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Included in the holiday is an exclusive two-day expedition to St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai; two adjacent holy sites in one of the most spectacular natural locations on earth. This entire region forms a sacred Christian landscape; strewn with sites of Old Testament significance and where the early ascetics shunned all society to attain profound spiritual depth in the harshest of conditions.

Mount Sinai seen from the northern approach

The summit of ‘God-trodden’ Mount Sinai has been venerated for many centuries as the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The pink granite mountain - known to the local tribe of Jabaleya Bedouin as Jebel Musa - is one of the highest peaks in the High Mountain region of Southern Sinai at 2285m.

St Catherine's Monastery

Nestling at the foot of this dramatic mountain is the ancient Monastery of St. Catherine’s - the oldest, continuously inhabited monastery in the world. Founded in the 4th century by St. Helen on the site of the Burning Bush and fortified in the 6th c CE by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, it continues to be a place of pilgrimage. Unknown for centuries, the seminal icon collection spans the entire history of icon painting, from the 6th – 17th centuries, including some of the earliest surviving icons. Also on display are some of the rare manuscripts and codices from the Monastery’s renowned Library.

Monastery Consecration Crosses

Burning Bush

West Wall of the Monastery

Unlike other tour operators, this overnight visit is specifically organised to focus upon the icon collection and to meet the needs of the serious cultural visitor and/or pilgrim.

We understand the need for flexibility, time and quality of experience - so in addition to a leisurely visit to the Monastery and seminar at the Icon Museum -lunch, an overnight stay in the Monastery’s charming Guesthouse, evening Service at the Basilica (subject to special arrangement) dinner and breakfast are included as part of the holiday.

St Catherine's Monastery and guest house complex

However, as the mountain beckons, we also offer an exclusive Mount Sinai experience; an expertly-guided ascent by an ancient pilgrimage path to a private Bedouin eco-camp, explanation of the ancient chapels, unique botany and geology en route, campfire dinner and star-lit Contemplation. A pre-dawn reveille is required to see the sun rise and the awesome views from the summit before descent by the 4th c rock Steps of Repentance.