Mount Sinai

Description

Mount Moses or Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery from Sharm El Sheikh is an amazing opportunity to witness the sunrise at Mount Moses, to experience spiritual purification, and to touch the holy relics at one of the world’s oldest monasteries, which is mentioned in the Bible. Departure from Sharm el-Sheikh is around 20:00. After about two and a half hours of travel, Mount Sinai will be in front of you, and you will undertake a pilgrimage ascent. An experienced guide will assist you in reaching the summit of Mount Sinai at an altitude of 2285 meters. Mount Sinai and the view from its summit are attractions in themselves. The view is beautiful and definitely worth the effort expended. The total distance is about 7 km. The ascent to the summit will take no more than 3 hours. Numerous groups of pilgrims ascend Mount Sinai to witness the sunrise and receive divine blessings and purification.

1st option: Gentle serpentine trail, followed by a climb of 750 steps. Finally, after a three-hour journey, you can settle at the summit, focus on your thoughts, say a prayer, or simply enjoy the sunrise. Just imagine – Mount Moses is the place where God handed down the commandments to Moses for the children of Israel (the 10 Commandments). Tradition has it that those who have made the arduous journey to Mount Sinai and witnessed the sunrise at its summit will receive forgiveness for their sins.

2nd option: If you feel that you may not be able to climb the mountain on your own, you can rent a camel from the Bedouins for $15. After witnessing the sunrise, you will descend from the mountain and visit the Monastery of St. Catherine. The monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, is named after Saint Catherine, who was martyred for her Christian faith. You will see and learn about the history of the biblical artifacts within the monastery complex, such as the Burning Bush and the Chapel of the Unburnt Bush, Moses’ Well, the Basilica of the Transfiguration (the main church of the monastery), the crypt, the cemetery, the library, and the monastery’s garden. The Greek Orthodox Monastery was constructed between 548 and 565 AD and has never been destroyed throughout its history. Its heritage has preserved its original appearance through the millennia. According to tradition, it is located at the very place where the Burning Bush, the “Unburnt Bush,” appeared to Moses, calling him to lead the “Children of Israel” out of Egypt to the Promised Land. This sacred bush was later transplanted a few meters into the inner courtyard of the monastery, and a chapel of the Annunciation with a silver star marking the spot where the roots of the bush emerged from the ground was built on its original location. Undoubtedly, you will be enchanted by the beauty and grandeur of these sacred places. After touring the monastery, breakfast will be provided. Return to the hotel around 14:00.

Included:

• Transfers from the hotel and back
• All transfers on the route
• English speaking guide
• Mountain guide
• Breakfast
• Tour of the monastery
• Flashlight

Not included:

• Visiting the icon museum in the monastery
• Drinks
• Ascent and descent from the mountain on camels – optional

Take with you:

• Passport (original) and one passport copy
• Lunch box (order a lunch box one day before your excursion at the hotel reception, it’s your choice)
• Warm clothing
• We recommend that when visiting sacred places, you should wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Visiting by women
• In temples, wearing pants is allowed. Women are required to wear a head covering or scarf.
• Camera, Photographer
• Money for: purchasing drinks, buying souvenirs, and personal expenses.
• Sports shoes
• Water
• Sunglasses