Embark on a spiritual and cultural journey with a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and serene setting in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula. This tour takes you on an unforgettable day trip from Sharm El Sheikh to explore the rich religious history, impressive ancient artifacts, and breathtaking landscapes surrounding St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai.
The tour begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Sinai Desert, passing rugged mountain landscapes and desert terrain as you head toward the town of St. Catherine.
After approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, you will arrive at St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Christians, built around the site where Moses is believed to have seen the Burning Bush.
St. Catherine’s Monastery Visit:
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will take you on a guided tour of the monastery. The monastery is famous for its ancient religious icons, manuscripts, and historic artifacts, some of which date back to the 6th century.
The monastery museum houses a fascinating collection of Christian art, early manuscripts, and religious relics. You’ll also learn about the significance of the site for the Christian faith and its long history of monastic life.
Visit the Burning Bush, which is believed to be the actual spot where Moses encountered God, and learn about its significance in the Abrahamic religions. The site is peaceful and spiritual, and you’ll have time to reflect on the history of the location.
Explore the surrounding gardens and walk through the peaceful grounds of the monastery, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and desert.
Optional Hike to Mount Sinai (Optional):
If you wish, you can choose to hike to the summit of Mount Sinai (also known as Jebel Musa), where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. This is an optional activity and requires additional time (around 2-3 hours for a round trip) and a moderate level of fitness, as the trail is steep and challenging. It’s recommended for those who enjoy hiking and are prepared for the physical effort.
Alternative: If you do not wish to hike, you can remain at the base and explore more of the monastery area or relax while waiting for the rest of the group.
Lunch (Optional):
Depending on the schedule and availability, you may have the option to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the town of St. Catherine. Here, you can sample traditional Egyptian cuisine, including grilled meats, vegetables, rice, and bread. Alternatively, the tour can proceed without lunch depending on time constraints.
Afternoon:
After your time at St. Catherine, you will board the vehicle for the return journey to Sharm El Sheikh. During the drive back, relax and enjoy the views of the desert as the tour concludes.
Evening:
You will arrive back in Sharm El Sheikh in the late afternoon or early evening, completing your day trip to St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai.
Includes/Excludes
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh.
Air-conditioned transportation to and from St. Catherine.
Entrance fee to St. Catherine’s Monastery and other sites.
Guided tour of St. Catherine’s Monastery and the surrounding area.
Visit to the Burning Bush and other historical sites.
English-speaking guide.
Bottled water during the trip.
Lunch (unless specified, lunch is not typically included, but there will be time for a break at a local restaurant).
Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.).
Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated).
Any optional activities (such as hiking Mount Sinai, which requires additional time and effort).
Price Policy
All tour prices are listed in USD per person, per trip. Payments can be made securely online through our trusted payment gateway, with no additional fees or hidden surcharges. This ensures a clear and transparent pricing structure for every traveler.
Payment:
To secure your booking, we recommend reserving as early as possible so we can guarantee availability on your preferred dates. A 25% deposit is required to confirm your reservation, and this amount is deducted from your total balance. The remaining payment can be settled before or upon arrival, depending on the tour requirements.
Children Policy:
We welcome families with children and offer special rates based on age:
0 to 5.99 years – Free of charge when sharing accommodation with parents
6 to 11.99 years – Charged 50% of the adult rate
12 years and above – Charged at the full adult rate
This policy ensures fair pricing for families while maintaining comfort and convenience throughout the trip.
Cancellation Policy
If your plans change, our cancellation policy applies as follows:
Less than 30 days before arrival: 100% of the tour price is charged
31 to 60 days before arrival: 50% of the tour price is charged
61 to 90 days before arrival: 15% of the tour price is charged
We recommend notifying us as early as possible in case of cancellation to minimize any applicable fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is Egypt safe to travel to?
Egypt is considered a safe destination for tourists, especially in major travel hubs like Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. These cities receive millions of visitors every year and have dedicated tourism police, well-secured attractions, and strict safety protocols. Tourist sites, hotels, and airports maintain high security standards, and local authorities continuously monitor major travel areas. As with any international trip, visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, follow their guide’s instructions, and use reputable travel companies. When you travel with a licensed operator, your itinerary, transportation, and local assistance are handled by professionals who prioritize safety at every step.
How can I book a tour?
Booking a tour is easy and flexible. You can reserve through our website booking form, send us an email, or simply contact us through WhatsApp for instant communication. Once you choose your preferred itinerary, our team will check availability, confirm all details, and guide you through the booking and payment process. We provide full trip information, what to bring, start times, and everything you need to prepare. You will also receive a confirmation voucher and emergency contact numbers for peace of mind. Our customer support team is available daily to answer questions and help you select the best options for your travel dates.
Can I edit or add anything to this tour?
Yes, all our tours are fully customizable. We understand that every traveler has unique interests, so we’re happy to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences. You can add extra sites, extend the tour, upgrade meal options, include special activities like a felucca ride or desert adventure, or even build a completely personalized route. If you have special requests—such as dietary needs, additional photo stops, or private guiding—we can arrange it. Just tell us what you want to change, and our team will tailor the experience to fit your schedule, pace, and travel style.
Which currency is most widely accepted on this tour?
The main currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but most tourist services also accept U.S. Dollars (USD) due to their stability and popularity among travelers. Euros and British Pounds are commonly accepted in hotels, souvenir shops, and some restaurants. For small purchases such as drinks, snacks, or tips, we recommend carrying a bit of Egyptian Pounds. ATMs are available in most major cities, and currency exchange offices are easy to find. If you plan to pay for optional experiences, many vendors prefer USD or EGP, so having a combination of both is helpful.
Can I schedule a tour at any time of day?
In most cases, yes—you can choose the tour start time that best matches your itinerary. Full-day tours generally begin early to make the most of the cooler morning hours and avoid traffic, but late-morning and afternoon departures are possible depending on the destination. Some activities have fixed schedules; for example, sunrise hot air balloon rides in Luxor, evening Sound & Light Shows at the Pyramids, or specific temple opening hours. Our team will advise you on the best timing to ensure ideal lighting, fewer crowds, and the best overall experience, especially for photography or comfort during the hotter months.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, we accept credit card payments for most tours. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly used, and payments are processed through secure online gateways to protect your information. Some services may also accept American Express depending on the provider. If you prefer, you can pay a deposit online and settle the remaining balance in cash upon arrival—either in USD, EUR, or EGP. We aim to make payment as smooth as possible, offering several methods so you can choose what works best for you.
Is tipping included in the tour price?
Tipping is usually not included in the tour price unless clearly stated. In Egypt, tipping (known locally as “baksheesh”) is a traditional part of the hospitality culture, and it’s a way to show appreciation for good service. Guides, drivers, hotel staff, and boat crew often rely on tips as part of their income. We can provide recommended tipping guidelines based on your tour type and group size, but the amount is always up to you. You are free to tip depending on your satisfaction with the service provided.
from89 $ /person
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