Camel Ride & St. Simeon Monastery Tour

Duration: 3-4 hours
Location: Aswan
Tour type: Private
Pickup: Your Hotel in Aswan or Nile cruise
Availability: On request
Explore the tour
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Camel trek to Aswan’s hidden monastery

Enjoy a peaceful half-day adventure in Aswan, combining camel trekking, desert exploration, and history. Your journey begins with a gentle camel ride across soft, golden dunes. Feel the calm sway of the camel as you take in the quiet desert. The scenery is serene, beautiful, and timeless.

Next, visit St. Simeon Monastery, one of Egypt’s oldest Christian sites. Walk through ancient stone walls, domed churches, and frescoed interiors. See the monks’ living quarters and learn about their daily life. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the monastery’s history and spiritual significance.

From the monastery, enjoy stunning views of the Nile River, lush palm groves, and surrounding desert. Capture photos or simply take a moment to soak in the scenery.

This tour is private and relaxed. You can set your own pace, linger on the dunes, explore the monastery in detail, or take extra photos.

Perfect for families, history lovers, and culture seekers, this half-day tour blends adventure, culture, and calm. It is an off-the-beaten-path experience that will leave lasting memories of Aswan.

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Why You’ll Love This Tour

Unique Desert Adventure:

Feel the timeless magic of the Aswan desert as you ride a camel across soft, golden dunes. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s stepping into a journey similar to that of ancient travelers and traders, moving slowly through sun-kissed sands with the gentle sway of your camel. The calm rhythm of the ride lets you truly immerse yourself in the desert’s quiet beauty.

Historic Exploration:

St. Simeon Monastery, dating back to the 7th century, is one of Egypt’s most significant early Christian sites. As you walk through the ruins, discover ancient frescoes, stone towers, domed churches, and the living quarters of the monks. Your guide will share stories of the monks’ spiritual lives, their daily routines, and the monastery’s role in Egypt’s religious history—bringing centuries-old history vividly to life.

Breathtaking Views:

The monastery sits on a ridge overlooking the Nile and surrounding desert, offering panoramic vistas that are perfect for photography or simply soaking in the serenity. Watch the interplay of light across the desert dunes, Nile River, and date palm groves—a peaceful and photogenic landscape that contrasts with the bustling city of Aswan.

Private & Relaxed:

This is a private half-day experience, meaning you set the pace. Whether you want to linger on the dunes, take extra photos, or explore the monastery in detail, the tour adapts to you. It’s a calm, personalized journey far from the crowded tourist paths, giving you space to fully connect with the history and scenery.

Perfect for All Travelers:

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family with children, a culture seeker, or simply someone looking for a unique adventure, this tour caters to everyone. The camel ride is gentle enough for beginners, the monastery offers intriguing stories and architecture, and the landscapes appeal to photographers and nature lovers alike. It’s a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Tour Highlights

Scenic Camel Ride Across Aswan’s Golden Desert:

Glide gently across soft, golden dunes on a camel, taking in the peaceful desert atmosphere and stunning natural landscapes. This slow-paced journey lets you fully experience the timeless beauty of Aswan’s desert.

Explore St. Simeon Monastery:

Step into history at one of Egypt’s oldest Christian sites. Wander through ancient frescoes, towering stone walls, domed churches, and the monks’ living quarters while learning about their spiritual life and daily routines.

Panoramic Views of the Nile and Surrounding Desert:

The monastery is perched on a ridge, offering breathtaking vistas of the Nile River, lush palm groves, and sweeping desert landscapes—a perfect spot for photography and quiet reflection.

Private Half-Day Tour with an Expert Guide:

Enjoy a personalized, private experience at your own pace. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories, answer questions, and ensure you get the most out of this unique cultural and desert adventure.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure for History and Culture Enthusiasts:

Avoid the crowds and explore a hidden gem in Aswan. This tour combines adventure, culture, and history, ideal for travelers seeking something authentic and memorable.

What’s included

Private camel ride across the desert

Visit to St. Simeon Monastery

Expert guide

Hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off in Aswan

Bottled water

Entrance fees to the monastery

All service charges and taxes

What’s not included

Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks)

Gratuities for guide and camel driver (optional)

Gratuities for guide and camel driver (optional)

Optional activities outside the tour plan

Itinerary

Camel Ride Across the Desert

Begin your journey from the west bank of the Nile and mount your camel for a gentle ride across golden sand dunes. Follow scenic desert trails while enjoying sweeping views of the Nile, surrounding mountains, and serene desert landscapes. The calm pace allows you to truly absorb the tranquility and timeless beauty of Aswan’s desert.

St. Simeon Monastery

Arrive at St. Simeon Monastery, one of Egypt’s oldest and best-preserved Christian sites. Explore its high stone walls, domed churches, frescoed interiors, and the living quarters of the monks who inhabited the monastery centuries ago. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the monastery’s history, the monks’ way of life, and its significance in early Egyptian Christianity. Don’t forget to capture breathtaking panoramic views of the Nile and surrounding desert from this elevated vantage point.

Return Transfer

After your memorable desert adventure, relax during a private transfer back to your hotel or Nile cruise in Aswan. Reflect on your journey through history, culture, and nature, and treasure the unique memories of this half-day desert and monastery experience.

Suggestions

  • 👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes – Essential for walking on sand and exploring the monastery ruins.
  • 👕 Lightweight Clothing & Hat – Stay cool under the Egyptian sun; bring layers for cooler mornings or evenings.
  • 🕶️ Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Protect your eyes and skin during the outdoor ride.
  • 📷 Camera or Smartphone – Capture unforgettable desert landscapes and Nile views.
  • 💵 Cash in EGP or USD – Useful for tips, souvenirs, or additional optional activities.
  • 💧 Water Bottle – Stay hydrated during your half-day adventure.

Tour Pricing

Upon Request.

Prices depend on group size, selected language, and additional customizations. Contact us to receive your detailed quote and secure your private tour.

Kids Policy

0-5 years old
Free of charge (must sit on parents’ lap; separate seats may require extra payment).
6-11 years old
50% of the adult price.
12 years old
Full adult price applies.

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