Discover St. Catherine’s Monastery: Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh
Active
14h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on a memorable journey from Sharm el Sheikh with a guided trek to the summit of Mount Sinai. Accompanied by local guides, you'll hike through the night with headlamps, reaching the top just in time to witness a stunning sunrise over the desert mountains and a sea of clouds below.
After capturing the breathtaking views, you'll begin your descent to the historic Monastery of St. Catherine, established in 527 AD as the oldest continuously operating Christian monastery. As you explore its courtyards, chapels, and secret library, your guides will share captivating stories of its rich history.
Revitalized by the experience at this sacred site, you'll return to Sharm el Sheikh with lasting memories of climbing a revered mountain under the desert stars.
Available options
Discover St. Catherine’s Monastery: Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh
Pickup included
What's included
Entry/Admission - Mount Sinai
Air-conditioned vehicle
guide during your climbing the mount
St. Catherine National Park fees
Qualified Egyptologist guide
Detailed itinerary
1
This is a bus tour where you will be picked up from your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh in the late evening. You will then be transferred for a 3-hour journey to Moses Mountain, with the return trip taking the same amount of time for drop-off.
2
Stop 2
At 2:00 AM, you'll start a 3-hour ascent of the 2,285-meter mountain, guided by a professional tour guide. The climb follows a winding path that culminates in 700 steps leading to the summit, where you’ll arrive in time for sunrise and enjoy a stunning view. For those who prefer not to climb, a camel ride is available to take you to the base of the 700 steps. After watching the sunrise from the top, you'll begin your descent and be transported back to Sharm El Sheikh by vehicle, accompanied by the professional tour guide.
3
As you descend the majestic Mount Sinai, your eager guide will be waiting at the monastery gates. Entering with anticipation, you begin your exploration of this historic site. Your first stop is the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration, believed to be the location where Moses spoke to God and witnessed the burning bush. The church’s walls are adorned with golden icons depicting the stories of Moses and his miracles. You also visit the Well of Prophet Moses, carved from solid rock and still flowing with fresh water after thousands of years. Unfortunately, you must soon leave this sacred place, which is open only briefly due to COVID restrictions. Departing with both body and spirit refreshed, you look forward to resting your well-traveled feet at your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh.
What's not included
Governmental fee 10€ per person
Available languages
Guide guide
AR
DE
RU
EN
IT
FR
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh is a vibrant coastal city on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, renowned for its stunning Red Sea coastline, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. It's a premier destination for diving, snorkeling, and relaxation, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility.
Top Attractions
Ras Mohammed National Park
A stunning national park known for its pristine coral reefs, diverse marine life, and breathtaking landscapes.
Nature
Full day
EGP 300-500 (including boat trips and entrance fees)
Naama Bay
A lively bay with beautiful beaches, water sports, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Beach
Half day or evening
Free to explore, activities vary in cost
Sharm Old Market
A bustling market with a mix of traditional and modern shops, offering a variety of goods from spices to souvenirs.
Shopping
1-2 hours
Budget to moderate
Saint Catherine's Monastery
One of the oldest working monasteries in the world, located at the base of Mount Sinai, known for its religious significance and historical artifacts.
Historical
Full day
Free entry, donations welcome
Must-Try Local Dishes
Grilled Seafood
Freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection, often served with garlic sauce and lemon.
Dinner
Contains fish/shellfish
Koshari
A traditional Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.
Lunch
Vegetarian
Falafel
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.
Snack
Vegetarian, Vegan
Fresh Fruit Juices
Freshly squeezed juices made from local fruits like mango, guava, and pomegranate.
Drink
Vegan, Gluten-free
Popular Activities
Diving
Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Hiking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga
Visiting Saint Catherine's Monastery
Best Time to Visit
March to May, October to November
This is the most pleasant time to visit, with warm but not extreme temperatures and ideal conditions for water activities.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English, Russian, German
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sharm el Sheikh is generally safe for tourists, with a strong police presence in tourist areas. However, petty crime and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators
- • Negotiate prices in advance
- • Keep valuables secure
Getting there
By air
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport • 12 km from city center
By bus
Downtown Terminal, Naama Bay Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and frequent, but can be crowded. Routes cover most major areas and resorts.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Naama Bay
Ras Um El Sid
Sharm Old Market
Day trips
Dahab
80 km • Full day
A laid-back coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, diving spots, and relaxed atmosphere.
Tiran Island
30 km • Full day
A small island known for its incredible coral reefs and diverse marine life, perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Mount Sinai
120 km • Overnight or full day
A sacred mountain known for its religious significance and stunning sunrise views.
Festivals
Sharm El Sheikh International Diving Festival • June
Eid al-Fitr • Varies (Islamic calendar)
Pro tips
- Book diving and snorkeling trips in advance, especially during peak season
- Visit Ras Mohammed National Park for the best diving and snorkeling experiences
- Explore the Old Market for authentic souvenirs and local flavors
- Try traditional Egyptian dishes like koshari and grilled seafood
- Experience a Bedouin village visit for a unique cultural experience
$28
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
