Excursion Red sea monasteries tour at Sokhna

Saint-Anthony Monastery

From the pier, you will board your coach and start your tour with a two hour-drive towards Saint-Anthony Monastery. This monastery is a Coptic Orthodox monastery standing in an oasis in the Eastern Egypt. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, which was established by the followers of Saint Anthony, who is often considered to be the first monk in the Christian religion.

According to The Bible, at the age of 34 Anthony gave away or donated to charity all of his property and worldly possessions; he ventured into the desert to seek a life of humility, solitude, and spiritual reflection. He made his abode in a small cave where he devoutly practiced an ascetic life. Although Anthony was not the very first monk, he is one of the fathers of modern Christian monasticism, and attracted many followers and disciples.Following the visit of the monastery, lunch will be served then you will visit St Paul Monastery.

Lunch and Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite

The Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite dates to the fifth century AD. It was founded over the cave where Saint Paul lived for eighty years. Because of repeated attacks by the Bedouins, the monastery was deserted for 119 years, until it was repopulated by a group of monks from the Monastery of Saint Anthony under the patronage of Pope John XVI of Alexandria, who promoted an extensive reconstruction of the monastery.

The modern monastery has three different churches. That of Saint Paul of Anchorite which is built underground, and was originally dug into the cave where the saint lived and where his remains are kept. The two other churches are named after Saint Mercurius and Archangel Michael. The monastery is surrounded by high walls, built during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It also has a tower (keep), an ancient refectory, a mill, and a spring that is believed to have served Paul during his eighty years of seclusion in this area. A second spring, known as the Pool of Mary is named after Mary, the sister of Moses who is believed to have washed her feet there during the Exodus. This monastery also keeps many illustrated manuscripts.

After visiting Saint-Paul Monastery, it will be time to travel for approximately two hours to return to Ain Sokhna port and rejoin the ship..

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: St Anthony Monastery, St Paul Monastery, Buffet lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity with walking for approximately 1km or 0.6miles and some steps to negotiate at the sites and to get on/off the coach. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Expect the weather to be hot. Guests are required to carry their passports with them on this excursion. No alcoholic beverages served on this tour. Proper and conservative attire is required to enter the religious sites. The travelling time involves 2 hours of driving in each direction. Tour may be reversed for logistical reasons on the day.