The tour starts with us picking you up early at your hotel before setting off from Cairo into the Western Desert.
Wadi El-Natrun is best known for its salt lakes. Back in the day, workers would get valuable mineral natron from those waters because it was worth its weight in gold. It turned out to be a vital component of the Egyptian mummification, basically stopping decay. The mineral was also used in glassmaking and a wide range of other industrial processes.
Before the monks came and set up shop, this place had a pretty major role to play in ancient Egyptian commerce.
By the 4th century CE, early Christians started seeking refuge in the valley. They wanted to escape the persecutions and ended up building one of the world’s very first monastic communities called Scetis. On this tour, we’ll be checking out four of the major ones that are still running to this day.
The first is the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, built around 360 CE. The saint himself was key in laying the groundwork for monastic life around here. However, this place was severely raided and destroyed multiple times. Still, the monks kept right on coming back and rebuilding; it seems like it was never going to keep them down. You can still see the churches, the impressive fortifications, and even some pretty remarkable manuscript preservation.
Next is the Monastery of Saint Pishoy, one of the larger ones in the valley. Its roots go all the way back to the late 4th century. You can see the enduring impact of Saint Pishoy, an early Desert monk who led the whole monastic movement. Monastery of Saint Pishoy has been continuously developed over the years, but it still feels like home to the worshippers.
Then you will see the Monastery of the Syrians, or Deir al Surian. It’s a bit smaller than the others, but it has a lot of history packed into it. Their library of old Coptic and Syriac manuscripts is very impressive, with some of the early frescoes and icons still up on the walls. You can see how the monks would create all manner of beautiful art and spend their days praying and living their faith.
Lastly, we’ll be visiting the Monastery of Paromeos, the oldest of them all. Its name, Paromeos, actually means “That of the Romans”, and that's largely down to the fact that the sons of Emperor Valentinian were all over this place. Like its neighbour monasteries, it's got thick walls and watchtowers specifically designed to keep the raiders at bay.
By evening, we’ll bring you back to Cairo so you can have dinner and rest up for the rest of your trip.
During the journey, your professional Egyptologist will share insights about the history, culture, and spiritual significance of the region.
Upon arrival, you will visit the renowned Coptic monasteries that have turned Wadi El Natrun into a significant religious venue for centuries. Some of these include the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, and the Paromeos Monastery. The monasteries have unique architecture, ancient churches, defense walls, and manuscripts dating back centuries. Your guide will tell you their historical significance, and their contribution to the life of the monastic life in Egypt and other places.
In addition to its monasteries, Wadi El Natrun is also known to have serene natural features and salt lakes that have been historically associated with the production of natron, an ingredient in the mummification of ancient Egypt. The wetlands in the region are also home to various species of birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory water birds.
At the end of the tour, the team at Traviaz will transfer you back to your hotel.
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