12
Up to 2 days
1 person
English, Francais, German, polish, russian
The St Catherine Monastery tour from Sharm El Sheikh is a full day in the high mountains of South Sinai, with a guided visit of the 6th-century monastery, an optional climb up Mount Sinai and a lunch stop in Dahab on the way back. Pickup is around 5:30 in the morning, the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, and the whole day lasts around 12 hours.
It suits travelers interested in history and faith, and anyone who wants to see the dramatic granite landscape of inner Sinai. The mountain climb is optional, so you can keep the day light and focus on the monastery if you prefer.
St Catherine’s Monastery stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, around 1,500 meters up in the mountains of South Sinai. It was built in the 6th century on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and has been home to a community of monks ever since, which makes it one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For Christians, Jews and Muslims, this is the land of Moses. Tradition places the Burning Bush inside the monastery walls and the giving of the Ten Commandments on the summit of Mount Sinai, known locally as Jebel Musa or Mount Moses.
The drive itself is part of the trip. You leave the coast behind and climb into a landscape of bare red and grey granite peaks, with Bedouin villages and wadis along the road.
Local tip: the mountains are much colder than Sharm, especially early in the morning. Even in summer, pack a light jacket.
Inside the thick stone walls, your guide shows you the Chapel of the Burning Bush area and explains the monastery’s history. The church holds Byzantine icons and the famous Mosaic of the Transfiguration, and the monastery is known for its collection of ancient manuscripts. There’s also a small mosque within the monastery grounds, a sign of the long coexistence of faiths in Sinai.
A bush growing inside the monastery is traditionally believed to descend from the one where God spoke to Moses. It’s one of the most visited spots in the complex.
If you want to climb, Bedouin guides take you up the old pilgrim trail. The ascent takes roughly 3 hours. There are two traditional routes: the longer, gentler Camel Path, and the steep Steps of Repentance, cut into the rock by monks. At the top there’s a small chapel and a mosque, and the view stretches over a sea of mountain peaks. [CONFIRM: which route is used; optional camel ride and its cost]
On the way back to Sharm, you stop in Dahab, a relaxed seaside town about 100 km north of Sharm. It’s a good place for lunch by the water, a glass of Egyptian tea and a look at the craft shops.
1- Write to us (from home or from your hotel) a massage via:
Whatsapp: +201202905255
Your driver collects you from your hotel around 5:30. The road heads north and then inland toward St Catherine. The drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours, and watching the sun come up over the desert from the car window is a good start to the day.
You arrive at St Catherine in the middle of the morning. Your guide leads you through the monastery grounds, explaining the icons, the church, the Burning Bush and the history of the monks who have lived here for about 1,500 years.
Guests who want to climb set off with Bedouin guides. The ascent takes about 3 hours, and the view from the summit over the Sinai peaks is the reward. [CONFIRM: what non-climbers do during the climb]
On the way back, you stop in Dahab for lunch. There's time to walk along the seafront or browse the shops before the final drive. [CONFIRM: lunch in Dahab or in St Catherine]
You arrive back at your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh in the early evening.
Dress code: modest clothing is required inside the monastery. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Physical level: the monastery visit involves easy walking. The Mount Sinai climb needs good fitness, so bring water and take your time.
Children: children are welcome. The mountain climb can be hard for younger kids.
Photography: photos are allowed outside the monastery buildings. Some areas inside have restrictions, so ask your guide first.
Best season: October to April brings cooler temperatures and clearer views. Summer days are hot at lower altitudes but still cool in the early morning.
Monastery opening: the monastery receives visitors on set mornings and may close on religious holidays.
Overnight option: an overnight sunrise climb version is also available
Payment: [CONFIRM: pay the guide in cash on the day, in USD, EUR, GBP or EGP
Cancellation: cancellation policy
[CONFIRM: adults 32 € | children 17 € The price includes the monastery entry fee and lunch.
To book, send us a WhatsApp message at +20 120 290 5255 with your date, number of
About 12 hours, including the drive, the monastery visit and lunch.
By road. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, and hotel pickup is included.
Around 5:30 in the morning.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Yes. It's one of the oldest working monasteries in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the setting at the foot of Mount Sinai is spectacular.
The climb is optional. You can join it or keep to the monastery visit only.
About 3 hours to the summit.
It needs good fitness. The path is long and rocky, so take water and go at your own pace.
Yes, the entry fee to St Catherine's Monastery is included.
Yes. Lunch at a local restaurant is included. Drinks are extra.
Yes. A passport is required for the monastery and for checkpoints on the way.
Modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees, comfortable walking shoes and a warm layer for the mountains.
Yes. The monastery visit is easy for children, though the climb can be challenging for younger ones.
Photos are allowed outside the buildings. Some areas inside have restrictions, so ask your guide.
October to April, when temperatures are cooler and the views are clear.
Yes, it's much cooler than Sharm, especially early in the morning. Bring warm clothing.
A bush inside the monastery, traditionally believed to descend from the bush where God spoke to Moses.
Yes. The tour stops in Dahab on the way back for lunch and some free time.
English. [CONFIRM: French, German, Polish and Russian also available]
Send a WhatsApp message to +20 120 290 5255 with your date, number of travelers and hotel.
Member Since 2023
Leave a review