Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery in Aswan, Egypt
Aswan, Egypt

Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery

Outty Ranking 50 4.2 · 6 traveler reviews3.5 hoursFrom $92
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Outty Ranking

50/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery worth booking?

Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery is a 3.5-hour experience in Aswan, Egypt, from $92 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
50 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (6)
Duration
3.5 hours
From
$92 per person

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.

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    What's included

    Included

    • Enjoy sailing by a motor boat around the island.
    • Experience a Private and an expert Qualified Egyptologist guide.
    • Enjoy a Camel ride for one hour long.
    • Visit the sixth century Monastery.
    • Private transportation by air-conditioned minivans ; pick up from hotel and drop off.

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • anding and/or facility fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Elephantine Island

      .

      30 minutes here

    2. Monastery of St. Simeon

      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.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, ru, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    South Sinai Travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Private Tour of St Simeon's Monastery by Camel, Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery in AswanSt Simeon's Monastery, Aswan, Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery in AswanPrivate Tour: St Simeon's Monastery in Aswan, photo 4Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery in Aswan, photo 5Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery in Aswan, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    OnAir65404257538 · December 2024

    Aswan camel ride

    Aida was great very knowledgeable being with my 25-year-old daughter to females, she was very comfortable to be with bring 2 females.

    via Tripadvisor

    Paul R · March 2016

    While visiting Aswan by way of...

    <p>While visiting Aswan by way of Uniworld River Cruises. We decided to take a break from the normal<br/> schedule and hired a Viator Guide for a private tour to St. Simeons Monastery.</p> <p>This turned out to be a very great decision! Ramez Saber and a representative of Viator met us at the<br/> 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<br/> 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.<br/> If you have ever watched Queen of the Desert with Nicole Kidman, you will have a sense of what this <br/> short journey was like. It is a landscape that takes your breath away!</p> <p>We stopped at The Monastery and Ramez began with exciting stories of how the Monastery came to be<br/> 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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>I enthusiastically recommend this private excursion to The Saint Simeon Monastery with Viator Tours and Ramez Saber!</p>

    via Viator

    Fang Y · June 2012

    Camel ride was fresh experience for...

    <p>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.</p>

    via Viator

    Sean F · May 2010

    it's a short ride to the monastery and...

    it's a short ride to the monastery and back - which is good when it's hot hot hot. an experience to be had.

    via Viator

    Janet H · October 2009

    Hard to forget your first camel ride...

    Hard to forget your first camel ride! Interesting look at Christianity in Egypt.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $92 to $160
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by South Sinai Travel, who run 3 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.

    See everything South Sinai Travel runs

    Why this scores 50

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)71
    Review evidence (18% weight)37
    Booking momentum (14% weight)26
    Value for money (12% weight)17
    Listing quality (10% weight)60
    Local standing (8% weight)35
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Aswan.

    How much does Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery cost?

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    Prices start at $92 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Aswan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery take?

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    Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Aswan is not rushed.

    Is Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Aswan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery?

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    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Aswan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Aswan and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Aswan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Aswan?

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    On Outty we rank every Aswan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 or 2 or 1 Nights Mighty Nile Felucca Adventure, 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor - Private Tour, 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor&Abu Simbel+Balloon. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Aswan?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Aswan?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery?

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    Included: Enjoy sailing by a motor boat around the island; Experience a Private and an expert Qualified Egyptologist guide; Enjoy a Camel ride for one hour long; Visit the sixth century Monastery; and Private transportation by air-conditioned minivans ; pick up from hotel and drop off. Not included: Gratuities; and anding and/or facility fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 24 listed pickup locations in and around Aswan. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery offered in?

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    It is offered in German, Russian, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Aswan. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Tour: St Simeon's Monastery?

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    Across 6 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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