Monastery of St. Simeon & Camel Ride on Aswan’s West Bank
Panoramica del viaggio
Overview
Overview
Embark on a historical adventure to the St. Simeon Monastery, a once-grand Christian monastery perched on the cliffs overlooking the Nile River, during your visit to Aswan. Here's a guide to planning your trip: Founded in the 7th century AD and rebuilt in the 10th century, St. Simeon Monastery was one of the largest Christian monasteries in the world at its peak, housing over 1,000 monks. The monastery suffered damage from attacks over the centuries and was eventually abandoned around the 13th century. Today, the monastery stands as evocative ruins, a testament to its rich history and architectural significance.
The St. Simeon Monastery is located on the west bank of the Nile River, about 1,200 meters from the southern tip of Elephantine Island. Aswan serves as the jumping-off point for your visit. Here are two options for reaching the monastery. Camel Ride: The traditional mode of transportation for reaching the monastery is a short, scenic camel ride from the west bank. This roughly 15-minute ride offers a unique experience and a chance to appreciate the surrounding desert landscape. For a more adventurous option, you can hire a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, to sail across the Nile to the west bank. From the landing point, you can then hike up to the monastery, enjoying the views and the peacefulness of the desert. The St. Simeon Monastery offers a glimpse into early Christian monastic life in Egypt. The most prominent structures are the church, with its distinctive dome, and the towering structure that likely served as a residence for the monks. The large number of tombstones scattered around the monastery grounds provide valuable insights into early Christian burial practices in the Nile Valley. The kilns discovered at the monastery site have been instrumental in studies of ancient Aswan pottery.
Itinerario giorno per giorno
Visit St. Simeon Monastery
Unwind from the bustling city and delve into the ancient past on a captivating day trip to the St. Simeon Monastery, a historical landmark overlooking the Nile from Aswan.
Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up directly from your Aswan hotel. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic ride as you're whisked away to the monastery's captivating location, situated opposite the southern tip of Elephantine Island.
Originally known as the Anba Hatre Monastery, St. Simeon boasts a rich history dating back to the 7th century AD. Step inside the principal church, believed to be constructed during the 11th century (possibly even earlier!), and marvel at one of the oldest standing churches in all of Egypt.
✅ What's Included
- Pick up service from your hotel in Aswan and return English Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to the mentioned historical places
- All transfers by a modern air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water during your trip
- All service charges and taxes
- Camel ride
❌ Not Included
- Any extras not mentioned in the program
- Personal spending
- Tipping
Distinzioni selezionate con cura
- Cross the Nile by private motorboat to Aswan's tranquil West Bank
- Camel trek across pristine golden dunes to the fortress-like 6th-century Monastery of St. Simeon
- Discover the two-tiered stone and mudbrick fortress, ancient monks' cells, and frescoed basilica
- Elevated vantage points offering sweeping views across the Nile and Elephantine Island
- Accompanied by a knowledgeable private guide and local Nubian camel handlers
Servizi inclusi
Incluso nel pacchetto "Journey"
- All transfers by private luxury air-conditioned vehicle
- Pick-up and drop-off services from Hotel/Aeroporto
- Expert licensed professional private tour guide
- All service charges and taxes
Non incluso
- — Tipping and personal expenses
Itinerario giorno per giorno
1 Day
Overview
Embark on a historical adventure to the St. Simeon Monastery, a once-grand Christian monastery perched on the cliffs overlooking the Nile River, during your visit to Aswan. Here's a guide to planning your trip: Founded in the 7th century AD and rebuilt in the 10th century, St. Simeon Monastery was one of the largest Christian monasteries in the world at its peak, housing over 1,000 monks. The monastery suffered damage from attacks over the centuries and was eventually abandoned around the 13th century. Today, the monastery stands as evocative ruins, a testament to its rich history and architectural significance.
The St. Simeon Monastery is located on the west bank of the Nile River, about 1,200 meters from the southern tip of Elephantine Island. Aswan serves as the jumping-off point for your visit. Here are two options for reaching the monastery. Camel Ride: The traditional mode of transportation for reaching the monastery is a short, scenic camel ride from the west bank. This roughly 15-minute ride offers a unique experience and a chance to appreciate the surrounding desert landscape. For a more adventurous option, you can hire a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, to sail across the Nile to the west bank. From the landing point, you can then hike up to the monastery, enjoying the views and the peacefulness of the desert. The St. Simeon Monastery offers a glimpse into early Christian monastic life in Egypt. The most prominent structures are the church, with its distinctive dome, and the towering structure that likely served as a residence for the monks. The large number of tombstones scattered around the monastery grounds provide valuable insights into early Christian burial practices in the Nile Valley. The kilns discovered at the monastery site have been instrumental in studies of ancient Aswan pottery.
Overview
Curated visit and guided exploration of Overview with dedicated expert commentary.
Booking Terms, Children & Cancellation Policy
Politica bambini
Infants aged 0 to 1.99 years travel complimentary. Children aged 2 to 5.99 years receive a 50% discount sharing existing bedding with parents. Children aged 6 to 11.99 years receive a 30% discount with an extra bed provided. Children aged 12 and above are charged at adult rates.
Termini di cancellazione e rimborso
Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to departure for standard touring packages. For private Dahabiya charters, peak festive seasons, and domestic flight segments, cancellations within 30 days are subject to airline and marine operator policies. Custom reschedulings are accommodated with zero administrative penalties whenever possible.
Licenza ufficiale del Ministero del Turismo egiziano con eminenti egittologi.
Veicoli Mercedes di ultima generazione con autisti privati dedicati.
Bloccate la data preferita con 48h di opzione gratuita e modifica flessibile.