Saint Catherine Monastery Full-Day Tour from Sharm El Sheikh4.7(121 Reviews)10 hours
From€25.71per person
Listing ID : 20593
4.7(121 Reviews)
Saint Catherine Monastery Full-Day Tour from Sharm El Sheikh
10hDuration
Max 12 peopleGroup Size
English, ItalianSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration10 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtSharm El-Sheikh
LanguagesEnglish, Italian
Day Tour from Sharm El Sheikh
Saint Catherine's Monastery and Dahab Day Tour
Discover a UNESCO World Heritage monastery and the vibrant coastal town of Dahab in a single unforgettable day
This full-day excursion takes you deep into the Sinai Peninsula, where Saint Catherine's Monastery stands as one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries on earth, surrounded by sacred mountains and centuries of living history.
Situated 220 kilometres northwest of Sharm El Sheikh and nestled between Mount Saint Catherine and Mount Moses, the monastery dates back to the sixth century and was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Its fortified walls enclose a remarkable collection of religious art, manuscripts, and architectural structures that have survived intact through the ages.
After exploring the monastery, the tour continues north to Dahab, a relaxed Red Sea town known for its colourful character and laid-back atmosphere. A stop for lunch at a local restaurant gives travellers time to absorb the coastal scenery before returning to Sharm El Sheikh.
The tour is rated easy in difficulty, making it accessible to most travellers seeking a culturally enriching day outside the resort environment of Sharm El Sheikh.
Tour Highlights
Visit Saint Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's oldest working Christian monastery, built around the site of the Burning Bush.
Explore the Museum of Saint Catherine, home to rare icons attributed to the 15th-century painter Angelos and all six known icons by Michael Damaskinos of the Cretan School.
Walk within the ancient fortified walls of the Orthodox Greek monastery, a citadel rich in religious and historical structures unlike any other in the region.
Discover Dahab, the Red Sea coastal town celebrated for its distinct character, colourful markets, and relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Enjoy a sit-down lunch at a local Dahab restaurant, sampling regional cuisine before the return journey to Sharm El Sheikh.
Travel through the dramatic Sinai desert landscape between Sharm El Sheikh, Saint Catherine, and Dahab, covering diverse and scenic terrain in a single day.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup in Sharm El Sheikh
Departure takes place after breakfast from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. A comfortable vehicle transfers you northwest across the Sinai Peninsula toward Saint Catherine.
2
Arrival at Saint Catherine's Monastery
The monastery is located between Mount Saint Catherine and Mount Moses, approximately 220 kilometres from Sharm El Sheikh. You will arrive and begin your guided exploration of the grounds.
3
Monastery and Museum Visit (5 Hours)
Spend five hours exploring the monastery complex, including its fortified walls, religious structures, and the on-site museum. The museum houses icons from the Cretan School, including works attributed to Angelos and all six icons by Michael Damaskinos.
4
Drive to Dahab
After the monastery visit, the group travels to Dahab on the Red Sea coast. The journey offers views of the Sinai interior transitioning toward the Gulf of Aqaba shoreline.
5
Dahab City and Lunch (3 Hours)
Spend three hours in Dahab for a city and shopping tour. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant before the return drive to Sharm El Sheikh.
6
Return to Sharm El Sheikh
The tour concludes with a direct transfer back to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, completing a full day of cultural and coastal exploration across the Sinai Peninsula.
What Is Included
Included
Round-trip hotel transfers from Sharm El Sheikh
Entry to Saint Catherine's Monastery
Guided tour of the monastery and museum
Lunch at a local restaurant in Dahab
City and shopping tour of Dahab
Air-conditioned transportation
Not Included
Drinks at Saint Catherine's Monastery site (available for purchase on-site)
Personal shopping expenses in Dahab
Gratuities for guide and driver
Travel insurance
Important Information
Please read the following details carefully before booking to ensure the best possible experience on this tour.
Duration
The total tour duration is approximately 10 hours, including 5 hours at Saint Catherine's Monastery and 3 hours in Dahab.
What to Bring
Wear modest clothing suitable for visiting a religious site. Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and sufficient water for the journey.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary by booking platform. Review the cancellation terms provided at the time of booking before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
This tour is rated easy in difficulty. The monastery site involves walking on uneven stone surfaces; travellers with mobility concerns should assess accordingly.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times throughout the excursion.
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Secure your spot on this full-day journey through the Sinai Peninsula, combining UNESCO heritage with Red Sea coastal culture in a single expertly guided excursion.
Is Saint Catherine's Monastery open to all visitors?▼
The monastery welcomes visitors of all faiths. Modest dress is required, and certain inner areas may have restricted access. Confirm current opening conditions with your operator before travel.
Can I purchase drinks at the monastery?▼
Yes, drinks are available for purchase directly on the monastery site. They are not included in the tour price, so bring local currency for this expense.
How far is Saint Catherine's Monastery from Sharm El Sheikh?▼
The monastery is situated approximately 220 kilometres northwest of Sharm El Sheikh. The drive through the Sinai Peninsula takes around two to two-and-a-half hours each way depending on road conditions.
What is Dahab known for?▼
Dahab is a coastal town on the Gulf of Aqaba, known for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful markets, water sports, and distinct character compared to the larger resort areas of the Sinai.
Is this tour suitable for children and elderly travellers?▼
The tour is rated easy and is generally suitable for all ages. However, the monastery involves walking on uneven stone surfaces, so travellers with limited mobility should consider this before booking.
What language is the tour conducted in?▼
The tour is conducted in English, Italian. Confirm language availability with the operator at the time of booking if you have specific requirements.
Saint Catherine MonasterySharm El Sheikh Day TourSinai PeninsulaUNESCO World HeritageDahabReligious Tourism EgyptOrthodox MonasteryRed Sea ExcursionMoses MountCretan School IconsEgypt Cultural TourByzantine History
This tour operates from Sharm El Sheikh, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt's Red Sea Governorate. The primary destination, Saint Catherine's Monastery, is situated in the Saint Catherine Protectorate approximately 220 kilometres northwest of Sharm El Sheikh, at an elevation of around 1,570 metres above sea level near Mount Moses (Jabal Musa) and Mount Saint Catherine. The secondary destination, Dahab, lies approximately 85 kilometres north of Sharm El Sheikh along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline in South Sinai Governorate. The tour covers two culturally and geographically distinct regions of the Sinai — the high granite mountain interior and the coastal Red Sea zone — making it relevant for travellers searching for Sinai heritage tours, Egypt religious sites, and Red Sea coastal experiences from Sharm El Sheikh.
Tour Type: Cultural and Historical Day Tour | Region: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt | Primary Destination: Saint Catherine's Monastery, Saint Catherine, South Sinai | Secondary Destination: Dahab, Gulf of Aqaba, South Sinai | UNESCO Status: Yes — Saint Catherine Area listed as World Heritage Site | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 10 Hours | Religious Significance: Orthodox Christian, Byzantine | Nearest Airport: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
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