Sharm El-Sheikh: St. Katherine Monastery Full-Day Cultural Tour

Saint Katherine's Monastery is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world, founded in the 6th century AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian at the foot of Mount Sinai — the very mountain where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses one of the world's most important collections of early Christian manuscripts and icons, second only to the Vatican Library. This full-day guided tour from Sharm El-Sheikh transports you by air-conditioned coach through the dramatic landscape of the South Sinai mountains, arriving in time for the monastery's visiting hours. A knowledgeable Christian heritage guide leads you through the monastery grounds: the fortified outer walls that have protected the community for 1,500 years, the ancient Burning Bush (still alive and growing, according to the monks), the Basilica of the Transfiguration with its magnificent 6th-century mosaics, and the monastery's celebrated icon collection. Time is allowed to explore the surrounding mountain landscape and visit the small mosque within the monastery walls. A traditional packed lunch is served in the mountain setting. Return to Sharm in the late afternoon.