Sinai Trek
The mountain wilderness of the Sinai have inspired since the time of Moses. This short trek explores the granite peaks and rugged wadi's in the company of our Bedouin guides. A dawn ascent of the steps of repentance to the summit of Mount Sinai is a fitting conclusion to this trek in a biblical land.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(WEX-1345) |
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10 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 10 dinners |
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3 star accommodation on a twin share basis |
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private vehicle transport |
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Local sightseeing, including entrance fees to monumen |
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sightseeing as per itinerary |
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local English speaking guide throughout |
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Price Excludes |
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- Bottled water
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Tips
- International airfares and departure taxes
- Visa
- Travel Insurance |
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Suitability / Level |
All Levels |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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DAY 1 Join Cairo
If you are arriving on the group flight, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel for overnight accommodation. A group briefing will be held in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals: D
DAY 2 In and around Cairo
Before appreciating the best preserved pyramids at Giza, this morning we visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara which shows the style of construction used to build them. The Step Pyramid was built by the Pharaoh's chief architect, Imhotep, in 27BC and was at that time the largest stone construction ever built. Following our visit to Saqqara, we travel to the nearby old capital of Memphis. Little remains of the once grand and thriving metropolis, except a small museum and garden. We spend time visiting the gardens where statues of Ramses II can be viewed. The Great Pyramids of Egypt set on a plateau in the Arabian Desert, are one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the reason for which becomes evident as we first set our eyes on these awesome monuments. We spend the morning
exploring the main sites. We will enter the Kings Chamber and marvel at the sophisticated construction of this ancient site. We include a visit to the Solar Barque Museum, where the remains of a wooden boat, perhaps used in the funeral procession for a Pharaoh, can be seen. Time is spent appreciating the majestic Sphinx and wondering at the mystery that surrounds this enormous
structure.
Meals: B, D
DAY 3 Cairo
Cairo is a city of more than 18 million people – a bustling, dusty and boisterous metropolis with an abundance of character and history. Our time here is limited although we have included the highlights and focused our itinerary on the archaeological importance of the city and its surrounds. This morning we have a city tour including visits to the Coptic Quarter, the Citadel and the Alabaster
Mosque. A full afternoon is spent at the Egyptian Museum, providing you with an excellent insight into Egyptian history from the Old Kingdom right through to the Roman Empire. The highlight of the museum is the Tutankhamen exhibit which houses the treasure from the tomb discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. Although he was an insignificant Pharaoh, Tutankhamen's tomb contained a
stunning array of gold, including pure gold sandals. It is astounding to imagine what treasures a significant Pharaoh may have taken into their next life, had their tombs not been ransacked. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon for a rest before dinner.
Meals: B, D
DAY 4 Drive to Sinai
From Cairo we travel west to the Suez Canal which marks the divide between Africa and the Sinai. We stop briefly at the town of Suez to view the large ships making use of this historic canal, before continuing on to the Sinai. Our journey will take most of the day and we expect to arrive at our hotel near St Catherine's Monastery by mid afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure for personal
exploration. Our hotel is set at Wadi Raha (literally means valley of the rest). The Israelites camped here waiting for Moses whilst he remained on top of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God.
Meals: B, D
DAY 5 Commence Trek (6-7 hours walking)
The Sinai is a land of mystical contrasts. From small Bedouin shelters nestled in the barren mountains, to the Red Sea diving resorts dotted along the southern coast lines, this dry desert is also home to the biblical Mt Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It is a very beautiful landscape, and the best way to appreciate it is by trekking into its' mountainous core. This morning we commence our trek with a series of stunning day walks into the mountains of Sinai. Whilst the trek is graded moderate there are some steep sections with scrambling and some long days. For this part of the trip, we are guided along our route by local Bedouin tribesmen, and whilst the Bedouins are not professional guides, they are the most culturally appropriate people to escort us on our trek. Today we start the trek with a foray into the Talla Valley passing by Insela Mountain. In the beautiful Talla Valley we'll have our picnic lunch. After lunch we continue walking in the spectacular Itlah Canyon with some steep slopes and scrambling sections. After a great day trekking, we return back to our Bedouin House for dinner and overnight.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 Trekking (7-8 hours walking)
We trek into the high ranges of Sinai in the St Catherine protectorate. Our first section today will be over Abu Gifa pass. Reaching the top of this pass we catch a view of the Bedouin village directly below. We continue into Wadi Zawateen where lots of olive trees can be seen. All the gardens and orchards are owned by the natives of the region who are more affiliated with the Romanians of
Europe. Our Bedouin escorts are among these natives known as Gabalia. As locals of the St. Catherine region they are originally the defendants and servants of St. Catherine Monastery. We stop for a picnic lunch and afterwards, there is an opportunity to trek to the ruins of Aabas Basha Palace which dates back to the beginning of last century. There is an awesome view from atop the Aabas
Basha Mountain which is over 2000m. We descend back to our Bedouin house near the village of St Catherine. Whilst dinner is prepared we have a good opportunity to look back upon our days activities and highlights.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 Trekking (9-10 hours walking)
Today is a long day where we climb St. Catherine Mountain. As the highest peak in Egypt she reaches over 2600 m above see level, From our lodgings we start early and follow trails via the El Arbaeen Valley. We continue through wadi, valleys and across dramatic terrain to the base of Mount St Catherine and start our ascent to the top of Egypt. Climbing to the top is optional, and for those
not wanting to climb they can relax at the base and await the return of the rest of the group. From the summit we retrace our steps back to our Bedouin House and well earned dinner. Whilst today is the most challenging day, it is also one of the most rewarding.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 Trekking (7 hours walking)
Today is a shorter day where we scramble up the Moserdy Valley. Whilst not as long as yesterday, the trails are sometimes steep and demanding. From Moserdy, we descend to Motahar Valley for lunch before continuing via Wadi Shag and Wadi Toboog and returning to the Bedouin House.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 9 Dawn Ascent of Mt Sinai, Drive to Sharm El Shaikh
We rise early to climb the magnificent peak of Mount Sinai. We ascend via the camel path or the "Steps of Repentence" to Eliaja's Plateau. The final 750 steps have been carved from the mountain rocks tend to get crowded with eager travellers and pilgrims on their way to the summit. We arrive at the summit at 2285m above sea level, in time for a spectacular sunrise over the mountains of
south Sinai. There is time for a warming drink before day break and to take in the spectacular view of the sun coming over the hills of Sinai. Our descent is either by the camel path or down the "Steps of Repentance". We have breakfast before visiting the monastery of St. Catherine. This 6th century Monastery is situated at the foot of Mount Sinai and houses one of the most important icon collections on earth. In addition to the biblical sites of the Burning Bush and Moses Well, we visit the stunning basilica. Our tour concludes with a visit to the charnel house or the Ossuary where relics of monks and hermits are on display. After the monastery, we enjoy lunch in a nearby restaurant with a chance to freshen up before our three hour drive to Sharm El Sheikh. On arrival we check-in, and enjoy a shower before dinner.
Meals: B, D
DAY 10 In Sharm El Shaikh
Today is at leisure and is an opportunity for you to relax on the coast after a wonderful trekking experience. Sharm el-Sheikh, situated on the Sinai Peninsula has something to offer everyone. There is diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, horse and camel riding, desert safaris to name a few. Your guide will be able to assist with any activities you may be in interested in. Or just relax in this wonderful
seaside setting.
Meals: B, D
DAY 11 Return to Cairo, trip concludes
After breakfast we will return to Cairo where our trip concludes.
Meals: B |
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