Saint Simeon Monastery Tour - from Aswan
Activity Schedule
Key Highlights
- One of the oldest Coptic monasteries in the world
- An archaeological treasure
- Entrance is included to the Saint Simeon Monastery which dates back to 6AD
- Take a cruise on the River Nile to reach the Monastery
- Included camel ride in the desert
- Hotel pick up and drop off and round trip transportation is included
Overview
Take a walk around the monastery and discover the ruins of the upper and lower terrace, the principal church, the refectory, the vaulted corridor and more of what constituted this uniquely structured monastery in ancient Egypt.
Itinerary
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Aswan in an air-conditioned coach. Accompanied by a guide, you will be taken to the Nile and board a felucca (an Egyptian sailing boat) for a trip to the Saint Simeon Monastery. You will have to take a camel ride (about 15 minutes) to the site of the monastery located about 1200 metres from the west bank of the Nile. The monastery is also known as Anba Hatre.
The monastery dates back to the 16th century and is one of the most intact Coptic monasteries of old standing. You will come across a church with frescoes of Jesus Christ and saints. The principle church of the monastery was built in the first half of the 11th century and represents the first of its kind in Egypt. Though only the lower part of the church remains, it is an important example of a domed oblong church. In the ground floor of the archaeological site, you will come across a refectory, together with rows of cells that flank a vaulted corridor. You will also find an oil press, wine press, storage wings, stables and pottery kilns among others.
After exploring the ancient relics at St. Simeon Monastery, you will be dropped back to your hotel in Aswan.
Inclusions
- Hotel pick up and drop off in air-conditioned vehicle
- English, French, Italian & German speaking guide
- Boat ride on Nile
- Camel ride to the monastery
- Entrance fees to the archaeological site
Exclusions
- Refreshments
Additional info
Customer Reviews
-
Susan Razaq
Saint Simeon Monastery Tour - from Aswan
As usual with Sylvia tours, this trip across the Nile to St Simeon's monastery was very well organised. There were just the two of us going on this trip so it was all arranged...
United Kingdom 02/23/2013 -
Krishnan Vaitheeswaran
Fabulous
The camel ride (paid in situ) to the top of the monastery was memorable - well worth the visit if you've the time....
Australia 01/25/2011
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