Private Mount Sinai sunrise and monastery tour from Sharm El Sheikh

Private Mount Sinai sunrise and monastery tour from Sharm El Sheikh

Book a truly unforgettable Private Mount Sinai sunrise and monastery tour from Sharm El Sheikh, a spiritual and historical journey that stands out among the best Sharm El Sheikh tours and Egypt day tours. This excursion is a pilgrimage to one of the world’s oldest monasteries and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a profound look into the region’s religious heritage.

Our specialized Sharm El Sheikh excursions begin with a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel. The primary highlight for many is the Mount Sinai sunrise hiking tour, an experience steeped in biblical history. You’ll ascend the legendary Moses Mountain, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. Reaching the summit just before dawn to witness the spectacular sunrise is a truly breathtaking moment.

St. Catherine’s Monastery

Following the descent from Mount Sinai, the tour continues to St. Catherine’s Monastery. Our expert, private guide will lead you through this historic complex, located at the site of the Burning Bush. In fact, you will explore the monastery’s many treasures, including the iconic Chapel of the Burning Bush, the extensive library with its rare manuscripts, and the remarkable collection of religious icons.

This spiritual tour also offers a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of faiths, with a Fatimid Mosque situated within the monastery walls. Besides, the well-preserved Byzantine Basilica, defensive walls, and a fortified tower, and the well.

While some tours may include a visit to Dahab, this specific itinerary focuses on the core sites, allowing for a deeper and more immersive experience. This journey is consistently ranked among the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, providing an opportunity for reflection, learning, and awe. Book your St. Catherine’s Monastery trip from Sharm El Sheikh and step back in time on this extraordinary expedition.

Tour Details

Duration: 16 hours
Tour Location: Sinai / Dahab / Sharm El Sheikh
Tour Availability: Everyday except Friday
Pickup & Drop Off: Sharm El Sheikh hotels
Tour Type: Private
Language: English
Suitable for: Couples, Family
Wheel chair: Accessible

Tour Highlights

Mount Sinai hiking
St. Catherine’s Monastery

Inclusions

Round transfer with A/C vehicle
Entrance fees
Egyptologist tour guide speaks fluent English
Bedouin guide
Lunch

Exclusions

Entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park 10 € per person
Beverages during lunch
Tipping

What to Pack

Comfortable shoes and suitable clothes for hiking
Heavy clothe in winter
Sunglasses. Hat or Scarf
Sun cream in summer

Itinerary

Mount Sinai Sunrise and Monastery Tour from Sharm El Sheikh

This itinerary is designed for a direct, focused experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the spiritual and historical significance of Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery.

Evening Pick-up (Approx 22:00 PM)

Your journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel. The drive to the base of Mount Sinai takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, offering a peaceful transit through the desert landscape under a starry sky.

Midnight Ascent of Mount Sinai (Approx. 2:30 AM)

Upon arrival at the St. Catherine’s area, you will meet your local Bedouin guide, who will lead you on the Mount Sinai sunrise hike.

The ascent begins along the Camel Path, a wide and manageable trail that is a popular route for both hikers and those who prefer to ride a camel. As you make your way up, you’ll find numerous small cafes offering hot tea, coffee, and snacks—perfect for a brief rest and to stay energized.

The final, and most challenging, portion of the climb consists of 750 stone steps. Once conquered, you’ll arrive at a final café just below the summit. Many hikers choose to wait here, and for good reason—it can be quite cold at this altitude in the pre-dawn hours. We highly recommend renting a blanket and purchasing a hot drink to stay warm and comfortable before the final push to the peak.

Sunrise at the Summit

The climax of this journey is watching the sunrise from the very top of Moses Mountain. As the first rays of light illuminate the stunning, rugged landscape of the Sinai, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled panoramic view. The summit is home to both a small church and a mosque, a beautiful testament to the area’s shared spiritual significance.

To get the best spot for your photos, we recommend heading to the peak a few minutes before the crowd, securing a place along the ledge to fully appreciate the dramatic display of colors.

After the sunrise, the descent is a journey of discovery as the sun reveals the vastness and beauty of the mountains. This unforgettable Mount Sinai sunrise tour is the perfect complement to your visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, providing a profound and inspiring experience that is a highlight of any trip to Sharm El Sheikh

What can you see at the Peak of Mt Sinai?

Once you’ve completed your Mount Sinai sunrise hike, the summit offers more than just a spectacular sunrise. It’s a place rich with history and incredible sights. At the peak of Moses Mountain, you’ll see a small mosque and a chapel, both active places of worship that underscore the mountain’s significance to multiple faiths.

As the sun begins to rise, it’s a moving experience to hear the call to prayer echoing from the mosque. Also, you can explore the remnants of Justinian’s Basilica, an ancient structure that speaks to the mountain’s long history. For those interested in the biblical narrative, look for the two small caves of Moses near the chapel, easy to miss but significant to the site’s story.

Beyond the man-made structures, the most striking feature is the incredible views that are finally revealed with the morning light. The panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the imposing peaks of Mount Catherine, glow with vibrant hues of red and orange.

The effort of the climb is rewarded with a profound sense of accomplishment and a breathtaking landscape that will stay with you long after your Sharm El Sheikh Day trip is over.

Morning Descent and Monastery Visit

After the sunrise, you will begin your descent. At the base of the mountain, your expert English-speaking guide will be waiting to take you to St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Monastery Exploration

Upon your descent from the Mount Sinai summit, the journey continues with a visit to the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery. You’ll meet your expert local guide near the entrance, who will lead you through the main points of interest. However, the compact size of the monastery also makes it easy to explore on your own if you prefer.

Before or after your visit, you’ll find a small cafe and restrooms conveniently located near the entrance.

The significance of St. Catherine’s Monastery is immense. As the oldest Christian monastery in the world, it has been in continuous operation since its construction between 548 and 565 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a living testament to centuries of religious history.

Within its walls, you’ll discover several key biblical sites

The Burning Bush

This is one of the most sacred spots in the complex, where God is said to have spoken to Moses. The bush, referenced in both the Bible and the Torah, is now protected behind a stone wall, its branches visible to visitors.

The Chapel

The monastery’s main church, dedicated to St. Catherine, is a beautiful example of Greek Orthodox architecture. While photography is not allowed inside, you can admire the stunning religious icons and mosaics.

The Well of Moses

This well is believed to be the spot where Moses met his future wife, Zipporah. This visit to the monastery provides a quiet and reflective conclusion to your Sharm El Sheikh Day trip, allowing you to connect with the deep historical and spiritual roots of the Sinai Peninsula.

Dahab Return to Sharm El Sheikh (Approx. 13.00 PM)

Following your visit to the monastery, you will start your way to Dahab about 130 km, it takes two hours. Tour around the village then lunches in a local restaurant then back to Sharm El Sheikh about one-hour driving. Overnight at the hotel.