Overnight Tour to St Catherine & Moses Mount from Sharm
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Join our overnight tour to St Catherine & Moses Mount from Sharm. Limited availability, reserve your spot now!
Experience one of Egypt’s most powerful spiritual journeys on this Overnight Tour to St Catherine & Moses Mount from Sharm El Sheikh, where desert silence, ancient faith, and sunrise magic come together at the summit of Mount Sinai.
Travel overnight across the dramatic Sinai Peninsula to reach the sacred peak known as Moses Mountain (2,285 meters above sea level). Climb beneath a sky full of stars, following the historic pilgrimage route to the summit where generations have watched the sun rise over the Red Sea mountains.
After descending, visit the legendary St Catherine Monastery — one of the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries and home to priceless religious icons and biblical history.
This carefully coordinated Sinai overnight tour includes comfortable round-trip transfers from Sharm, professional guidance, and a well-paced hiking experience designed for both adventure seekers and spiritual travelers.
🔹 Tour at a Glance
- 📍 Departure: Sharm El Sheikh
- ⏳ Duration: Approx. 18–20 Hours (Overnight)
- 🏔 Climb Difficulty: Moderate (2–3 hour ascent)
- 🌅 Highlight: Mount Sinai Sunrise Experience
- 🕍 Visit: St Catherine Monastery
- 🚐 Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle
- 👣 Optional: Camel ride for part of the ascent
Licensed local guides
Egypt-born, Ministry-licensed — not tour leaders passing through.
100% private
Your group only — your pace, your interests.
Free tailored planning
A day-by-day plan within 24 hours, revised until right.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day-by-day plan — 100% private, fully tailored, revised until right.
Day 1
Departure and Journey to Saint Catherine
Departure and Journey to Saint Catherine
begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. A friendly guide ensures a smooth start as you embark on a scenic drive through the Sinai Peninsula towards Saint Catherine. The journey offers breathtaking desert landscapes, lasting about two hours.
Upon arrival at Moses Mountain (Jebel Moussa), your guide shares a brief history of the area. As the sun begins to set, you embark on an evening hike to the summit. The well-marked trail accommodates all fitness levels, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Reach the summit just in time to witness a stunning sunset over the Sinai Mountains—a perfect moment for photos and reflection. After sunset, descend to a nearby campsite where you'll spend the night under the stars, enjoying the tranquility of the desert.
Overnight in campsite
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Saint Catherine Monastery and Return to Sharm El Sheikh
Saint Catherine Monastery and Return to Sharm El Sheikh
starts with an early wake-up call to catch the spectacular sunrise from Moses Mountain. Breakfast is served at the campsite, allowing you to relax and absorb the serene atmosphere.
Post breakfast, your guide takes you to explore the renowned Saint Catherine Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries globally. Discover its striking architecture, lush gardens, and historical artifacts, including the famous Burning Bush.
After exploring the monastery and its museum, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or with a packed meal. Take leisure time to explore the monastery surroundings or shop for souvenirs.
In the afternoon, your driver returns you to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, where you can unwind and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past two days.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
What’s included
Everything below is arranged, paid and covered by your quote. What sits outside is what you'd normally handle yourself.
Always included
- Private Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off
- All Ground Transportation
- Professional Local Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Complimentary Bottled Water
- Full Travel Support
- All Taxes & Service Charges
Arranged separately
- Egypt Entry Visa
- Tipping (Gratuities)
Traveler reviews
60+ verified reviews across Google & TripAdvisor for tours operated by Egypt Planners.
"A fabulous vacation, mostly thanks to Maro’s planning. Our 8-day private tour covered the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and a Nile cruise. Our Cairo guide Maii was knowledgeable and friendly, and our cruise guide Abdo took great care of us throughout."
"Nothing short of exceptional. Every question was answered promptly and the whole custom trip was planned with impressive attention to detail. As a mom travelling with my two daughters, we felt completely safe, respected and well cared for at all times."
"From tailoring the itinerary to being dropped at the airport, everything went amazingly thanks to Maro and his team. Our Cairo guide Maii was fantastic, and Amir shared his knowledge beautifully from Luxor to Aswan. An unforgettable experience."
"We did a family private tour — Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Hurghada — and strongly recommend Maro and his team. Communication was excellent at any time and the package very competitive. We kept to the itinerary with all inclusions and no extra charge."
"A French family with two young children. Maro designed a trip exactly as we had imagined — extremely available and responsive throughout. The guides took our young kids into account and showed us incredible places off the beaten track."
"A great trip to remember a lifetime! We travelled as a three-generation group of seven with many special requests, and they replanned several times until the itinerary met our ideas in detail. A very competent, friendly guide throughout."
Choose your package
Choose your comfort level — all packages are 100% private with transport, a licensed local guide and the hotels/cruise below. Prices are per person, indicative for October–April — your exact quote (with named hotels) is confirmed on enquiry.
Prices are per person for October–April, standard season. Christmas & New Year peak-season pricing available on request — ask on WhatsApp or use the form.
Why book with Egypt Tours by Locals
Licensed local guides
Egypt-born, Ministry-licensed guides — not tour leaders passing through.
100% private
Your group only — your pace, your interests.
All transfers & domestic flights
Every airport, hotel and internal flight handled end to end.
Hand-picked hotels
Comfortable, well-located hotels chosen for each city.
24/7 Cairo support
A real local team reachable by phone and WhatsApp all trip.
Tailor-made
Adjusted to your dates, budget and must-sees — revised until right.
Booking & policy
Payment
- 30% deposit confirms dates
- Balance due 60 days before departure
- Any major currency
- Itemised quote — no hidden fees
Cancellation
- ≥45 days: full refund
- 30–44 days: 50% refund
- <30 days: non-refundable — insurance advised
Children
- 0–2: free · 2–5: 25%
- 6–11: 50%
- 12+: full adult price
Good to know
Flexible Payment & Transparent Pricing
- Tour Prices: Quoted in USD per person. Payment accepted in any major currency.
- Inclusions: All packages include accommodations, domestic flights, guided tours, Nile cruise, entrance fees (as per itinerary), and local support.
- Validity: Prices apply from October to April and exclude Christmas & New Year peak periods.
- Price Adjustments: Subject to change due to airline tax increases, hotel rate changes, or local government fees.
- Not Included: International flights, travel insurance, and Egypt entry visa (~$25 on arrival).
💡 Tip: Ask us for price-lock options or to reserve your package at current rates.
🤝 Easy Booking Terms
- Only 30% Down to Confirm: Reserve your space with a small deposit covering hotels, Nile cruise cabins, and domestic flights.
- Flexible Balance Payment: Pay the rest up to 48 hours before arrival, or settle on arrival in cash with your tour manager.
✅ No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
Tipping in Egypt – What to Expect
Tipping is not included in your package — but it's an important part of Egyptian hospitality. While not mandatory, it is appreciated by drivers, guides, cruise staff, and service workers.
Suggested Guidelines:
- Guide: $10–15 per day per traveler
- Driver: $3–5 per day
- Cruise Crew (shared tip box): ~$5–10/day
We’ll provide a detailed tipping guide in your welcome packet to make it stress-free.
Optional Extras & Additional Costs
Not included but available on request:
- Entry to special sites: Inside the Great Pyramid, Tomb of Tutankhamun, Mummies Room at Egyptian Museum.
- Optional upgrades: Hot air balloon ride, Nubian village visit, sound & light shows, spa treatments.
- Alcoholic beverages, personal snacks, souvenirs.
- Extra accommodation due to unforeseen weather or flight delays (rare, but not covered).
💡 Ask your tour manager to help arrange optional experiences locally.
Sinai Safety & Travel Coordination
The Sinai region operates under coordinated tourism security protocols. Checkpoints are routine and part of standard procedure. Traveling with an experienced tour operator ensures:
- Proper route timing
- Licensed driver
- Local coordination
This structured process allows for a safe and smooth overnight journey from Sharm El Sheikh.
Best Time to Climb Mount Sinai
The most comfortable months:
- October to April (cooler climbing conditions)
- Winter months offer crisp air but colder summit temperatures
Summer climbs are possible but significantly warmer during descent.
Questions about this tour
Is Mount Sinai difficult to climb?
The climb is considered moderate. The ascent typically takes 2–3 hours at a steady pace. Most travelers with average fitness can complete it comfortably. Camels are available for much of the route (except the final 750 steps near the summit), offering flexibility for those who prefer reduced effort.
Is Mount Sinai safe for tourists?
Yes. The Sinai region operates under coordinated tourism security procedures. Routes are monitored, and travel is conducted with licensed drivers and experienced local guides. Security checkpoints along the road are normal and part of standard tourism operations.
What time does the Mount Sinai climb start?
Departure from Sharm El Sheikh is usually late evening. The climb begins around midnight to ensure arrival at the summit before sunrise. Exact timing varies slightly depending on season and sunrise hour.
What should I wear for the overnight climb?
Layered clothing is essential. Even in warmer months, summit temperatures before sunrise can be cold and windy. We recommend:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Lightweight scarf
- Modest clothing for monastery visit
How high is Mount Sinai?
Mount Sinai (also called Moses Mountain) rises to approximately 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level. The elevation offers sweeping views of the Sinai desert and surrounding mountains at sunrise.
When is the best time to do this tour?
The most comfortable months are October through April, when temperatures are cooler. Winter climbs offer crisp desert air but require warmer clothing. Summer tours are available but can be warmer during descent.
