Overview
Overview – 2 Days in Saint Catherine
This short but soul-stirring journey into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula takes you to one of the most sacred and scenic corners of the country. Over two days, you will witness the sunrise from the summit of Mount Sinai, visit the ancient Monastery of Saint Catherine, and experience the peaceful rhythms of life in a remote desert town. Whether you come for spiritual reflection, historical curiosity, or the pure beauty of the landscape, Saint Catherine offers a unique blend of serenity and wonder.
Day 1 – Arrival in Saint Catherine
Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the Sinai Desert. Whether departing from Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, or Dahab, the road to Saint Catherine offers ever-changing views — from wide, flat plains to jagged mountain ranges painted in shades of red and brown. Along the way, you may spot small Bedouin settlements and roadside stalls selling tea and handicrafts, giving you a glimpse into the local way of life.
By the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Saint Catherine town, a quiet settlement nestled at the base of Mount Sinai. Check into your simple but comfortable hotel or lodge, surrounded by the cool, crisp mountain air. The town’s atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with far fewer crowds than Egypt’s major cities.
After a hearty dinner, it’s time to rest early — tomorrow’s adventure begins in the stillness of night, long before sunrise.
Day 2 – Mount Sinai Sunrise & Saint Catherine Monastery
In the early hours of the morning, usually around 2:00–3:00 AM, you set out with a local Bedouin guide to climb Mount Sinai, known in Arabic as Jebel Musa (“Mountain of Moses”). This is the mountain traditionally believed to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments, making it a sacred destination for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.
There are two main routes to the top:
The Camel Path — a longer, gradual slope suitable for most fitness levels.
The Steps of Repentance — over 3,700 stone steps carved centuries ago by monks, offering a steeper, more challenging climb.
As you ascend under a star-filled sky, the silence of the desert is broken only by the crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional greeting from other climbers. Upon reaching the 2,285-meter summit, the real magic begins. The eastern horizon glows faintly, then bursts into gold, pink, and crimson as the sun rises over the rugged Sinai mountains. The sight is breathtaking — a sweeping view of valleys and peaks bathed in the first light of day. Many visitors describe this moment as deeply peaceful and spiritually uplifting.
After taking in the views and capturing some photographs, you begin your descent back down the mountain. At the base, you’ll find the Monastery of Saint Catherine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continually inhabited Christian monasteries in the world.
Inside the Monastery
Founded in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the monastery is built around the site of the Burning Bush mentioned in the Book of Exodus. Within its high stone walls, you’ll discover:
The Chapel of the Burning Bush, where a living bush is believed to grow from the very spot where God spoke to Moses.
The Basilica of the Transfiguration, adorned with a remarkable 6th-century mosaic depicting Christ’s transfiguration.
The Monastery Library, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient manuscripts, second only to the Vatican’s.
The atmosphere inside the monastery is one of quiet reverence, with centuries of history and devotion lingering in the air.
Return & Departure
After your monastery visit, enjoy a well-earned breakfast in the town, perhaps accompanied by sweet Bedouin tea. You may have time for a short walk through Saint Catherine’s peaceful streets or to browse small shops selling local handicrafts.
By late morning or early afternoon, it’s time to begin the journey back to your starting point — whether that’s Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, or Dahab. The drive out offers one last look at the dramatic landscapes of the Sinai Desert, a reminder of the region’s raw and enduring beauty.
