St. Catherine & Moses Mountain Sunrise Bus Tour with Breakfast

If you’re visiting Sharm el Sheikh and craving a blend of spirituality, history, and stunning vistas, this St. Catherine & Moses Mountain Sunrise Bus Tour might just be what you’re looking for. It offers a full-day journey that takes you from the comfort of your hotel to the legendary Mount Sinai, where you’ll witness a sunrise that’s been inspiring pilgrims and travelers alike for centuries.

What’s particularly appealing about this tour are three things: the opportunity to stand atop Moses Mountain at dawn, the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed St. Catherine Monastery, and the surprisingly affordable price point of just $5 per person. Plus, the scenic drive through Sinai’s rugged landscape adds to the overall experience.

However, one potential drawback to consider is the hurried pace during the monastery visit, which some reviewers felt didn’t allow enough time to fully appreciate the site. This is a common challenge when balancing a packed itinerary with the desire to soak in every detail.

This tour caters best to those who love a mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking views, and are comfortable with early mornings and brisk sightseeing. If you’re looking for a value-packed experience that combines culture and awe-inspiring scenery, this might be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $5 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the sights and experiences included.
• Stunning Sunrise: Witnessing the sunrise atop Moses Mountain is described as a breathtaking and spiritual highlight.
• Historical Insight: Visiting St. Catherine Monastery provides a glimpse into centuries-old religious history and relics.
• Comfortable Transport: The trip includes air-conditioned pickup and drop-off, making the long day more comfortable.
• Limited Time at Monastery: Some reviews mention feeling rushed during the monastery visit, so plan accordingly.
• Moderate Physical Activity: The hike to Moses Mountain requires a moderate fitness level, but it’s manageable with guidance.

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Drive to Sinai

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup around 8:00 pm, allowing for a restful start to your early adventure. Your group, capped at about 20 travelers, boards an air-conditioned vehicle for the approximately 2.5-hour drive from Sharm el Sheikh to Sinai. The journey offers scenic views of desert landscapes and mountains—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the vast, quiet beauty of the region.

This part of the trip is quite straightforward, which is a relief after some of the more hectic tours. You’re likely to appreciate the quiet comfort of the bus, especially considering the early start.

Climbing Moses Mountain at Dawn

Once you arrive at the base of Moses Mountain, the real fun begins. The guided hike up the mountain takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace. According to reviewers, the hike itself is quite good, with some describing it as a memorable part of the experience. The trail can be steep in sections, so moderate fitness is recommended, but guides are there to assist.

The highlight? Reaching the summit just in time for sunrise, offering panoramic views over the Sinai desert. Many describe this as a breathtaking moment, with the early morning light casting a golden hue over the rugged landscape. It’s a chance to stand where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments—an undeniably powerful experience.

Reviewers like Karol_M mentioned that the hiking was very good, though the overall experience might be marred slightly by the timing at other stops. Still, the sunrise is a major draw, and most agree it’s worth waking up early for.

Exploring St. Catherine Monastery

After descending Moses Mountain, the tour continues to the famous St. Catherine Monastery, built by Byzantine emperor Justinian I. This UNESCO World Heritage Site not only holds religious relics but also contains what is claimed to be the burning bush seen by Moses.

The visit here lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Some travelers, however, felt the sightseeing was a bit rushed, with little time to fully explore the monastery’s nooks and crannies. One reviewer expressed disappointment, stating, “Sightseeing of the monastery was done in a hurry, there was no time to enjoy the place.”

Despite this, most appreciate the chance to see the relics of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose body was believed to be found nearby, making the monastery an important pilgrimage site. The old architecture, religious artifacts, and tranquil atmosphere make it a fascinating stop.

Breakfast and Scenic Drive

On the bus, a gourmet breakfast is served, typically consisting of waffles and juice, providing a quick but appreciated energy boost before the day’s activities. The included water helps keep everyone hydrated, especially considering the desert heat and physical exertion.

The drive from Sinai to Dahab for a quick city tour is an added bonus—offering more scenic views and a taste of local culture. While not the star of the tour, it enriches the overall experience, giving a glimpse into life beyond the main sightseeing spots.

Additional Cost Considerations

While the tour covers most of the big highlights, a few extras aren’t included. For example, a camel ride is available but not part of the package, and an additional government value-added tax of five Egyptian pounds per person is payable in cash at the monastery.

It’s also good to note that admission tickets to Mount Sinai are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget extra if you plan to explore further on your own.

Authentic Feedback and Insights

Some travelers had mixed experiences. One reviewer found the breakfast to be quite modest, describing it as “just a small package of waffles and juice.” This might be a minor complaint, but it’s worth considering if you’re expecting a substantial meal before the hike.

Another pointed out that the hiking was the best part, but the rest of the experience felt rushed. The takeaway? If you love active mornings and don’t mind tight schedules, you’ll likely enjoy the trip; if you prefer to linger longer at sites, this tour might feel hurried.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers tremendous value for anyone eager to see the spiritual heart of Sinai without breaking the bank. The sunrise at Moses Mountain is genuinely awe-inspiring and makes for unforgettable memories, especially for those who appreciate natural beauty and historical significance.

The visit to St. Catherine Monastery adds a layer of cultural richness, even if the time spent there isn’t very long. The included breakfast, comfortable transportation, and small group size make for an enjoyable, manageable day trip.

However, if history and site exploration are your top priorities, be prepared for some quick visits. Those who love active experiences and are okay with early mornings will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Overall, it’s a well-organized, affordable, and memorable adventure that combines natural splendor with a sense of spiritual history—an authentic taste of Sinai’s magic.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who appreciates spectacular views at sunrise, enjoys a bit of physical activity, and wants a cost-effective way to see Mount Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery, this trip is ideal. It’s especially suitable for those comfortable with moderate hiking, early mornings, and quick sightseeing.

This tour is less suited for travelers who prefer slow-paced exploration or want more time to fully soak in each site. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious adventurers hungry for a memorable experience without fuss.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, making the long day comfortable.

What time does the tour start? Pickup is around 8:00 pm, with the whole journey lasting approximately 12 hours.

Do I need to be physically fit? A moderate level of fitness is recommended due to the hike up Moses Mountain. The hike itself is manageable with guidance.

Are meals included? A basic breakfast of waffles and juice is included on the bus. Lunch or other meals are not part of the package.

How long is the drive from Sharm el Sheikh to Sinai? The transfer takes about 2.5 hours each way.

Are there any additional costs? Yes, a small government tax of five Egyptian pounds per person is payable in cash at the monastery. Admission to Mount Sinai is not included in the price.

Can I customize the experience? The tour is scheduled with a set itinerary and group size, so customization options are limited, but the small group setting allows some flexibility.

This tour truly combines natural beauty, history, and spirituality into a compact, affordable package—perfect for those who want to see Sinai’s highlights with ease.