Wadi El Natrun Day Trip from Alexandria

Schedule: Daily

Duration: Approximately 7–8 Hours

Pickup Time: 7:00 AM (Flexible timing upon request)

Tour Highlights

Your Ramasside Tours guide will greet you at your designated pickup location holding a company sign, ensuring an effortless meeting. Following an introductory overview of your itinerary, travel comfortably inside a modern, air-conditioned vehicle to explore the cradle of Christian monasticism in the desert valley of Wadi El Natrun.

Visit the four surviving active Coptic monasteries in the region: Deir al-Baramus, the oldest monastery in the valley; Deir Anba Bishoy, which houses the preserved relics of Saint Bishoy; Deir Abu Makar (Saint Macarius), one of the most historically significant complexes; and Deir al-Suryani, the most compact and artistic of the desert sanctuaries. Enjoy photo stops along the scenic return drive before arriving back at your hotel in Alexandria.

Detailed Itinerary

Morning Pickup & Desert Drive

Your Ramasside Tours guide will meet you directly at your hotel lobby in Alexandria holding a personalized sign. Relax in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle as your guide provides in-depth historical and spiritual context regarding the 4th-century monastic movement and the Desert Fathers. Enjoy a smooth drive southwest into the Nitrian Desert valley of Wadi El Natrun.

Exploration of the Four Active Monasteries

Upon arrival in the secluded desert valley, begin your guided exploration of the four surviving fortified monastic communities:

• Deir al-Baramus (Monastery of the Romans): Explore the oldest surviving monastery in Wadi El Natrun, founded around 335 AD by Saint Macarius the Great. Tour its ancient keep (defensive tower), ancient churches, and historic walls.
• Deir Anba Bishoy (Monastery of Saint Bishoy): Visit the revered sanctuary founded by Saint Bishoy, where his preserved relics remain enshrined. Discover its 5th-century fortified tower, historic well, and peaceful domed basilicas.
• Deir Abu Makar (Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great): Tour this renowned monastic foundation containing rare early Christian frescoes, ancient crypts, and historical libraries holding significant Coptic manuscripts.
• Deir al-Suryani (Monastery of the Syrians): Admire the most compact of the four monasteries, celebrated worldwide for its 7th-century stucco wall reliefs, early Christian icons, and the historic cave cell of Saint Bishoy.

Following the visits, relax on your return drive toward Alexandria. Time permitting, take scenic photo stops along the route before returning comfortably to your hotel.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Round-trip transfers in modern, private air-conditioned vehicles
• Professional licensed English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees to all mentioned monasteries and historical sites
• All service charges and local taxes

Exclusions

• Optional lunch
• Personal expenses and shopping
• Gratuities / Tipping

Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes

Seaside Lunch Upgrade

Add a freshly prepared lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria for an additional $15 per person (prior reservation required).

Executive Luxury Minivan Upgrade

Upgrade your road journey to an executive minivan featuring extended legroom, dual-zone climate control, chilled bottled beverages, and generous luggage capacity.

Professional Studio Photographer

Hire a dedicated travel photographer to join your tour across the historic desert courtyards and ancient keeps, capturing high-resolution portraits and candid travel memories for $50 per day.

Airport Transfers

Avoid airport taxi hassles with private meet-and-assist transfers between Alexandria airports and your hotel for $30 per transfer. (Transfers starting from remote locations such as Cairo Heliopolis or 6th of October City are subject to an additional surcharge).

Visa Assistance

Save time upon arrival with pre-processed entry visas for eligible passport holders for $35 per person. Simply send a passport copy prior to travel.

Travel Insurance (AIG Travel Guard)

Comprehensive travel coverage through AIG Travel Guard is available for $15 per day or $25 per week per person.

Dietary & Accessibility Options

• Vegetarian & Halal Meals: Dietary requirements are accommodated upon request; please specify when booking.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Accessible vehicles and touring assistance are available upon request.

Child Policy

• 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge
• 2 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour rate
• 12+ years: Full adult rate

For reservations and custom itineraries, contact us at: [email protected]