Trip to St.Simeon Monastery
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Overview
Embarking on a Day Trip to St. Simeon Monastery with a camel ride to the southern tip of Elephantine Island sounds like a fascinating journey. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
**Tour Highlights:**
1. **Camel Ride:** Begin your adventure with a camel ride to the southern tip of Elephantine Island. Camels add an authentic and adventurous touch to your journey, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in a unique way.
2. **St. Simeon Monastery:** Explore the ancient and abandoned St. Simeon Monastery, originally known as Anba Hatre Monastery. Dating back to the 6th century, this fortress monastery offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
3. **Historical Significance:** Learn about the history of the monastery, including its earlier names such as Anba Hatre. Discover the story of the anchorite who became a bishop and the traditions associated with his life.
4. **Ascetic Practices:** Hear about the ascetic practices of Anba Hatre, including his decision to preserve chastity after a transformative encounter. Explore the spiritual journey that led him to become a disciple of Saint Baiman.
5. **Return Journey:** After the exploration, your Luxor and Aswan Travel tour guide will accompany you back to your hotel in Aswan.
**Note:** The camel ride, historical exploration, and cultural insights make this day trip a well-rounded experience, offering a blend of adventure and historical discovery. Enjoy the unique perspective of Elephantine Island and the ancient St. Simeon Monastery.
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Included
- Pick up service from your hotel in Aswan and return English Egyptologist guide.
- Entrance fees to the mentioned historical places.
- All transfers by a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
- Bottled water during your trip.
- All service charges and taxes.
Exclude
- Any extras not mentioned in the program.
- Personal spending.
- Tipping.
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What to Pack
- Hat.
- Medication.
- Warm clothes in winter.
- Camera.
- Comfortable Shoes.
- Cotton clothes in summer.
- Umbrella.
- Sunblock & Sunglasses.
- Valid Passport for 6 months.
Tour Plan
Simeon Monastery
The Monastery of St. Simeon, established in the 7th century, holds a rich historical and cultural significance as a retreat for Coptic monks seeking solitude in the meditative quiet of the desert. Here’s a bit more about the monastery’s history:
**Establishment in the 7th Century:**
– The monastery was founded during the 7th century, a time when many monastic communities sought isolation in the desert for spiritual contemplation and ascetic practices.
**Coptic Monks:**
– The establishment of the Monastery of St. Simeon was likely driven by Coptic monks who embraced a monastic lifestyle. These monks sought a remote and serene location away from the bustling urban centers to dedicate themselves to prayer, meditation, and religious devotion.
**Escape to the Desert:**
– The desert has a long-standing tradition in various religious practices as a place for solitude and communion with the divine. Coptic monks, inspired by the examples of early Christian ascetics and desert fathers, often sought the quietude of the desert for their spiritual journey.
**Anba Hatre (St. Simeon):**
– The monastery is associated with Anba Hatre, also known as St. Simeon, who was consecrated a bishop of Syene (now Aswan) by Patriarch Theophilus (385-412 AD). Anba Hatre’s life and spiritual journey are intertwined with the monastery’s history.
**Purpose and Lifestyle:**
– Monasteries like St. Simeon were designed to be havens for contemplation, prayer, and a disciplined monastic lifestyle. They provided a retreat from worldly distractions, allowing monks to focus on spiritual growth and connection with God.
**Abandonment and Preservation:**
– Over the centuries, many desert monasteries, including St. Simeon, were abandoned for various reasons. However, these sites often held historical and religious significance, leading to efforts to preserve and study them in more recent times.
The Monastery of St. Simeon, with its foundations in the Coptic Christian tradition, stands as a testament to the enduring quest for spiritual enlightenment and solitude in the vast desert landscapes of Egypt.
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What You Will Love About This Tour?
- All our clients will be thoroughly pleased and delighted by our exceptional services.
- Our guests will explore the vast treasures of Cairo, including the Khan El Khalili bazaar, Salah El-Din Citadel, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Ibn Tulun Mosque, and beyond.
- The vibrant Islamic culture of Cairo will make your holiday enchanting and captivating.
- The profound history of Egypt's Islamic capital will reveal fascinating facts and details.
- Discovering Cairo's myriad wonders will make your travel experience memorable.
Essential Trip Information
For a comprehensive understanding of our trips, our Essential Trip Information offers detailed descriptions linked to our itineraries, including visa requirements, key inclusions and exclusions, vital information about your transfers and accommodation, and everything else you need to know about the incredible adventures we organize.