St. Catherine's Monastery Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh
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Sharm el Sheikh
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Duration
17:00 -
Available days:
Saturday- Monday- Thursday -
Adults
30 € -
Children
20 € -
Pickup Time
5:00
Tour Highlights:
History & Coastal Charm: St. Catherine's Monastery and Dahab City Tour
Discover the spiritual heart of the Sinai Peninsula followed by a relaxing stop in the laid-back coastal city of Dahab. This day trip offers a perfect blend of ancient history, Orthodox culture, and Red Sea relaxation.
Excursion Itinerary
1. Early Morning Pickup & Transfer: Your day begins with an early hotel pickup (approximately 5:30 AM). We will embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the Sinai desert mountains to the monastery complex.
2. St. Catherine's Monastery Guided Tour: Upon arrival, your expert guide will escort you inside this extraordinary site. The monastery has remarkably survived undamaged throughout its long history.
- Historical Significance: Built by order of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, the monastery encloses the Chapel of the Burning Bush, traditionally believed to be the site where Moses spoke with God.
- The Collection: Admire the impressive defensive architecture and the invaluable cultural treasures housed within, including unique collections of religious artifacts, liturgical items, and stunning Byzantine mosaics in the main church.
- UNESCO Site: Learn about the site's importance as an active Orthodox monastery, sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Important Note: The monastery maintains strict visiting hours, usually 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM. Tour dates are scheduled around the monastery's operating days (typically closed on Fridays and Sundays).
3. Lunch and Free Time in Dahab City: Following your tour, we drive approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to the beautiful Red Sea town of Dahab.
Coastal Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Shopping & Exploration: You will have dedicated free time to explore this relaxed coastal city. Browse the unique Bedouin silver shops, souvenir stalls, or simply take a leisurely walk along the seafront promenade.
4. Drive Back to Sharm El Sheikh: In the late afternoon, you will meet your representative for a comfortable transfer back to Sharm El Sheikh, concluding your combined history and coastal tour.
Additional Information:
Trip Type:
Cultural & sightseeing day tour
Shared excursion
Duration:
Full day (approximately 12–13 hours)
Availability:
Scheduled on specific days only
Subject to monastery opening days and availability
(Not available on Fridays and Sundays)
Pick- up & Drop-off:
Early morning hotel pick-up from Sharm El Sheikh (around 5:30 AM)
Return to hotel in the late afternoon / early evening
Transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
Exact pick-up time confirmed according to hotel location
Distance & Travel Time:
Sharm El Sheikh → St. Catherine’s Monastery: approx. 2.5 hours
St. Catherine’s → Dahab: approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
Dahab → Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 1.5 hours
Guide & Assistance:
Professional tour guide during the monastery visit
Tour representative throughout the trip
What’s Included:
Hotel pick-up and return
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
Guided visit inside St. Catherine’s Monastery
Lunch at a local restaurant in Dahab
Free time in Dahab city
What’s Not Included:
Drinks during lunch
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional activities in Dahab
Dress Code (Important):
Modest clothing is required for the monastery visit
Covered shoulders and knees
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Experience Highlights:
One of the oldest active monasteries in the world
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Burning Bush Chapel and ancient Byzantine mosaics
Relaxed Red Sea atmosphere in Dahab
Cultural contrast between sacred mountains and coastal life
Good to Know:
This tour is ideal for travelers interested in religious history, ancient architecture, and cultural exploration, combined with a light, relaxing seaside experience in Dahab.
Included in the price:
- Air conditioned transportation every where in St. Catherine and Sharm El Sheikh.
- All entrance fees to all the touristic places mentioned in the itinerary.
- Lunch in a local restaurant.
- Professional English speaking guide.
Not Included in the price:
- Drinks in the restaurant.
- Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary.
What to take with you:
- Passport.
- Breakfast box (free of charge in most of the hotels in Sharm El Sheikh ).
- Cameras.
- Sun glasses.
- Comfy shoes ( trainers would be perfect for this excursion ).
- Hats.
Questions & Answers:
The drive is approximately 2 to 3 hours each way (around 220 km), traversing the beautiful Sinai Desert landscape.
A full day trip (Monastery visit only) is usually 10 to 12 hours door-to-door.
Yes, tourist destinations in South Sinai, including St. Catherine, are generally considered safe and are protected by the Egyptian government and local authorities. Tours use licensed, air-conditioned vehicles.
Yes, you must bring your original passport. It is required for security checkpoints along the route and for the tour operator's manifest.
Absolutely. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest continually working Christian monasteries in the world, and a major site for all three Abrahamic religions. It offers incredible historical, religious, and cultural value.
The monastery is a sacred religious site, and modest dress is strictly required for entry. This means shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops.
include the Chapel of the Burning Bush (believed to be the original site where Moses encountered God), the Church of the Transfiguration, and the Well of Moses. The famous library is generally not open to the public on standard tours.
The monastery is typically open to visitors on weekdays (Sat-Thurs) for a limited time, usually from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It is closed on Sundays and on major Greek Orthodox feast days, so check with your tour operator.
Photography is generally restricted or prohibited inside the main church, the chapel, and any museums or libraries. You can usually take photos in the exterior courtyards and grounds.
