Full-Day St Catherine & Dahab Tour from Sharm El Sheikh4.8(737 Reviews)12 hours
From€30.10per person
Listing ID : 54974
4.8(737 Reviews)
Full-Day St Catherine & Dahab Tour from Sharm El Sheikh
12hDuration
Max 12 peopleGroup Size
English, Italian, RussianSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration12 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtYour Hotel, Sharm El Sheikh
LanguagesEnglish, Italian, Russian
Sinai Peninsula Day Tour
St. Catherine's Monastery and Dahab City Tour From Sharm El Sheikh
Journey through ancient faith, desert landscapes, and the laid-back charm of the Red Sea coast in a single unforgettable day.
This full-day excursion takes you to the heart of the Sinai Peninsula, where a visit to St. Catherine's Monastery reveals one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world, followed by a relaxed afternoon in the distinctive coastal town of Dahab.
Founded in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, St. Catherine's Monastery stands at the foot of Mount Sinai and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The monastery is built around the site traditionally identified as the Burning Bush, lending the location a significance that spans multiple religious traditions and centuries of pilgrimage.
Dahab, situated roughly 90 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh along the Gulf of Aqaba, offers a sharp contrast to the solemnity of the monastery visit. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, local markets, and waterfront dining, the town provides a fitting close to a day rich in history and landscape.
Tour Highlights
Walk through St. Catherine's Monastery, the world's oldest working Christian monastery, located 220 km northwest of Sharm El Sheikh.
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood at the crossroads of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism for over 1,400 years.
Discover the Museum of St. Catherine, home to icons by Angelos and all six known works by Michael Damaskinos of the 16th-century Cretan School.
Stand near the site of the Burning Bush, one of the most venerated locations in the Abrahamic faiths, preserved within the monastery grounds.
Browse the local markets and waterfront promenade of Dahab, a relaxed Red Sea town with distinct character and coastal atmosphere.
Enjoy a sit-down lunch at a local Dahab restaurant, offering a taste of regional cuisine in an authentic setting.
Travel in comfort with hotel pickup and drop-off included, covering the scenic Sinai desert roads between Sharm El Sheikh, St. Catherine, and Dahab.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup in Sharm El Sheikh
Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh after breakfast. The drive northwest into the Sinai Peninsula covers approximately 220 kilometers through dramatic desert mountain scenery.
2
Arrival at St. Catherine's Monastery
Upon arrival, you enter the fortified walls of St. Catherine's Monastery, an Orthodox Greek institution nestled between the peaks of St. Catherine's Mount and Mount Moses. The monastery's layout reveals centuries of construction, from early Byzantine architecture to later additions.
3
Monastery Museum and Sacred Sites
Inside, the Museum of St. Catherine houses a remarkable collection of religious icons, including works attributed to the 15th-century painter Angelos and all six icons by Michael Damaskinos, considered masterpieces of the Cretan School. You will also visit the site of the Burning Bush, a focal point of the monastery's spiritual heritage.
4
Drive to Dahab
After the monastery visit, you travel onward to Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba coast. The route passes through the varied terrain of the southern Sinai, offering views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
5
City Tour and Lunch in Dahab
In Dahab, you will explore the town's character on a guided city and shopping tour before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant. The town's markets offer locally made crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
6
Return to Sharm El Sheikh
Following lunch and the Dahab tour, your vehicle returns you directly to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, completing the 12-hour day excursion.
What Is Included
Included
Round-trip hotel transfers from Sharm El Sheikh
Professional guide service throughout the tour
Entrance fee to St. Catherine's Monastery
Lunch at a local restaurant in Dahab
City and shopping tour of Dahab
Not Included
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Gratuities for guide and driver
Travel insurance
Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
This tour operates at an easy difficulty level and is suitable for most travelers. Comfortable walking shoes and modest dress are recommended for the monastery visit.
Duration
12 hours, departing after breakfast and returning to Sharm El Sheikh in the evening.
Meeting Point
Pickup is arranged directly from your hotel lobby in Sharm El Sheikh. Confirm your hotel address at the time of booking.
What to Bring
Wear modest clothing for the monastery visit, covering shoulders and knees. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water for the journey through the desert terrain.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy provided at the time of booking. Standard terms apply for advance notice requirements.
Accessibility
The monastery site involves uneven stone surfaces and stairs. The tour is rated easy but may present challenges for visitors with limited mobility.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and will benefit from the historical and cultural context provided by the guide.
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Secure your spot on this full-day journey through the Sinai Peninsula, combining the ancient heritage of St. Catherine's Monastery with the coastal character of Dahab. Availability is limited, so booking in advance is recommended.
Where does St. Catherine's Monastery stand in relation to Sharm El Sheikh?▼
St. Catherine's Monastery is located approximately 220 kilometers northwest of Sharm El Sheikh, situated between the peaks of St. Catherine's Mount and Mount Moses in the southern Sinai Peninsula.
Is St. Catherine's Monastery a UNESCO World Heritage Site?▼
Yes, St. Catherine's Monastery and the surrounding area hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status, recognized for their outstanding universal value in terms of religious history, art, and architecture.
What is the significance of the Burning Bush at the monastery?▼
The monastery was built around a bush traditionally identified as the site where Moses encountered God according to biblical accounts. The bush is preserved within the monastery grounds and is a central point of pilgrimage for visitors of multiple faiths.
What can visitors expect to see in the Museum of St. Catherine?▼
The museum contains a significant collection of religious icons, including works attributed to the 15th-century painter Angelos and all six known icons by Michael Damaskinos, which are considered among the most important examples of the 16th-century Cretan School of icon painting.
What is there to do in Dahab during the city tour?▼
The Dahab portion of the tour includes a guided city walk, time to browse local markets offering crafts and regional goods, and a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant. Dahab is known for its relaxed Red Sea atmosphere along the Gulf of Aqaba.
Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?▼
While the tour is classified as easy, the monastery site includes uneven stone surfaces and steps, which may present difficulty for visitors with restricted mobility. It is advisable to contact the operator before booking to discuss specific requirements.
St. Catherine MonasteryDahab City TourSharm El Sheikh ExcursionSinai PeninsulaUNESCO World HeritageEgypt Day TripReligious Tourism EgyptRed Sea TourByzantine MonasteryMount Sinai RegionCretan School IconsFull Day Tour Egypt
This tour operates from Sharm El Sheikh, the internationally recognized resort city at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, situated on the Red Sea coast where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. The primary destination, St. Catherine's Monastery, lies approximately 220 kilometers northwest of Sharm El Sheikh in the Saint Katherine Protectorate, a protected natural and cultural zone in the high-altitude terrain of the southern Sinai Mountains. The monastery stands at roughly 1,570 meters above sea level, surrounded by granite peaks including Mount Moses (Jebel Musa) at 2,285 meters. The secondary destination, Dahab, is a coastal town approximately 90 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh on the Gulf of Aqaba, known for its relaxed atmosphere, local markets, and proximity to world-class dive sites such as the Blue Hole. This tour connects three geographically and culturally distinct areas of the Sinai Peninsula within a single day, offering travelers efficient access to the region's most significant heritage and coastal assets.
Type: Cultural and Religious Day Tour | Region: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt | Primary Destination: St. Catherine's Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage Site | Secondary Destination: Dahab, Gulf of Aqaba | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 12 Hours | Includes: Hotel Transfer, Guided Tour, Lunch | Suitable For: History Enthusiasts, Religious Travelers, Cultural Tourists, General Travelers | Season: Year-Round
Gift more than a trip
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.
