St. Catherine's Monastery and Dahab - from Sharm El Sheikh (all inclusive)
About this experience
According to legend, the body of St. Catherine, after being martyred for her faith, was transported by angels to the highest peak of the Sinai Mountains. Three centuries later, the monks of the Sinai Monastery found her body and buried it in a sarcophagus. Since then, the monastery has been named after the martyr. You will be able to visit there: touch the relics and see the places associated with the prophet Moses and his first steps on the Christian path.
What to expect
Around 05:30 we will depart from your hotel for the morning service at the Basilica of the Transfiguration, located within the territory of St. Catherine's Monastery. The road passes through the desert and picturesque mountains and takes about 3 hours.
After the service, you will see:
- The Burning Bush (mentioned in the Book of Exodus), in the flames of which the Lord appeared to Moses and called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land. The sacred bush was moved to the inner courtyard of the monastery, and a chapel of the Annunciation, or the Burning Bush, was erected on the site where it grew.
- Moses' Well, located north of the Basilica of the Transfiguration. It is considered the well where Moses met the seven daughters of the Midianite priest Reuel. The spring still supplies water to the monastery.
- The monastery's library, which is second only to the Vatican in the number of relics stored in it: over 2000 icons (including early Christian ones), bells, church utensils, books, and manuscripts in ancient languages.
- The crypt (ossuary), cemetery, and monastery garden. The cemetery houses the Chapel of St. Tryphon, and the garden is connected to the monastery by an ancient underground passage still in use. The garden grows vegetables and fruits for the monastery's table. One terrace is dedicated to an olive grove, providing the monastery with fresh oil.
After a rich tour of the monastery, you will head to the city of Dahab on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba. You will relax on the coast, have lunch at an authentic restaurant, and have the opportunity to buy souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.
We will return to Sharm El Sheikh around 17:00.
Organizational details
- Includes: transfer in a comfortable minivan, guide services, entrance tickets, lunch in Dahab
- Tour can be organized for a larger number of people (up to 8 participants). Extra charge for each person - €40.
- After booking, you need to send us a photo of the passport spread to arrange permission to visit locations on the route
- The tour will be conducted by me or another guide from our team
