Full-day tour: Wadi El Natron

Wadi El Natron is a depression in northern Egypt located 23 meters (75 feet) below sea level and 38 meters (125 feet) below the level of the Nile River. The valley is home to several alkaline lakes, natron-rich salt deposits, salt marshes, and freshwater marshes.

In Christian literature, it is commonly referred to as Scetis. This site is one of three early Christian monastic centers situated in the Nitrian Desert of the northwestern Nile Delta, alongside Nitria and Kellia. Scetis, now known as Wadi El Natron, is particularly notable today because its ancient monasteries are still in use, unlike Nitria and Kellia, which consist only of archaeological remains. The desertified valley surrounding Scetis is sometimes referred to as the Desert of Scetis.

ITINERARY

After breakfast, a Misrona Tours guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin your journey to Wadi El Natron, the birthplace of Christian monasticism. Originally, there were about 50 monasteries in the area, but only four have survived into modern times.

You will start your trip at Deir al-Baramus, the oldest of the surviving monasteries and, in many ways, the most isolated. Next, you will proceed to Deir Anba Bishoi, where the body of the saint still rests within the monastery.

Then, continue to Deir Abu Maqar, the largest monastery in Wadi El Natron, which is home to over 100 monks and 600 workers on its extensive farm. You will conclude your trip at Deir El-Suryani, the smallest and most compact of the four monasteries.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we will return to your hotel.

What services are included in the price?

• Assistance of our guest relations during your stay.
• All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Private English speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to all sites indicated on the itinerary.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• A bottle of mineral water per trip in Cairo and Giza.
• All service charges and taxes.

What services are not included in the price?

• Any personal expenses.
• Guide and driver gratuities.
• Any service not mentioned in the itinerary.

IMPORTANT NOTES: -

• Please book as early as possible to ensure availability, especially on holidays and celebrations such as Christmas, New Year and Easter.
• In order to contact you we need your mobile number, email and fill out the form on the current page, indicating the start date of the trip and the end date of the trip. Please determine the number of adults and children.
• You can book 2 weeks in advance if there are still places available.
• Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive an email with your booking voucher. Please print it or download it to your mobile phone or tablet to show to the Misrona Tours representative on the day of the activity.
• The details will include tour operator contact numbers, traveler service and travel information.  

• Prices are per person in US dollars depending on the number of people.
• A deposit of 50 % of the total price is required to complete reservations.
• The remaining amount is payable in cash before the tour begins.

• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour starts.
• If you cancel under this time or do not show up, you will not be refunded.