6 Hours
Daily Tour
1 person
English
Discover the ancient Monastery of St. Simeon on the west bank of Aswan, a serene oasis near Elephantine Island. Built in the 7th century and restored in the 10th century, this monastery is a testament to early Christian life in southern Egypt. Surrounded by desert vistas and the Nile’s tranquil waters, it served as both a spiritual sanctuary and a center for cultural exchange.
Tour Highlights:
| Duration |
6 Hours |
| Tour Availability |
Every Day |
| Pickup Location |
Hotel in Aswan |
| Tour Type |
Private |
Your journey begins on the west bank of Aswan, close to the southern tip of the historic Elephantine Island. From your hotel, you will be picked up in a private air-conditioned vehicle for a memorable day exploring one of the region’s hidden gems — the Monastery of St. Simeon.
This ancient monastery, originally built in the 7th century and later restored during the 10th century, stands as a powerful testament to early Christian monastic life in southern Egypt. Surrounded by desert landscapes and set against the serene backdrop of the Nile, the monastery once served both as a spiritual retreat and a strategic missionary center.
As you explore the vast complex, you’ll walk through crumbling courtyards, simple monks’ quarters, and the main church hall, all constructed using stone and mudbrick. The structure offers insight into the lives of the Christian monks who once lived here — many of whom journeyed south into Nubia with the hope of spreading their faith. These monks were not only devout but also well-informed about the cultures they sought to engage, making St. Simeon a unique blend of faith, knowledge, and cultural exchange.
A visit to this peaceful and hauntingly beautiful site will transport you back in time, offering a rare opportunity to reflect on the spiritual and historical layers that have shaped the region. After your exploration, you’ll be comfortably driven back to your hotel, enriched by the silence and stories of the desert monastery.
You can book the tour online or by calling, emailing, or chatting with us. If you want a custom trip or to change the schedule, please let us know right away and we'll get right on it.
Since each of our tours is a custom-tailored experience, the client is free to make any changes or additions they want to make their vacation truly unique.
We speak your language, so don’t worry. We know the importance of language in communication. Hence, all our tours are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, French, Chinese, and Japanese, and if there is any language required, we will do our best to provide it to you.
When and where the tour happens is completely up to us. If you want to start at a different time, you should write it in the comments section of your booking form or send an email.
We accept credit cards online in a safe way. Wire Transfer and PayPal are also ways to pay us.
You are more than welcome to leave a tip at the end of the trip if you were happy with the service. A gift that makes them feel important and happy would be great.