, and have lunch at a local restaurant in Wadi El Natrun.

Start at 8h00 am,  pickup at your hotel in Alexandria, then begin the 75-mile drive (120-km.)

Trip to Wadi El Natrun in a private vehicle with a licensed guide.

Of the 50 monasteries that once thrived at the edge of the Western Desert, only four remain, and the Wadi El Natrun monasteries are still an important place of pilgrimage for Egypt’s Coptic Christians.

Make the first stop of the day at Deir al-Baramus, the oldest of the monasteries, which is surrounded by high fortifications that once sheltered the monks against desert raids by Berbers and Bedouins. Explore the sanctuary, keep, and refectories, where you’ll find colorful frescoes that date back to medieval times.

Continue to Deir Anba Bishoi, a monastery with exquisite art and architecture that houses the remains of several important Coptic saints.

Visit the five churches contained within the monastery walls, then head to a nearby local restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, tour to Wadi El Natrun’s two remaining Coptic monasteries, Deir Abu Maqar and Deir El-Suryani. Deir Abu Maqar  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. 

Begin the return trip to Alexandria after your time at the monasteries, and pause for a photo stop at the Alexandria Library and The Citadel of Qaitbay. This 12-hour tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.

• Private Tour
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor.
• Program like mentioned above.
• Qualified Egyptologist guide
• Bottled mineral water

• Travel insurance and all kind of insurances.
• Meals and drinks not mentioned.
• Tips for guide, drivers...
• Anything that is not mentioned in the program.