Saint Catherine Monastery Overday
Saint Catherine’s Monastery stands on the site where, according to tradition, Moses saw the burning bush, and dates back to the 6th century AD. Still occupied today by monks following the Greek Orthodox liturgy, it is one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. You start early on a three-hour journey through the Sinai desert and mountains to the heart of the peninsula. At the monastery you visit Moses’ Well, the ornately decorated basilica, the Chapel of the Burning Bush and the museum with its impressive collection of icons and manuscripts. The monastery closes at noon for prayers, after which you drive back to Sharm El Sheikh.
$65 per adult
Tour Highlights
- ★ One of the oldest continuously working monasteries in the world
- ★ See the Chapel of the Burning Bush and Moses’ Well
- ★ Museum of icons and manuscripts
- ★ Spectacular three-hour drive through the Sinai mountains
Duration
Approximately 8 to 11 hours
✅ What’s Included
- ✓ Private professional tour guide
- ✓ Entrance fees for the museum inside the monastery and the protectorate
- ✓ Set-menu lunch
- ✓ Hotel transfers
❌ Not Included
- ❌ Any alcoholic beverages
- ❌ Personal expenses and tips
Pricing
Price per adult (USD)
| Vehicle | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Hi-Ace | $230 | $130 | $90 | $70 | $65 |
| Luxury vehicle (Mercedes E200 or Kia Carnival) | $455 | $260 | $195 | $130 | — |
Prices are in US Dollars per adult, subject to service charge and tax.
Children Policy
Children from 4 to 12 years old: $75 per child. Children under 4 years old: free.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation within 24 hours of the tour start subtracts 75% cancellation fees from the total settled payment.
What to Bring
- • Passport (or a clear photo of it)
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
- • Cash for personal expenses and tips
- • Camera or phone with spare battery
- • Modest clothing: shoulders and knees covered
- • A light jacket
Important Notes
- • Operates every day except Fridays and Sundays, and on announced monastery closure dates
- • Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance
- • The monastery closes at 12:00 noon to visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the tour not available on Fridays and Sundays?
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is an active Greek Orthodox monastery and is closed to visitors on Fridays, Sundays and Orthodox feast days. We only operate on the days it is open.
What are the monastery’s visiting hours?
Visitors are generally admitted in the morning until around 12:00 noon, when the monastery closes for prayers and the monks return to monastic life. Our timetable is built around these hours.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect for the monastery. Women are welcome and no headscarf is required inside the monastery, but one is useful in the chapel.
Can I also climb Mount Sinai on this tour?
No this tour is the monastery visit only. If you want to climb Mount Sinai, book our Mount Sinai Hiking tour, which includes both the climb and the monastery.
How long is the drive?
Approximately three hours each way from Sharm El Sheikh through desert and mountain scenery, making the full day around 8 to 11 hours.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entrance to the monastery grounds and museum is included, along with protectorate fees, your guide, lunch and all transfers.
