Sharm el Sheikh , Egypt

Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Active

(3 reviews)

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

During the period of seventh century, the prophet Mohammad dictated a long document granting protection to the monastery and exempting it from taxes. A copy of it can be seen hanging in the Icon Gallery, next to Napoleon’s letter of protection written in 1798. Ottoman armies was built mosque inside the Monastery’s walls in 1381.that the complex was partly Muslim, saving it from destruction. Since the eleventh century the Monastery has been known as St Catherine’s Monastery. Its library contains a collection of 5000 books and over 3000 manuscripts (most of which are in Greek), including some of the most ancient and important in the world, and is considered second only to that of the Vatican. Throughout its history, also the monastery has received gifts from popes, Christian princes.

Available options

Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Pickup included

What's included

All transfers by air condition vehicle.

Lunch during the trip .

Private Egyptology tour guide

Met & Assist from & to your hotel at Sharm El Shiekh.

Entrance fees to the mentioned sightseeing.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

It is approx 3 HRS to reach to St Catherine’s Monastery from Sharm El Shiekh, the earliest surviving bastion of Christianity, make you go through breathtaking landscapes of arid rock formations, then desolate expanses of desert and the occasional Bedouin camp. The monastery was founded by the Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora between 527-535 A.D. at the foot of Mount Sinai and Jebel Megafa , discover a centre of worship and learning for over 1450 years. St Catherine was born Dorothea to a noble family in Alexandria in AD 294, and she was studied poetry, music, art, physics, mathematics, astronomy and philosophy at a pagan school, it was before converting to Christianity and taking the name of Catherine at baptism. She was tortured and beheaded for her faith by Emperor Maximus on 25 November AD 305 in Alexandria. according to tradition her body disappeared and was transported by angels to the highest mountain peak of the Sinai Peninsula. it’s begin from three centuries later, following a dream, some monks from the monastery found her relics, brought them down from the mountain, and placed them in a gilded sarcophagus, which now stands in the basilica choir.

What's not included

Tips to guide & driver.

Any Souvenir from any purchasing stop.

Entry Visa to Egypt which had to be handle from your side.

International Air tickets from & to Egypt.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is a vibrant coastal city on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, renowned for its stunning Red Sea coastline, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. It's a premier destination for diving, snorkeling, and relaxation, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility.

Top Attractions

Ras Mohammed National Park

A stunning national park known for its pristine coral reefs, diverse marine life, and breathtaking landscapes.

Nature Full day EGP 300-500 (including boat trips and entrance fees)

Naama Bay

A lively bay with beautiful beaches, water sports, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Beach Half day or evening Free to explore, activities vary in cost

Sharm Old Market

A bustling market with a mix of traditional and modern shops, offering a variety of goods from spices to souvenirs.

Shopping 1-2 hours Budget to moderate

Saint Catherine's Monastery

One of the oldest working monasteries in the world, located at the base of Mount Sinai, known for its religious significance and historical artifacts.

Historical Full day Free entry, donations welcome

Must-Try Local Dishes

Grilled Seafood

Freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection, often served with garlic sauce and lemon.

Dinner Contains fish/shellfish

Koshari

A traditional Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.

Lunch Vegetarian

Falafel

Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.

Snack Vegetarian, Vegan

Fresh Fruit Juices

Freshly squeezed juices made from local fruits like mango, guava, and pomegranate.

Drink Vegan, Gluten-free

Popular Activities

Diving Snorkeling Windsurfing Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Visiting Saint Catherine's Monastery

Best Time to Visit

March to May, October to November

This is the most pleasant time to visit, with warm but not extreme temperatures and ideal conditions for water activities.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sharm el Sheikh is generally safe for tourists, with a strong police presence in tourist areas. However, petty crime and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.