Wadi El Natrun Monasteries tour from Alexandria

Schedule	Duration	Pickup Time
Every day except Sunday	Approx. 07 – 08 hours	07:00am – we can change the time to suit you

Tour Highlights:

Monastery of St. Macarius the Great (Deir Anba Maqar).
Monastery of St. Bishoy (Deir Anba Bishoy).
Monastery of El-Suryan (The Syrian Monastery).
Monastery of Al-Baramus (Deir Al-Baramus).

Tour Prices:

Single	2- 3 Persons	4-6 Persons	7-10 Persons
195 $	130 $	120 $	110 $

Included:

Pick up services from your hotel & return.
all transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
Private English Egyptologist Guide.
Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites
Mineral water on board the vehicle during the tour
All Service charges & taxes.

Excluded:

Tipping
any extra not mentioned.

Your WOW tours Egypt guide will pick you up from your hotel in Alexandria. He/ She will be waiting at the lobby of your hotel. He will be holding a sign showing your name.

Start your tour in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to visit Wadi El-Natrun.

Wadi El Natrun—a serene and sacred valley that holds one of the earliest and most significant centers of Christian monasticism in the world. This tranquil desert landscape, once known for its deposits of natron salt used in mummification, became a spiritual refuge for early Christian monks fleeing persecution during the Roman Empire. Today, Wadi El Natrun is home to four still-active Coptic Orthodox monasteries that date back to the 4th century: the Monasteries of St. Macarius, St. Bishoy, El-Suryan, and Baramus.

These monasteries are not only architectural and artistic treasures, but also living testaments to the endurance of faith, solitude, and ascetic life. Walking through their ancient walls, visitors are transported into a world of silent devotion, rich iconography, and centuries-old traditions. Each monastery tells a story—of saints and miracles, of resilience and revival—making Wadi El Natrun a cornerstone of Egypt’s Christian heritage and a profound destination for those seeking spiritual depth and historical insight.

Monastery of St. Macarius the Great (Deir Anba Maqar):
Founded in the 4th century by St. Macarius himself, this monastery is one of the oldest and most influential in Egypt. It became a center of spiritual learning and ascetic life, and it is still a vibrant monastic community today. The relics of St. John the Baptist and the Prophet Elisha are believed to be preserved here.
Monastery of St. Bishoy (Deir Anba Bishoy):
Renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and sacred heritage, this monastery was established by St. Bishoy, who was known for his humility and deep spirituality. It is said that Christ appeared to him and washed his feet. The saint’s incorrupt body lies in the church, making it a major pilgrimage site.
Monastery of El-Suryan (The Syrian Monastery):
Founded by Syrian monks in the 6th century, this monastery is famous for its impressive library, rich iconography, and beautifully preserved medieval wall paintings. It has long been a bridge between Coptic and Syriac Christian traditions.
Monastery of Al-Baramus (Deir Al-Baramus):
Traditionally considered the oldest of the four, Al-Baramus was founded by St. Macarius and later occupied by the two Roman princes, Maximus and Domitius, who chose the monastic life. Its peaceful courtyards and ancient churches reflect the quiet strength of the desert fathers.