2 Day Trip to Mount Sinai and St.Catherine From Sharm El Sheikh
Journey into the heart of ancient spirituality and breathtaking natural beauty with our meticulously crafted 2-day tour to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery.
Embark on a transformative 2-day, 1-night religious tour starting and ending in Sharm El Sheikh. This premier experience takes you to the sacred peaks of Mount Sinai for a mesmerizing sunrise and delves into the historical depths of St. Catherine Monastery. Enjoy comfortable private transfers and overnight accommodation at Hotel St. Catherine Guest House, all while accompanied by a knowledgeable private Egyptologist guide.
Evening (around 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM) - Hotel Pickup: Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh in an air-conditioned bus . The exact time depends on your hotel's location, as the drive to the mountain's base takes about 2.5 to 3 hours .
Late Evening (around 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM) - Desert Drive: You'll cross the moonlit Sinai desert. This is a good opportunity to rest before the climb. There will likely be a stop at a police checkpoint, so keep your passport hand
Early Morning (around 1:30 AM - 2:00 AM) - Arrival & Start of Climb: You will arrive at the base of Mount Sinai (also known as Jabal Musa or Moses Mountain). Your Bedouin guide will lead you as you begin the ascent in the dark . Early Morning (around 2:00 AM - 5:00 AM) - The Ascent:The climb to the summit (2,285 meters / 7,497 feet) takes 2 to 3 hours .The Path: Most tours use the Camel Path, which is a wider, less steep trail suitable for camels for about two-thirds of the way .The Final 750 Steps: The last section is the most challenging, with approximately 750 steps carved into the mountain. You will need to complete this part on foot, even if you ride a camel for the lower section . Camel Option: You can rent a camel from Bedouins at the base for the lower portion of the path for an additional fee (payable locally, around €10-20) . Early Morning (around 5:00 AM - 6:15 AM) - Sunrise at the Summit:
You will reach the summit to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dramatic mountain ranges of the Sinai Peninsula . The exact time varies by season (as early as 4:50 AM in summer, as late as 6:20 AM in winter) . It can be freezing cold at the top, so warm clothing is essential, and you can often rent blankets from locals .
- Morning (around 6:15 AM - 8:30 AM) - Descent:
After sunrise and taking photos, you will begin your descent back to the base. This takes around 1.5 to 2 hours .
- Morning (around 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM) - Breakfast & Monastery Visit:
- Breakfast: You will often have a simple breakfast at a rest house near the base before your monastery tour .
- St. Catherine's Monastery: You will enter this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world .
Inclusions:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off services from Sharm El Sheikh.
- All transfers by modern air-conditioned private vehicle.
- Entrance fees to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (as per itinerary).
- 1 night accommodation at Hotel St. Catherine Guest House.
- Professional private Egyptologist tour guide.
Exclusions:
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Tipping for guides and drivers.
- Camel rental on Mount Sinai (optional).
Please remember to bring:
- You'll need sturdy, comfortable walking or hiking shoes, warm clothing (it gets very cold and windy at the summit, especially before dawn), a bottle of water, and a headlamp or flashlight for the night climb .
- Prepare for the Climb: Climbing Mount Sinai involves ascending 750 steps near the top. It is a challenging hike, but you can rent a camel from a Bedouin guide to cover the first part of the journey, saving your energy for the final staircase .
- Check the Monastery Schedule: St. Catherine's Monastery is a working religious site. It is typically closed to visitors on Sundays and Fridays, which would mean you cannot go inside on those days . Plan your tour date accordingly.
- Important Documents: Do not forget to bring your passport with you. You will need it to pass through the police checkpoints along the desert highway
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