Overview :

 The two monasteries of St. Paul and St. Anthony are among the oldest Coptic monasteries in all of Egypt. Located on the rocky mountain plateau of Galala, both complexes blend naturally with the barren landscape due to their sandy hue while impressing with their imposing architecture.The monastery of St. Anthony was built in 356 A.D. in memory of St. Anthony, who lived here in the solitude of the desert in a rocky grotto as a hermit. The monastery was the victim of several raids by Bedouin tribes, and parts of the valuable monastery library were lost. As a result, a high wall was built around the monastery, and defense towers still protectively look out over the vast plain. Within these walls you will find a world permeated with silence and peace. Lovingly planted vineyards, gardens and palm groves accompany the visitor on his way to the various sights. The heart of the complex is St. Anthony’s Church, dating back to the 6th century. Impressive frescoes depict, among others, Christ, Mary and St. Anthony himself. From the 18th century are the Church of the Apostles, with its icons of Peter and Paul, and St. Mark’s Church, recognizable from afar by its 12 domes. The present library contains 2500 ancient manuscripts and books, giving everyone a glimpse of the rich past of the land of Egypt. The grotto of St. Anthony is located outside the monastery. A steep path leads up to it, pilgrims and devotees have left their numerous dedications at the entrance here.
St. Paul’s Monastery was built about 35 kilometers away, high on a rock above the grotto where its namesake, Paul of Thebes, lived in solitude and asceticism in the 4th century until he was 113 years old. According to legend, he was buried here by St. Anthony. Over the years the monastery grew and was enlarged by a wall, the church of St. Markoriusand the church in honor of St. Michael the Archangel. In the crypt of St. Paul’s church is the marble sarcophagus of the saint, frescoes tell from the Apocalypse to the Apostles stories. St. Paul’s Monastery is much smaller than its neighbor, but it is no less worth seeing. Peace and contemplation waft through the old walls here as well and make a visit unforgettable!

 Price from :  59 €  

Discount for children :

• 0-5 years  free of charge
• 6-11 jahre 50% discount
• From 12 years full price

The itinerary of the Excursion : 

• Visiting the following sights:
  1.St. Antonio’s Monastery
  2.St. Paul’s Monastery

Included :

• Private minibus (all the time))
• Lunch
•  Entrance fees are included
• An English speaking Egyptologist
• Soft drinks on the bus included

Not included :

• Drinks at Lunch
• Personal expenses

Pick up :

Approx. 04:00 o’clock from the hotel

Arrival time :

Approx. 17:00 o’clock at the hotel

Must bring :

• Pass port
• Breakfast Box
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable Shoes
• Water
• Money for personal expenses

Transfer surcharge :

The guests from Marsa alam pay an additional 50,00€ transfer surcharge per person.

The guests from El Qusier pay additional 35,00€ transfer surcharge per person.