Overview
Overview
Explore one of Egypt’s most extraordinary religious and historical landmarks on a memorable day trip from Sharm El Sheikh to St. Catherine’s Monastery.
Located in the mountains of South Sinai, at the foot of Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery is among the oldest continuously functioning Christian monasteries in the world.
Founded in the 6th century, this remarkable site has preserved centuries of religious tradition, architecture, art and historical manuscripts.
The surrounding Saint Catherine Area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002.
**Tour price: €40.**
Your excursion includes hotel transportation, a professional tour guide, admission to the monastery area and lunch in Dahab.
## Discover St. Catherine’s Monastery
Travel through the remarkable mountain landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula to reach St. Catherine’s Monastery.
The monastery was constructed during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century and remains an important site of Orthodox Christian worship.
Its history and surroundings also hold deep significance in Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions.
Discover the monastery’s remarkable architectural heritage and learn about its religious and cultural importance.
Visitor access is subject to the monastery’s opening arrangements and religious observances.
## The Holy Burning Bush
One of the monastery’s most significant religious landmarks is the Holy Burning Bush.
According to biblical tradition, this is associated with the place where God spoke to Moses through a bush that burned without being consumed.
Today, visitors can learn about this sacred tradition and see the protected bush area when access is permitted.
## The Church of the Transfiguration
The Church of the Transfiguration is among the monastery’s most important historic buildings.
Its Byzantine architecture, religious paintings, mosaics and icons reflect centuries of Christian artistic tradition.
The church remains part of an active religious community, and visitor access may be limited during services or other monastery activities.
## The Museum and Historic Library
St. Catherine’s Monastery is renowned for its exceptional collection of religious manuscripts, icons and historical documents.
The museum may be available as an optional visit, depending on opening arrangements and any applicable admission fees.
The historic library is not generally open for unrestricted public visits and may require special permission.
Museum or library access is not guaranteed as part of the standard excursion.
## Lunch in Dahab
After the monastery visit, continue your journey with lunch in Dahab, a coastal destination on the Gulf of Aqaba.
Enjoy your included lunch before returning to Sharm El Sheikh.
The exact restaurant and lunch menu will be confirmed according to the operating arrangements.
## Comfortable Hotel Transportation
The excursion includes transportation from your confirmed hotel pickup location in Sharm El Sheikh and back.
Departure is usually early in the morning, at approximately 6:00 AM.
Return is expected in the afternoon, although the exact timing depends on the day's travel and visiting arrangements.
## Prepare for Your Visit
St. Catherine’s Monastery is an active place of worship, so modest clothing and respectful behaviour are essential.
Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. Women are advised to bring a head covering and may prefer a long skirt or dress.
Ask your hotel in advance whether a complimentary breakfast box can be prepared for your early departure.
Bring drinking water, comfortable shoes and any personal essentials.
## Book Your St. Catherine’s Monastery Tour
Discover the extraordinary spiritual heritage, fascinating history and natural beauty of Sinai with Alfa Montazah Mobility.
**Tour price: €40.**
Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, learn about its sacred landmarks and enjoy lunch in Dahab on a memorable cultural day trip from Sharm El Sheikh.
Included
Included / Not included
Included
- Round-trip hotel transportation from Sharm El Sheikh.
- Professional tour guide.
- Admission to the monastery visitor area.
- Visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, subject to opening arrangements.
- Lunch in Dahab.
Not included
- Optional museum admission fees, where applicable.
- Special-access library visits.
- Personal expenses.
- Souvenirs and purchases.
- Breakfast box from the hotel (request separately; complimentary provision depends on hotel policy).
What to bring
What to bring
- Breakfast box, requested from your hotel in advance. - Drinking water. - Comfortable walking shoes. - Modest clothing covering shoulders and legs. - Long trousers or a long skirt/dress. - Head covering for women, recommended. - Sunglasses and sunscreen. - Camera or mobile phone, subject to photography restrictions. - Some extra cash for souvenirs or optional admission. - Light jacket when temperatures are cooler.
Important information
Important information
- St. Catherine’s Monastery is an active religious site; respectful behaviour and modest clothing are required. - Monastery opening days and visitor access must be confirmed before departure. - The monastery is normally closed to public visitors on Fridays, Sundays and important religious feast days. - Organized guided tours are not permitted inside the monastery; historical explanations will be provided where allowed. - Entry to the church and other areas depends on religious services and monastery regulations. - Museum access may involve an additional fee. - The monastery library is not generally accessible to ordinary visitors without special arrangements. - Photography and video recording may be restricted. - Departure is usually around 6:00 AM, with return expected in the afternoon. - The itinerary may change according to opening hours, traffic and operational conditions. - Mount Sinai summit hiking is not included in this excursion. - Ask your hotel in advance about breakfast-box availability.
