Embarking on a journey to the Holy Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery is an opportunity to take in the rich history and spiritual significance of these iconic sites. Led by experienced guides, visitors will ascend the legendary mountain under the glow of flashlights, reaching the summit as the sun rises. Exploring the ancient monastery, renowned for its Byzantine architecture and sacred relics, offers a glimpse into the region’s deep-rooted Christian heritage. With transportation and entrance fees included, this comprehensive tour promises a captivating experience that’ll leave you eager to uncover more about this remarkable corner of the world.
Key Points
- The tour includes an iconic night climb of Mount Sinai and a visit to the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery.
- Experienced guides lead the group with flashlights for illumination during the nighttime ascent.
- The tour provides air-conditioned transportation to the starting point and includes the $10 entrance fee for St. Catherine National Park.
- Visitors can explore the impressive Byzantine-style architecture of St. Catherine’s Monastery and have the opportunity to purchase holy icons and religious artifacts.
- The tour is meticulously planned, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers, and is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or mobility limitations.
Overview of the Experience
This tour takes travelers on a thrilling journey to the iconic Mount Sinai, offering the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb the sacred mountain and visit the renowned St. Catherine’s Monastery.
With a team of experienced guides leading the way, adventurers will be equipped with flashlights for night lighting and transported by an air-conditioned vehicle to the starting point.
During the 30-minute visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, guests can explore the historic site and even purchase holy icons. The $10 entrance fee for St. Catherine National Park is included, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
This tour isn’t suitable for those with certain medical conditions or mobility limitations, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers.
Inclusions in the Tour
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport travelers, along with flashlights for illumination during the night climb.
Visitors will also enjoy a 30-minute visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, where they can explore the historic site and purchase holy icons.
A knowledgeable guide will accompany the group throughout the trip, providing insights and assistance.
Plus, the $10 entrance fee for the St. Catherine National Park is included in the tour price.
With these inclusions, the experience promises a well-rounded adventure, allowing travelers to enjoy the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Pickup from the hotel’s main gate is provided for this tour.
Travelers will be collected from the main entrance of their hotel at the specified start time of 9:00 pm.
This convenient arrangement ensures a smooth start to the excursion, allowing participants to relax and leave the transportation details to the tour organizers.
The pick-up service covers all hotels located in Sharm el Sheikh, making it accessible for visitors staying in the area.
Once everyone is aboard, the group will depart for the adventure ahead, guided by the accompanying tour leader throughout the experience.
Start Time and Duration
The tour begins promptly at 9:00 pm, with participants expected to be ready for departure at the designated time.
Travelers will embark on the excursion under the guidance of the accompanying tour leader, ensuring a timely start to their adventure.
The tour is designed to make the most of the night, allowing visitors to experience the serene tranquility and breathtaking views of Mount Sinai under the moonlight.
The entire experience, including the visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, is meticulously planned to provide a seamless and unforgettable journey for all participants.
With a maximum group size of 20, the tour offers an intimate and personalized exploration of this iconic religious site.
Additional Important Information
Travelers should keep in mind that this tour isn’t recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as back problems, heart issues, or pregnancy, as the climb up Mount Sinai can be physically demanding. The tour is also not wheelchair accessible.
The tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Participants will enjoy the following:
- An air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation.
- Flashlights to illuminate the path during the night climb.
- A 30-minute visit to the iconic St. Catherine’s Monastery.
- The opportunity to purchase holy icons from the monastery’s shops.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.
Visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery
During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes exploring the renowned St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world.
This sacred site, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can admire the impressive architecture, including the stunning Byzantine-style church, and learn about the monastery’s role as a center of religious and scholarly activity.
The highlight of the visit is the chance to purchase holy icons and other religious artifacts from the monastery’s shop, allowing guests to take a piece of this special place home with them.
Hiking to the Summit of Mount Sinai
Climbers embark on a challenging, yet rewarding, hike up the winding trails of Mount Sinai, the iconic biblical mountain believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
The trek takes hikers through dramatic landscapes, including:
- Rugged rocky terrain with steep inclines.
- Breathtaking vistas overlooking the expansive Sinai desert.
- Dramatic rock formations and canyons.
- Cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
Reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to witness the stunning sunrise over the Sinai peninsula.
The descent can be equally demanding, but the experience of walking in the footsteps of biblical history makes the journey truly unforgettable.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
According to the information provided, travelers can avail of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the tour. This flexible cancellation policy gives customers the freedom to make last-minute changes to their plans without incurring any penalties.
The tour operator understands that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and they’ve designed their cancellation policy to accommodate such situations. By offering free cancellation, they aim to provide a hassle-free booking experience and ensure customer satisfaction.
Travelers can book this tour with confidence, knowing that they can cancel if needed without facing any financial consequences. This policy adds to the overall value of the experience and demonstrates the tour operator’s commitment to customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Rules for Photography During the Tour?
The tour allows photography, but visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash during sensitive areas like the monastery. Travelers are encouraged to check with the guide on any restrictions before taking photos.
Is Water or Snacks Provided During the Hike?
The tour does not provide water or snacks during the hike. Travelers should bring their own supplies to stay hydrated and fueled throughout the ascent of Mount Sinai and visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery.
How Difficult Is the Hike to the Summit of Mount Sinai?
The hike to the summit of Mount Sinai is considered moderately difficult, with steep and rocky terrain. Visitors should be prepared for a challenging climb that takes several hours to reach the top, though the views from the peak are said to be breathtaking.
Can I Leave Personal Belongings on the Bus During the Tour?
Yes, you can leave personal belongings on the bus during the tour. The tour provider will ensure the safety of your items while you’re exploring the sites. However, it’s best to only bring essential items to avoid the risk of loss or theft.
Is There an Option to Hire a Camel for the Hike?
Yes, camels can be hired for the hike up Mount Sinai. This option allows travelers to ride a camel part of the way up the mountain, reducing the physical demands of the trek. The camel rental can be arranged through the tour provider.
Recap
This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the iconic Mount Sinai and the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery.
Visitors can witness the breathtaking sunrise atop Mount Sinai, led by experienced guides, and explore the rich history and architecture of the monastery.
With air-conditioned transportation and the chance to purchase religious artifacts, this tour provides a well-rounded and culturally immersive experience.
