The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul are the oldest Christian monasteries; they both date back to the 4th century AD, when monks began to settle in hidden rocks and caves at the foot of Mount Galala Al-Qibliya on the Red Sea. Both monasteries are considered the holiest sites of the Coptic Church in Egypt. The Monastery of St. Anthony is located on the Zafarana road leading to Beni Suef, about 70 km south of Ain Sukhna and 45 km from Hurghada city. It is a large complex surrounded by high walls with churches, chapels, a bakery, a garden and a spring that celebrates the father of monasticism, St. Anthony. Since the time when only a few hermits hid in the rocks in the 4th century, the situation has changed drastically. After a hike through the cliffs and plateaus of the Galala Al-Qibliya mountain, you will reach the Monastery of St. Paul, built in the 4th century by hermits who wanted to isolate themselves from the material world, in the very place where St. Paul had lived in a cave for 90 years. Both monasteries are worth a visit even if you are not interested in the spiritual aspect of the experience. Day trips to the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul can be arranged through any travel agency in Hurghada or with the help of your hotel. The tour operator you choose will arrange for you to be picked up from your hotel in the early morning and returned to the same location in the late afternoon.