Excursion St. catherine's monastery tour at Sharm El Sheik

Following an early departure, your excursion begins with a 135-mile (216-kilometre) journey inland through rugged desert toward the foothills of Mount Sinai, site of St. Catherine's Monastery. This Greek Orthodox holy place is the oldest Christian monastery in the world, with ties going back to the prophet Moses and the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.

St. Catherine's Monastery

The monastic order was founded in the 4th century AD by the Byzantine empress Helena, who had a small chapel built next to what is believed to be the Burning Bush from which God spoke to Moses. The chapel is dedicated to St. Catherine, the legendary martyr of Alexandria. According to legend, her body was transported by angels to an area just south of Mount Sinai, where it was found some 300 years later by monks from the monastery. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian ordered the building of a fortress, including a basilica and a monastery to serve as a refuge for the monks of St. Catherine's.

Today, the monastery is still in use and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks. Despite its remote location, the monastery attracts a great number of visitors and pilgrims. Its attractive scenic location is in itself a highlight. Until a road was built, the only way to enter the monastery was by being hauled up the steep walls in a basket. The guided tour of the monastic complex includes viewing what is believed to be Moses' Burning Bush and visits to the chapel to admire a collection of icons and jeweled crosses, as well as to the Library Museum which contains an impressive collection of precious icons and manuscripts.

Leaving the monastery, rejoin the coach and commence the return journey to Sharm-el-Sheikh. En route, a stop will be made at Dahab city where lunch will be served.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Sharm El Sheik, Desert Drive, Mount Sinai Foothills, St. Catherine's Monastery, Moses' Burning Bush, Chapel, Library Museum

Note

Please note:  This tour involves a 3-hour drive each way to reach St. Catherine's Monastery. It requires a moderate/extensive amount of walking for approximately 1640 yards (1500 meters) over paved and unpaved surfaces with an incline ramp, some cobblestones inside the monastery and various steps throughout. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility however not for those who utilize a wheelchair.  Staff inside the Monastery will encourage guests to move quickly. Conservative dress is required to visit the monastery. No shorts allowed; wear long trousers or skirts below the knees. The monks' living quarters are not open to visitors. Photography and videography are prohibited inside the library museum.