St. Catherine's Monastery half-day Tour from Taba

Red Sea , Egypt

St. Catherine's Monastery half-day Tour from Taba

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About this experience

Make your memories in one of the best trips ever from Tapa to St. Catherine’s Monastery is the smallest dioceses and the oldest Christian Monastery in the world still in use. It also houses a rich collection of icons and precious manuscripts.

Available options

St. Catherine's Monastery half-day Tour from Taba

Pickup included

What's included

All transfers by air-condition vehicle

Entrance fees to St. Catherine National park

Bottled water

Pick up services from your hotel in Taba and return

Bedouin guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit the Monastery of Saint Catherine which is considered one of the most famous monasteries in the world and also it’s one of the oldest monasteries of Christianity. It’s located in heart of the Sinai Peninsula at a height of 1570 meters in the place where according to tradition Moses saw the bush on fire which didn’t burn up. The Monastery is Orthodox and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery dates back to the age of the emperor Justinian 6th century. The monastery was named Saint Catherine at the beginning of the 11th century in honor of saint Catherine, one of the earliest Alexandria Christians martyrs. It contains several monuments like the burning bush seen by Moses and the remarkable Icons Gallery.
The half-day tour departs from Taba at 7:00 am, giving you a chance to explore the Monastery’s incredible architecture, a beautiful chapel, historic icons, and ancient artwork. After taking your time to learn about this unique place, you will head back to Taba at 14.00.

What's not included

Drinks

Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary

Tipping Kitty

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Red Sea

The Red Sea in Egypt is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. It's a premier destination for diving, snorkeling, and beach relaxation, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. The region is dotted with luxurious resorts, historical sites, and unique cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Ras Mohammed National Park

A protected marine park known for its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and pristine beaches. It's a must-visit for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate (entry fees and tour costs)

SS Thistlegorm Wreck

One of the most famous wreck dive sites in the world, the SS Thistlegorm is a British merchant navy ship sunk during World War II. It's a treasure trove for divers.

Diving Full day (liveaboard or day trip) Expensive (liveaboard or dive trip costs)

Hurghada Marina

A vibrant marina area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place to stroll, dine, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Entertainment A few hours Free to explore, costs vary for activities and dining

Monastery of Saint Anthony

One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, founded by Saint Anthony in the 4th century. It's a significant historical and religious site.

Historical Half day Free (donations appreciated)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fattah

A traditional Egyptian dish made with cooked rice, pasta, garlic vinegar, crispy bread, and meat (usually lamb or chicken), topped with tomato sauce and garlic sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Sayadeya

A flavorful dish of fish cooked with rice, onions, and spices, often served with a side of salad and tahini sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, gluten-free

Koshari

A popular Egyptian street food made with a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options available

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains nuts

Popular Activities

Diving Snorkeling Windsurfing Kitesurfing Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with warm days and cooler evenings. It's the best time for diving, snorkeling, and beach activities.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, Russian, German, Italian
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (Eastern European Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Red Sea region is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a strong police presence in resort areas. However, petty theft and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi services or apps to avoid overcharging
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you

Getting there

By air

Hurghada International Airport • 10 km from Hurghada city center
Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport • 5 km from Sharm El-Sheikh city center

By bus

Hurghada Bus Station, Sharm El-Sheikh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses and minibuses are affordable and widely used by locals. They can be crowded and may not always be on schedule.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Naama Bay Sahl Hasheesh Downtown Hurghada

Day trips

Dahab

80 km from Sharm El-Sheikh • Half day to full day

A laid-back beach town known for its stunning coral reefs, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing.

Luxor

300 km from Hurghada • Full day or overnight

A city rich in history and ancient Egyptian artifacts, Luxor is home to some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, including the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.

St. Catherine's Monastery

200 km from Sharm El-Sheikh • Full day

A historic monastery founded in the 6th century, nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai. It's a significant religious site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Festivals

Sharm El-Sheikh International Dive Festival • April (dates vary) Red Sea Film Festival • October (dates vary) Eid al-Fitr • Varies (follows the Islamic lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Book your diving or snorkeling trips in advance, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly
Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible, as rental gear may not always be available or in good condition
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as the Red Sea region can be extremely hot and sunny
Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your cultural experience and interact with locals
Be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, as petty theft can occur