A full-day trip from Alexandria to Wadi El Natrun in the Western Desert, visiting some of the earliest Christian monasteries in the world with a guide.
ITINERARY
Deir al-Baramus
Your first stop is Deir al-Baramus, the oldest of the surviving monasteries in Wadi El Natrun. It is also the calmest, set slightly apart from the others, and it makes a good introduction to how these communities were laid out and why they were built the way they were.
Deir Anba Bishoi
Next comes the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, one of the most significant in the valley. The body of Saint Bishoy is preserved here, and the monastery remains an active centre of Coptic monastic life rather than a museum piece, so there is a good chance you will see the community going about its day.
Deir El-Suryani
The Syrian Monastery, Deir El-Suryani, is smaller than its neighbours but the best preserved of the group. It is worth the visit for the ancient frescoes alone, and the architecture shows clear outside influence that sets it apart from the others you will have seen.
Lunch and the drive back
Once you have finished at the monasteries there is time for lunch before the drive back along the desert road. Your guide will drop you at your hotel in Alexandria at the end of the day.
