Wadi El Natroun Monasteries Tour: 4 Surviving Monasteries

Only 4 of the 50 monasteries that once filled this valley still stand.

A full-day private tour from Alexandria to Wadi El Natroun, the birthplace of Christian monasticism, visiting the four surviving monasteries with a guide, hotel pickup, lunch and an air-conditioned vehicle. The itinerary begins at Deir al-Baramus, the oldest and most isolated of the four, then moves through Deir Anba Bishoi and ends at Deir El-Suryani, the smallest and most compact. The guide speaks your language: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or one of seven others.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Wadi El-Natrun Monasteries

• Drive to Wadi El-Natrun
• Visit Deir al-Baramus monastery
• Visit Deir Anba Bishoi monastery
• Visit Deir El-Suryani monastery

The experience

Eight hours round-trip from your Alexandria hotel, you drive through the desert to Wadi El Natroun in a private air-conditioned vehicle. The valley was home to roughly 50 monasteries at its peak. Only four have endured to the present day. Your guide, fluent in your chosen language, explains the Desert Fathers and the origins of Christian monasticism as you move between the sites.

The tour opens at Deir al-Baramus, the oldest surviving monastery and the most remote of the four. From there you visit Deir Anba Bishoi, where the saint's body remains preserved in the monastery, then finish at Deir El-Suryani, the smallest and most tightly built of the group. Lunch is served at a local restaurant partway through the day. Bottled water is provided throughout.

Hotel pickup and return are included, as are all taxes and service charges. The vehicle and all areas of the monasteries are wheelchair accessible, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• a guide fluent in your chosen language.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• all taxes and service charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Japanese and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transport

Operated by Sun Pyramids Tours

Is this one for you?If you speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or another of the ten languages offered, you get full commentary throughout the day instead of relying on translation or a shared guide. The private vehicle and guide mean the pace stays yours and the group stays small.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Greek and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

How many monasteries will I actually visit on this tour?

You visit all four surviving monasteries: Deir al-Baramus, Deir Anba Bishoi, Deir El-Suryani, and one other. The valley once held around 50. These four are what remain.

What is Deir al-Baramus and why does the tour start there?

Deir al-Baramus is the oldest of the four surviving monasteries and the most isolated. The tour begins there to establish the history of Christian monasticism in the valley before moving to the later sites.

Does the tour include lunch, and where do we eat?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant during the day. Beverages and water during the meal are your choice at checkout.

Will my hotel pick me up, or do I need to meet the driver somewhere?

Hotel pickup and return are included. The driver will collect you from your Alexandria accommodation and bring you back at the end of the day.