Private Tour: St Simeon’s Monastery

If you’re visiting Aswan and craving a mix of history, authentic scenery, and a touch of adventure, a private tour to St. Simeon’s Monastery might just be your ideal day out. Based on various traveler experiences, this trip promises cultural insights, stunning views, and memorable moments. While it might not be the longest tour in your Egypt itinerary, it offers a well-rounded glimpse into the site’s spiritual and historical significance.

What we love about this tour is the unique combination of activities—a camel ride that adds a fun, traditional touch; a boat cruise that offers scenic views around Elephantine Island; and a visit to the ancient monastery with its faint fresco remnants. Plus, the fact that it’s private means you get the full attention of a knowledgeable guide, which makes all the difference.

One potential consideration is the short duration—at just around three and a half hours, it’s a quick trip. If you’re after extensive exploration, you might find this tour too brief. However, for those with limited time or looking for a relaxed, intimate experience, it hits the sweet spot.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate history and culture, enjoy light adventure like camel riding, and prefer personalized attention from a dedicated guide. It’s also ideal if you want a hassle-free, pre-arranged trip with transportation included.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Combines history, religion, and local traditions.
• Personalized Guided Tour: Led by an expert Egyptologist guide.
• Fun Camel Ride: Adds a traditional, memorable element.
• Scenic Boat Trip: Offers a fresh perspective of Elephantine Island.
• Limited Duration: About 3.5 hours – perfect for a half-day trip.
• Good Value: Includes transportation, guide, and some activities for a reasonable price.

This private tour is designed to give you a taste of Egypt’s spiritual and historical tapestry without the overwhelm of a long, crowded group excursion. The fact that it’s private means your guide can tailor the experience to your interests—whether that’s focusing on the monastery’s history, the fresco remnants, or the local landscape.

Transportation and Convenience: From the moment your day begins with hotel pickup, you’ll enjoy air-conditioned minivans that make the journey comfortable and hassle-free. The tour’s punctual start at 8:30 am helps you avoid the midday heat and crowds, giving you a more intimate experience.

Activities Included: The highlight is definitely the camel ride, which lasts about an hour. As one reviewer pointed out, “Camel ride was a fresh experience for us,” and it certainly adds a layer of fun and authenticity. It’s not just a cliché; it genuinely connects you with a traditional mode of transport used in Egypt for centuries.

Boat trip around Elephantine Island: Sailing by motorboat offers a different perspective of the island’s natural beauty and historical sites. It’s a quiet, scenic way to appreciate the setting without overexertion.

Exploring Elephantine Island

The tour starts with a quick stop at Elephantine Island, a spot often overlooked but brimming with quiet charm. You can stroll, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful views of the Nile and the surrounding landscape. While admission here is free, it sets a relaxed tone for what’s ahead.

Visiting the Monastery of St. Simeon

The main event is the visit to the 6th-century monastery, which has earned the nickname “St. Simeon’s” from modern visitors. The site was previously called Anba Hatre, after a revered anchorite who became a bishop. The monastery’s architecture and faint frescoes evoke a sense of antiquity, with some remnants dating back to the 7th century.

While the frescoes are only faint remains today, they hint at the vibrant religious life that once thrived here. The guide will share stories about the monks who once used Elephantine Island as a base for missionary trips into Nubia, enriching your understanding of the site’s spiritual importance.

Historical insights come alive thanks to the experienced guides, with reviews praising the knowledgeability and friendliness of the guides—like one traveler who noted, “Guide was excellent and very knowledgeable & friendly.” Such personalized attention makes a difference, especially when learning about a site that’s been over a millennium in the making.

The story of Anba Hatre adds a personal touch to the visit. The guide might tell you how this humble monk, married at 18, was inspired after witnessing a funeral procession to dedicate his life to asceticism, eventually retiring to the desert and studying Saint Antony’s ways. These narratives help turn stone and frescoes into stories you can connect with.

Elephantine Island (30 minutes)

The tour kicks off with a brief stop on Elephantine Island, a quiet, lush area amid the Nile. While this part is free of charge, it serves as a peaceful introduction before heading to the monastery. You can soak in the views or snap some photos of the Nile’s flow. As one reviewer observed, “It’s a short ride to the monastery and back—good when it’s hot,” which makes this stop perfect for a quick breather.

Camel Ride (1 hour)

Next, you’ll hop on a camel for an hour-long ride. This is often highlighted as a fun highlight, with travelers describing it as “a hard-to-forget first camel ride.” It’s a gentle, slow-paced experience that offers a different perspective of the landscape—swaying gently as you take in the scenery. The guide’s friendliness and English fluency also elevate this part, making everyone feel comfortable.

Motorboat around Elephantine Island

Following the camel ride, you’ll take a scenic boat trip, which is included in the package. This is a peaceful way to appreciate the island’s natural beauty and get closer to the Nile’s gentle flow. The boat’s motor hum and the open air make it a relaxing experience, providing a break from walking or sitting in a vehicle.

Visit to the Monastery of St. Simeon (1 hour 30 minutes)

The main event is exploring the ancient monastery, where faint frescoes and stone structures tell stories of monks and missionaries. The guide will share fascinating historical tidbits—like how the monastery was called Anba Hatre and its association with Saint Simeon. The site’s architecture, combined with its religious relics, makes for an evocative visit.

While the fresco paintings are only faint traces now, they hint at vibrant pasts. The location’s significance as a spiritual hub for monks and pilgrims over centuries adds weight to the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “Interesting look at Christianity in Egypt,” reflecting how the site challenges some assumptions about Egypt’s religious history.

The reviews paint a picture of an experience that’s both enjoyable and educational. Many praised the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Notably, one reviewer said, “Guide was excellent and very knowledgeable & friendly,” emphasizing the importance of a personal touch in such explorations.

Some found the tour short, but several noted that the timing is perfect for a half-day trip, especially in hot weather. The camel ride was often highlighted as a highlight, with many describing it as “a fresh experience” and “hard to forget.” Even those who found the tour “a bit boring” appreciated the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, which significantly enhanced the experience.

Pricing & Value: At $92.22 per person, the tour provides good value, considering it includes transportation, the guide, camel riding, and boat trip. The price also encompasses the visit to the monastery, with an admission fee included.

Duration & Timing: Starting at 8:30 am, it’s a well-scheduled morning activity, avoiding the midday heat and crowded sites. The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it manageable even if you have a packed itinerary.

Group Size & Private Format: As a private tour, it’s tailored for your group only, ensuring a personalized experience. This also means flexibility and the chance to ask lots of questions.

Additional Fees: There is a note about a supplement of 1000 L.E. for guides speaking languages other than English, which is worth considering if you prefer another language.

Meeting & Pickup: The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for travelers staying in Aswan.

This experience is perfect for history buffs and those interested in religious sites, offering a mix of archaeological exploration and scenic Nile views. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy light adventure like camel riding and prefer guided, intimate visits rather than large group tours. The tour’s pace and focus make it ideal for travelers with limited time who want a snapshot of Egypt’s religious and cultural past.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, the private format makes it flexible and comfortable. However, if you’re looking for a marathon tour packed with multiple sites or extensive walking, you might find this one a bit brief.

This private tour to St. Simeon’s Monastery provides a compact but meaningful window into Egypt’s early Christian history, set against the backdrop of Nile’s natural beauty. The combination of a knowledgeable guide, scenic boat rides, and a fun camel experience makes it a well-rounded outing that balances education with authentic adventure.

It offers good value for travelers who want a personalized experience without sacrificing comfort or insight. While the tour’s short duration may not satisfy those seeking extensive exploration, it’s an excellent choice for a relaxed, culturally rich half-day in Aswan.

For anyone curious about Egypt’s religious past or simply looking for a memorable, guided outing on Elephantine Island, this tour hits the right notes.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, though the camel ride might be more enjoyable for older children and adults. Always check with your guide if you have concerns about mobility or health.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers private transportation, a qualified guide, the camel ride, boat trip, and entrance to the monastery.

Are there additional fees I should know about?
Yes, a supplement of 1000 L.E. applies for guides speaking languages other than English.

What should I wear?
Light, comfortable clothing suited for warm weather is recommended, along with sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including all activities and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel and drop-off at the end of the day.

This detailed review aims to give you the honest scoop on what to expect from the private tour to St. Simeon’s Monastery—a journey that blends history, scenery, and a touch of adventure in Aswan.