The monastery was given the name St Simeon by archaeologists and travelers, but earlier Arabic and Coptic sources called it Anba Hatre (Hidra, Hadri, Hadra), after an anchorite who was consecrated a bishop of Syene (now Aswan) by Patriarch Theophilus (385-412 AD).
Anba Hatre married at the age of eighteen. Tradition says that just after the wedding, he encountered a funeral procession which inspired him to preserve his chastity and later become a disciple of Saint Baiman.
After eight years of ascetic practices under the supervision of his teacher, he retired to the desert and applied himself to the study of the life of Saint Antony. He died during the time of Theodosius I.
Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery - Aswan
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Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Hotel pickup Available
- Free Cancellation
- Duration: 3 Hrs 30 Mins
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Language:
English
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Departure Time :
8:30 AM Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
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Departure Details :
Aswan hotels or Port area
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Return Details :
Returns to original departure point
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Cancellation Policy : For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Overview
Join a camel ride to the southern tip of Elephantine Island where you will find St Simeon's Monastery, an ancient, abandoned fortress monastery mostly built during the 7th century and located near Aswan.
Highlights
- Private guide for a more personalized experience
- Led by a qualified Egyptologist
- All entrance fees included
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
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Inclusions
Enjoy a Camel ride for one hour long.
Enjoy sailing by a motor boat around the island.
Visit the sixth century Monastery.
Experience a Private and an expert Qualified Egyptologist guide.
Private transportation by air-conditioned minivans ; pick up from hotel and drop off.
Bottled mineral water during the tour.
Soft drinks.
Entry/Admission - Monastery of St. Simeon
Exclusions
Gratuities
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Traveler Reviews
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Very Cool to see
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While visiting Aswan by way of Uniworld River Cruises. We decided to take a break from the normal
schedule and hired a Viator Guide for a private tour to St. Simeons Monastery.This turned out to be a very great decision! Ramez Saber and a representative of Viator met us at the
ships front desk, we walked a short 50 yards to another small boat and set out to cross the Nile. During the short sail we got to know our guide Ramez. He had deep knowledge of the area, articulate and delightful charm. Once docked, we were met by 3 guys and 3 camels. For about 40 minutes we rode
camels, led by the young guys to St Simeon Monastery. It was a beautiful, 85 degree, low humidity day. The sun was definitely intense so I was grateful to have worn long sleeves and a scarf Early February.
If you have ever watched Queen of the Desert with Nicole Kidman, you will have a sense of what this
short journey was like. It is a landscape that takes your breath away!We stopped at The Monastery and Ramez began with exciting stories of how the Monastery came to be
and why it was used. We spent an hour weaving in and out of its many rooms, thankful for Ramez as I would have surely been lost. The fortress-like 7th-century Monastery of St Simeon was first dedicated to the local saint Anba Hedra, who renounced the world on his wedding day. It was rebuilt in the 10th century and dedicated to St Simeon. From here the monks travelled into Nubia.Afterward, we saddled up once more for a short trip to another docking area. A boat was waiting to take us back to the ship via a longer scenic ride through the Nile. Ramez took great care to make certain we were entertained and at ease the entire 3.5 hour trip.
I enthusiastically recommend this private excursion to The Saint Simeon Monastery with Viator Tours and Ramez Saber!
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Camel ride was fresh experience for us but the whole tour was not so special and a bit boring to be honest. The tour guide was wonderful though, with very good English knowledge and very friendly.
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it's a short ride to the monastery and back - which is good when it's hot hot hot. an experience to be had.
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Hard to forget your first camel ride! Interesting look at Christianity in Egypt.
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Guide was excellent and very knowledgeable & friendly.
