Embarking on a captivating journey, this day tour from Sharm El Sheikh promises to whisk you away to the UNESCO-protected Saint Catherine’s Monastery and the stunning seaside town of Dahab. Led by a knowledgeable Egyptologist, you’ll explore the rich history and spiritual significance of the monastery before indulging in a delightful lunch by the serene Red Sea. With comfortable transportation and a small group size, this immersive experience allows you to witness Egypt’s remarkable landscapes in an intimate, personalized manner. But what awaits you at these remarkable destinations?
Key Points
- This 11-hour tour from Sharm El Sheikh explores the UNESCO-listed St. Catherine’s Monastery and the coastal town of Dahab.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a guided tour by a qualified Egyptologist, and lunch.
- Entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park and the monastery museum are covered, and a $3 discount is available.
- The tour has a maximum capacity of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, and offers free round-trip hotel transfers.
- While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is suitable for most travelers, with the exception of those with serious medical conditions.
Tour Overview and Itinerary
The day-long Saint Catherine’s Monastery & Dahab Day Tour from Sharm El Sheikh provides an opportunity to explore the historic and spiritual site of St. Catherine’s Monastery as well as the coastal city of Dahab.
The tour departs at 6:00 AM and lasts 11 hours, with a maximum of 15 travelers. Guests can enjoy complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a guided tour by a qualified Egyptologist, and a delicious lunch.
The tour package includes entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park and the monastery’s museum. Travelers can expect a discount of $3 off the original price of $30 per person.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour typically includes an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour by a qualified Egyptologist, entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park and the monastery’s museum, as well as a lunch.
However, the tour doesn’t include:
- Drinks, other than the guide’s water bottle
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
- Photos or video permits at the monastery (if required)
- Any activities or services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions.
Guests should come prepared with any necessary medications, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Guests receive free round-trip transfers from their Sharm hotels, with pickup times communicated via WhatsApp ahead of the tour.
Hotel name and room number must be provided so the pickup can be arranged efficiently. The tour operator ensures prompt transportation, allowing guests to start the day’s activities on time.
The meeting point flexibility and convenient pickup service make it easy for travelers to join the tour without additional hassle.
This thoughtful arrangement allows guests to focus on the upcoming experiences, confident that the logistics have been taken care of by the tour organizer.
The meeting and pickup details showcase the tour operator’s commitment to providing a seamless and stress-free experience for participants.
Tour Highlights and Experiences
Beyond the convenient pickup, the tour offers a range of engaging highlights and experiences for visitors.
Travelers can look forward to exploring the iconic St. Catherine National Park and the renowned St. Catherine’s Monastery, seeing the historical and spiritual significance of this sacred site.
The tour also includes a visit to the charming city of Dahab, where guests can enjoy a delightful lunch by the picturesque Red Sea.
The tour highlights include:
- Experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty and architectural marvels of St. Catherine’s Monastery
- Appreciating the cultural and religious history of the region
- Enjoying a scenic view of the monastery complex
- Exploring the vibrant city of Dahab and its seaside charm
- Savoring a delicious lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Red Sea
Guest Reviews and Feedback
According to traveler reviews, the tour garners an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 based on 17 evaluations.
Guests praised the knowledgeable and personable guide, describing the experience at St. Catherine’s Monastery as beautiful and spiritual. Many felt the tour offered good value for money.
However, some noted discomfort from the crowded bus conditions and expressed safety concerns about the driving speed. A few travelers felt rushed due to the planned stops and were dissatisfied with the guide’s attitude when guests asked questions.
While some appreciated the cultural visit, others suggested improvements in organization and more informative guiding to enhance the experience.
Additional Information
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.
Participants shouldn’t have any serious medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the day-long excursion. This Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Dahab Day Tour is operated by Sun Tours Egypt.
Some additional key points about the tour:
- Guests must provide their hotel name and room number for pickup arrangement.
- Exact pickup time will be communicated via WhatsApp before the tour.
- The tour includes entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park, but drinks aren’t provided.
- Travelers should be prepared for a long bus ride and potential discomfort due to crowded conditions.
- Safety regarding driving speed has been a concern raised by some previous participants.
Tour Duration and Pricing
The tour spans 11 hours, starting at 6:00 AM from Sharm El Sheikh. It’s priced at $27.00, reduced from the original $30.00, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
This day trip includes air-conditioned transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, a tasty lunch, and the services of a qualified Egyptologist guide. While entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park and the museum are covered, visitors will need to pay in cash for these admissions.
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. This excursion provides a great value for money, allowing visitors to explore the spiritual and historical significance of St. Catherine’s Monastery and the charming city of Dahab.
Destination and Location
This captivating day tour departs from Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, taking visitors on a journey to explore the renowned St. Catherine’s Monastery and the picturesque coastal city of Dahab.
Situated at the base of Mount Sinai, the tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich history and spiritual significance.
Guests will:
- Visit the iconic St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover the monastery’s impressive religious architecture and artifacts
- Explore the town of Dahab, known for its stunning Red Sea coastline and vibrant culture
- Savor a delicious lunch by the seaside, taking in the breathtaking views
- Experience the serene and contemplative atmosphere of this remarkable destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for this tour is conservative and respectful. Visitors should wear long pants or skirts and shirts that cover the shoulders. Revealing or casual attire may not be permitted at certain sites.
Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour only provides the guide’s water bottle. It’s best to pack snacks and extra beverages to stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day.
Are There Any Cultural Restrictions at the Monastery?
There are cultural and religious restrictions at the monastery. Visitors should dress conservatively, with covered shoulders and knees, and women should cover their heads. Photography inside the monastery may be limited or prohibited.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Monastery?
Photography is generally allowed inside Saint Catherine’s Monastery, but visitors should check with their guide or monastery staff for any specific restrictions or rules. Some areas may have limited or no photography permitted to respect the religious nature of the site.
How Much Cash Should I Carry for the Tour?
The tour includes entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park, which cost €10 per person in cash. Guests should carry sufficient cash to cover this admission fee and any additional personal expenses they may have during the tour.
Recap
This enriching day tour offers travelers a chance to explore the historic and spiritual significance of St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Before enjoying a delightful lunch by the stunning Red Sea in Dahab, you will explore the rich history of the monastery.
With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide, and a small group size, this tour promises an immersive and personalized experience amidst Egypt’s remarkable landscapes.
