Mt. Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery Tour from Aqaba

One of the most famous Christian shrines is located on the Sinai Peninsula, on Mount Sinai, or as it is more commonly called Mount Moses. According to legend, Moses led the Jews to Mount Sinai, where God was to appear to them in three days. When the appointed day arrived, “Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the Lord descended on it in fire; and smoke ascended from her like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. And the sound of the trumpet became stronger and stronger. Moses spoke and God answered him.” And God gave Moses ten commandments, which the people of God were to keep.

The true place of the mountain on which God spoke with Moses is unknown, but believers began to worship the current Mount Sinai from the 4th century to become a traditional place of pilgrimage. Due to the fact that the mountain is located 2285 meters above sea level, it is much cooler on its top, especially in the wee hours, and when going to meet the dawn on Mount Sinai, tourists are advised to dress very warmly.

There are two routes to climb the mountain – the “Pilgrim’s Way”, which is shorter but more difficult, consisting of 3,750 steps carved into the rock by a grieving monk. Climbing this road is not easy, but pilgrims usually prefer it. The second route, laid out by the Egyptian authorities in the 19th century, is easier, but longer, and it can even be partially ridden on camels offered by local Bedouins. The ascent along the longer trail usually takes about three hours.

Sunrise on the top of Mount Moses is a fantastically beautiful sight and it is believed that God forgives the sins of those who ascended Sinai and met the dawn here. The first rays of the sun paint the surrounding mountains with a variety of colors, from pale pink to lilac-gold and all you have to do is to lay down and relax after a three-hour journey, focus on your thoughts, meditate, pray, or simply admire the generous palette of colors of the rising sun. The stunningly beautiful sunrise is a delight for the eyes, and the difficulty of the road to the top is the purity of the soul and heart – all this is a reward for those who have been on Mount Moses!

On the way down the mountain, you will find the most famous and one of the oldest monasteries in Egypt – St. Catherine.
Empress Helena donated money to a charitable cause – the construction of a chapel at the foot of the mountain, which was later turned into a monastery by Emperor Justinian.
At first it was called the Monastery of the Burning Bush, because it is here that the bush from which God appeared to Moses grows, but later the monks acquired the relics of St. Catherine of Alexandria, and the monastery took her name.
You will see and learn the history of the biblical artifacts included in the complex of the monastery: the thorn bush and the chapel of the Burning Bush, the Well of Moses, as well as the Basilica of the Transfiguration – the main temple of the monastery, the crypt and the cemetery, the library and the monastery garden.

Warmth, peace and tranquility embrace everyone who crosses the threshold of the monastery.

Tour Highlights

Jordan, Egypt, Sinai Peninsula, Mount Moses, St. Catherine Monastery, Aqaba, Taba Heights

The program includes

Transfers by car to / from Aqaba port.
Transfers to / from Marina Taba.
Ferry tickets Aqaba – Taba – Aqaba.
1 night on BB basis in a hotel in Taba.
Pick up from your hotel in Taba.
English-speaking guide.
Entrance fees to the sites
A bottle of mineral water to each person.
All taxes and services charges.

The program does not include

Tips & personal expenses.
Visa fees and Departure tax.
Anything not listed in the “includes”.

What to bring on a tour

Passport.
Drinking water.
Warm clothing.
Comfortable shoes for the season: boots or sneakers.
Women are required to wear a headdress or headscarf.
Women wearing trousers are allowed to visit the Temples.
Money for purchases of drinks or for personal expenses.
Photo and video equipment.
Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting holy places such as St. Catherine Monastery.

Changes overview

The itinerary may change due to unanticipated circumstances, factors beyond our control, or at the guide’s discretion.

Important notes

Staying Healthy
The time frame for this tour is approximate and subject to change according to the client’s preference.
The tour itinerary is subject to change due to factors beyond our control and event of unforeseen circumstances or at the guide’s discretion.
In the event of an increase in fuel prices, Via Jordan Travel & Tours reserves the right to raise the prices for its services without prior notice.
Optional excursions and activities are subject to availability.
Optional special private vehicles available upon request.
Copies of your passports are required in advance to issue port permits (if needed).
You need to take your passport or a good quality photocopy of it with you.
Reservations made less than 20 working days before the start of the service may be subject to change.
Your booking is confirmed only upon the provision of 50% prepayment.
Using sufficient amount of sun protection lotion is essential for avoiding sun burn.