St Catherine Monastery and Colored Canyon Jeep Tour

Duration: 12–13 hours
Style: Private Tour
From, per person: $110

This full-day jeep trip from Sharm El Sheikh crosses the rocky heart of South Sinai to two of its best-known places: St Catherine's Monastery, at the foot of the mountain that tradition links with Moses, and the Colored Canyon, a narrow gorge whose sandstone walls glow in shades of brown, red and yellow.

The monastery is among the oldest Christian monasteries still in use and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a long history of pilgrims and scholars. The canyon is a very different experience: a short walk through tight passages where light and mineral colors change the walls every few steps. Between them lie desert tracks, mountain views and the Bedouin landscape of Sinai.

After the visits you stop for a late lunch in the seaside town of Dahab and have time to stroll its main street before the drive back to Sharm El Sheikh. The day is long, so it suits guests who enjoy scenery, history and a little adventure, and who are happy to spend many hours on the road.

Narrow red sandstone walls of the Colored Canyon in South Sinai

Your itinerary

01

St Catherine's Monastery, Colored Canyon and lunch in Dahab

Your guide and driver collect you early from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel for the long drive into the interior of South Sinai. The route climbs through bare granite mountains toward St Catherine.

At St Catherine's Monastery you spend time with your guide walking the grounds and hearing its story, including the bush that tradition identifies with the burning bush. The monastery has set visiting hours, so your guide plans the timing around them. Mount Moses rises above it, and your guide explains what is possible on the day.

Then you continue by jeep to the Colored Canyon and walk through its narrow, striped sandstone passages.

A late lunch in Dahab follows, with time on the town's main street, before you return to Sharm El Sheikh.
Lunch

Included

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh
Jeep and private air-conditioned vehicle transfers
Guide in your language
Entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
Lunch at a local restaurant in Dahab
Bottled water during the day
All service charges and taxes

Not included

Drinks with meals
Tipping (recommended)
Optional extras not mentioned in the itinerary
Egypt entry visa

Good to know

We confirm your pick-up time on WhatsApp the evening before the trip.
Private trip: the day is for your group only. Vehicle: a car for up to 3 to 4 guests, a minivan for up to 7 to 8, and two vehicles for larger groups.
A long day on the road. Not recommended for young children or guests who find long drives tiring.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and modest clothing for temples and religious sites. A light jacket helps in the air-conditioned car.
October to April is more comfortable; summer days in Upper Egypt are very hot.
The price shown is the starting price per person. The final price depends on your dates, group size and hotel area, and we confirm it on WhatsApp before you book.
Children: under 6 travel free, ages 6 to 11 pay half the adult price, and ages 12 and over pay the full price.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, because the trip books a driver for the whole day. After that it is not refundable.

Questions

How long is the drive?

The trip is a full day, mostly because of the distances in Sinai. Expect several hours on the road in total, with the visits to the monastery and canyon, and lunch in Dahab, breaking up the journey.

Do we climb Mount Moses?

The mountain rises above the monastery, but the full climb is a long hike in its own right. Your guide explains what is realistic within a day trip. Ask us when you book if the climb matters to you.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear closed shoes, light clothes and bring a hat and sunscreen. At the monastery, shoulders and knees should be covered, so pack a light scarf or long trousers, plus a warm layer in winter.

Is the Colored Canyon difficult?

It is a walk through narrow, uneven passages rather than a climb. Most guests with normal mobility manage well. Tell us at booking if anyone has difficulty walking so we can plan the pace.

Can the monastery be closed?

St Catherine's Monastery keeps limited visiting hours and can close on certain days or holidays. We check this when you book your date and suggest another day if the doors are shut, so you do not make the long journey for nothing.