Tour from Cairo to St Catherine’s Monastery

Private & Historical tour in Egypt 2 days / 1 Night
From $150 per person
Duration
2 days / 1 Night
Pickup & Drop-off
Your Hotel in Cairo Downtown or Giza Area
Availability
Everyday
Tour Type
Private & Historical tour in Egypt

Tour Overview

Discover the Spiritual Heart of Sinai: A Journey from Cairo to St Catherine’s Monastery, Escape the bustling city of Cairo and delve into the serene beauty and rich history of the Sinai Peninsula with our exclusive tour to St Catherine’s Monastery. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s oldest continuously operating monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in religious significance and breathtaking landscapes.

What’s Included in Your Sinai Adventure?

We take care of every detail to ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey:

  • Hassle-Free Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in Cairo and transported in a modern, private, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire trip. Return transport to Cairo is also included.
  • Comfortable Accommodation: Relax and rejuvenate with one night’s accommodation at a comfortable hotel in St Catherine, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge and insights of a qualified Egyptologist tour guide who will accompany you throughout the tours, bringing the history and culture of St Catherine’s Monastery to life.
  • Entry to Historical Sites: Admission fees to all the sights listed in the itinerary are included, so you can focus on exploring without worrying about additional costs.
  • Stay Hydrated: Bottled water will be provided on the vehicle to keep you refreshed throughout your journey.
  • Worry-Free Pricing: All charges and taxes are included in the price, ensuring transparency and no hidden fees.

Things to Note Before Your Trip

Please note that tipping and any optional tours are not included in the price of the tour. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as the Sinai can be quite sunny. Modest dress is required when visiting St Catherine’s Monastery.

Experience the Magic of St Catherine’s Monastery

Journey through time as you explore the iconic St Catherine’s Monastery, home to the Burning Bush and a priceless collection of religious icons and manuscripts. Witness the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and experience the tranquility of this sacred place. This tour is perfect for history buffs, spiritual seekers, and anyone looking for a unique and enriching travel experience.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Vacations in Egypt representative will pick you up in a modern air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel in Cairo or Giza and then you will travel from Cairo to St Catherine’s monastery runs as a private excursion. The distance between Cairo to St Catherine’s monastery is 440 km, the journey by private car air-conditioned takes up to 6 hours.

You will then be driven to your hotel to relax and spend the night.

2

Vacations in Egypt representative will pick you up from your hotel to Mount Sinai climb

Mount Sinai climb

We start our journey up to the mountain in the early morning, Around 2 am you will meet your Bedouin guide who will lead you up to the top of the mountain. The path is smooth but it needs efforts and some physical training to keep up with your Bedouin guide. If you get tired, you can always hire a camel that will take you up to the mountain (optionally) but not to the pick! You will have to climb yourself the last 750 stairs, cut in the rocks. So, be prepared for your journey and dress accordingly. Comfy shoes and very warm closes in winter, including hat and gloves are recommended, as the temperature in the mountains drops to mines, and snowing is common there.

Seeing Sunrise at Mount Sinai

The sunrise on the top of Mount Sinai is spectacular, so expect to stay there for a while to take amazing pictures. After 6.00 am you will start to go down the mountain, it does not take much time and max at 7.00 am you will be already at the bottom of the Monastery of Saint Catherine. As the monastery opens its doors at 9 am, we will have plenty of time to have rest, to warm ourselves in the first rays of the sun and to get our breakfast in a local hotel.

Visiting the Monastery of St Catherine

When the monastery opens its doors we will get a chance to explore the inside areas of the monastery, will visit the Burning bush and famous chapel of Transfiguration. If you want to know more you can have a look inside the monastery’s icon gallery (optionally, paid separately) and discover the treasures inside.

Transfer to Cairo from St Catherine

After our monastery tour finishes, we will take a private air-conditioned bus back to Cairo. The distance between Cairo and St. Catherine is 440 km, the journey may take up to 6 hours to reach Cairo, then transfer back to your hotel in Cairo.

What's Included

Included

  • The Service of pick up from your hotel and return.
  • 1 Night accommodation at a hotel in St Catherine.
  • Egyptologist tour guide during the tours.
  • A modern private air-conditioned vehicle for your trip.
  • Admission fees to all the sights listed in the itinerary.
  • Bottled water on the vehicle.
  • All charges and taxes.

Not Included

  • Tipping.
  • Any Optional Tours.

Tour Summary

Prices start from $150
Duration 2 days / 1 Night
Pickup & drop-off Your Hotel in Cairo Downtown or Giza Area
Availability Everyday
Tour category 2 Days in Egypt Tour
Tour type Private & Historical tour in Egypt

What to Pack

  • Hat.
  • Camera.
  • Umbrella.
  • Medication.
  • Comfortable Shoes.
  • Sunblock & Sunglasses.
  • Warm clothes in winter.
  • Cotton clothes in summer.
  • Valid Passport for 6 months.
Location

Where this tour goes

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be cold, especially at night.

Modest dress is required. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Women should also consider bringing a headscarf to wear inside the monastery.

Photography is generally not allowed inside the monastery's chapels and museums. However, you may be able to take photos in the courtyard and surrounding areas. Always check with your guide for specific rules.

This tour generally involves moderate walking. There might be some steps and uneven terrain within the monastery grounds. If you are planning to climb Mount Sinai (not included in this specific tour), be aware that it is a strenuous hike.

Meals are generally not included, allowing you to explore local dining options. Your guide can recommend restaurants and help you choose accordingly. Check your specific booking details for definitive answers.

Yes, it is often possible to extend your stay. Please contact us in advance to discuss accommodation options and arrange transportation back to Cairo.

Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are the most widely accepted currency. US Dollars and Euros are also generally accepted, but you may get a less favorable exchange rate. Credit cards are accepted in some larger establishments but are not as widely used as cash.

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