Mount Moses (Sunrise) & St. Catherine Monastery From Dahab

Nestled in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula, Mount Moses and the St. Catherine Monastery offer a captivating blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage. Departing from Dahab, this guided tour promises an unforgettable experience as you ascend the sacred mountain to witness the breathtaking sunrise, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-listed monastery renowned for its impressive architecture and religious artifacts. Led by a knowledgeable Bedouin guide, this small group excursion provides an intimate exploration, inviting you to learn about the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. What secrets and surprises await as you embark on this extraordinary journey?

Key Points

• This tour combines a sunrise hike up Mount Moses with a visit to the historic St. Catherine Monastery, both located near Dahab, Egypt.
• The tour includes round-trip transfers, entrance fees, and a museum visit, offering a comprehensive experience.
• Travelers will witness a stunning sunrise from the top of Mount Moses, followed by an exploration of the architecturally and culturally significant St. Catherine Monastery.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable Bedouin guide and has a small group size, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.
• Moderate fitness is recommended for the strenuous Mount Moses climb, and participants should be prepared with appropriate gear and supplies.

Tour Overview

Explore the enchanting combination of Mount Moses and St. Catherine Monastery on this captivating tour from Dahab.

Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise at Mount Moses, followed by a visit to the historic St. Catherine Monastery. This full-day excursion provides a personalized experience in a small group setting, led by a knowledgeable Bedouin guide.

Enjoy scenic views along the route and gain insight into the cultural and religious significance of these iconic sites.

With round-trip transfers, entrance fees, and a museum visit included, this tour offers a hassle-free way to discover the region’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage.

Itinerary and Highlights

This captivating tour begins with a guided walk led by a Bedouin guide to the sunrise viewpoint atop Mount Moses.

Witness the stunning natural beauty as the sun rises over the surrounding landscape. After taking in the breathtaking views, the group will visit the historic St. Catherine Monastery.

This sacred site, nestled at the foot of Mount Moses, boasts impressive architecture and religious artifacts. Along the way, travelers will enjoy scenic vistas along the route, creating an unforgettable experience.

With a small group size, this tour provides a more personalized and immersive encounter with the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transfers from Dahab hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle. Visitors will also enjoy the entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park and a museum room ticket. To assist with the ascent, a Bedouin guide will be provided during the mountain climb. While food and any extras not mentioned are excluded, the tour offers a comprehensive experience.

Included	Not Included
Transfers	Food
Air-conditioned vehicle	Extras
Park entrance fees
Museum ticket
Bedouin guide

Logistics

The tour begins with pickup from Dahab hotels at 10:30 PM.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, as the tour isn’t suitable for travelers with back problems.

The duration and intensity of the hike to the sunrise viewpoint may pose challenges for some participants, so it’s essential to consider one’s physical capabilities before booking the tour.

Pricing and Reviews

At $48.00 per person, the tour’s pricing is fairly reasonable. Given the inclusions, such as round-trip transfers, entrance fees, and a Bedouin guide, the value is quite good.

It’s also noteworthy that the group size is limited to 15 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

The tour has received excellent reviews, with a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor. Customers have praised the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and overall organization of the experience.

However, it’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable, so travelers should be confident in their booking before committing.

Preparing for the Climb

Travelers embarking on the Mount Moses climb must come prepared for the challenge. The trek up the mountain isn’t suitable for those with back problems or limited physical fitness. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as the climb can be strenuous.

Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must, and layered clothing is advised to account for the changing temperatures. Bringing snacks, water, and a flashlight is also essential. The early start time of 10:30 PM means hikers should be ready to depart from their Dahab hotels on time.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the small group size ensures a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable Bedouin guide.

Exploring St. Catherine Monastery

After witnessing the breathtaking sunrise from the summit of Mount Moses, the tour group descends to explore the historic St. Catherine Monastery.

This iconic Orthodox Christian monastery dates back to the 6th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The group enters through the impressive gateway, admiring the impressive architecture and religious relics.

They visit the Burning Bush Chapel, where, according to tradition, God appeared to Moses. The museum rooms showcase a vast collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, and icons, providing a captivating glimpse into the monastery’s rich history and spiritual significance.

The tour offers a chance to take in the timeless beauty and significance of this sacred site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it recommends a moderate physical fitness level and may not be suitable for travelers with back problems or young children. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any age restrictions.

Can I Purchase This Tour at the Last Minute?

Yes, travelers can likely purchase this tour at the last minute, as the tour description does not mention any advance purchase requirements. However, availability may be limited, so booking ahead is recommended to secure a spot on the tour.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed throughout the tour, though visitors should follow any specific instructions from the guide or at the sites. Some areas may have restrictions due to cultural or religious sensitivities.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Include Other Activities?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include other activities. Travelers can inquire about customizing the itinerary to incorporate additional sights or experiences based on their interests and availability. The tour operator is typically open to such requests.

Can I Request a Specific Pick-Up Location in Dahab?

Yes, travelers can request a specific pick-up location in Dahab for the tour. The tour operator will accommodate this request and provide round-trip transfers from the desired location to ensure a convenient start to the excursion.

The Sum Up

This guided tour from Dahab offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Mount Moses and the historical significance of St. Catherine Monastery. Witnessing the sunrise from the summit of Mount Moses and exploring the UNESCO-listed monastery provide an intimate and enriching cultural experience. Led by a knowledgeable Bedouin guide, this small group tour is an excellent way to discover the natural and architectural wonders of the region.