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Around 55km south of Suez is the town of Sokhna, whose beaches are popular with Egyptians but attract few foreigners. The town's name derives from the hot springs (35°C) originating in the Jebel Ataqa.
During your MSC Grand Voyage you'll be able to see light patches offshore that indicate coral reefs. MSC Grand Voyages also offer excursions to mystic places. Secreted amid the arid Red Sea Hills, Egypt's two oldest monasteries - dedicated to St Paul and St Anthony - trace their origins back to the infancy of Christian monasticism, observing rituals that have scarcely changed over sixteen centuries. You don't have to be religious to appreciate their tranquil atmosphere and imposing setting, however, and there's also scope for birdwatching in the vicinity. Around 30km south of Sokhna, the town of Za'Farana is the nearest settlement to the Red Sea monasteries. West from here, a wide valley cleaves the Galala Plateau and sets the road on course for the Nile, 168km away. Called Wadi Arraba, its name derives from the carts that once delivered provisions to the monastery, though legend
attributes it to the pharaoh's chariots that pursued the Israelites towards the Red Sea. Travelling for 33km along this road brings you to a turn-off to the south, from where a dramatic ridge of cliffs known as Mount Qalah can be seen in the distance, with the Monastery of St Anthony situated beneath. The monastery is effectively a self-contained village complete with lanes of two-storey dwellings, churches, mills and gardens of vines, olives and palms, surrounded by lofty walls with an interior catwalk - although most of the buildings themselves are recent compared to the monastery's foundation.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR GUESTS VISITING SOKHNA
The Port of Sokhna serves as the gateway to Cairo. Please, note that as a commercial port, local regulations prohibit cruise guests from walking independently within the port premises. As no taxis are available within the port area, you will only be able to disembark if you purchase a shore excursion. MSC Cruises offers a wide range of excursions from Sokhna that will take you to Cairo and other exciting destinations in the area. You can book your excursions on our website to secure a seat in your favorite tour while saving up to 20%. In case you choose to book an excursion with a third-party operator, we kindly ask you to ensure that they have obtained the necessary permit from local authorities to access the port. Without this permit, they will not be able to enter the port premises.
All excursions are subject to availability. Please log in to find out the excursions available for your cruise.
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