Day Tours in Egypt
Mount Sinai Sunrise and St. Catherine Tour from Eilat
- Full day
- Pickup: Eilat
- 4.4/5 company rating on TourRadar
- DurationFull day
- Starts09:00 PM, hotel pickup
- GuideEnglish
- Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
- CancellationFree cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time.
Overview
This mount sinai tour from eilat takes you across the border overnight to climb the mountain where, by tradition, Moses received the Ten Commandments. You hike up in the dark, watch the sun rise over the granite peaks of southern Sinai, then visit St. Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. Border assistance, a tour guide and entrance fees are included.
The group leaves Eilat late in the evening and crosses into Egypt with help from our team at the border. After the drive into the mountains you start the night climb to the summit, timed so you reach the top before dawn. In the morning you visit the monastery, its 6th century church, the Burning Bush and Jethro's Well. After a lunch stop you drive back to Eilat, with a few stops on the way if time allows, and arrive the following evening.
The trip suits active travelers, pilgrims and anyone who wants a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise. Christian tradition holds that whoever climbs Mount Sinai and sees the sunrise is reborn, which gives the climb real meaning for many visitors. Doing it as a single overnight trip means no hotel to book and no extra days away from Eilat, which makes this Mount Sinai tour from Eilat easy to fit into a Red Sea holiday.
Pickup in Eilat starts at 21:00, and exact pickup details are confirmed after booking. Pricing is per person and depends on your group size: solo travelers, 2 to 3, 4 to 5, 6 to 7 or 8 to 15 travelers, and the more of you there are, the lower the price per person. The booking form shows the exact price for your group. The tour departs on set days, so check the calendar for open dates. You can cancel for free up to 36 hours before the start time. Staying longer in the south? Add our Cairo day tour from Eilat, the Petra tour from Eilat or the Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour. Choose your date and book your Mount Sinai tour from Eilat today.
Highlights
- Overnight trip from Eilat with assistance at the border
- Night climb of Mount Sinai with a tour guide
- Sunrise from the summit over the Sinai mountains
- St. Catherine's Monastery, built around the year 548
- The 6th century church, the Burning Bush and Jethro's Well
- Entrance fees included
- Lower price per person for bigger groups
Itinerary & route
Numbers match the itinerary below. Solid lines are walking legs, dashed lines are drives. Map is for orientation only.
- 1
09:00 PMPickup in Eilat
Your evening starts with pickup in Eilat at 21:00. Exact pickup details are confirmed after booking. Have your passport, warm layers and cash for border fees ready.
- 2
10:00 PMBorder crossing into Egypt
The group leaves Eilat at around 22:00 and crosses into Egypt at Taba. Our team meets you and assists with the border formalities. Border control can take a while, so patience helps.
- 3
Late nightDrive into the Sinai mountains
From the border you drive through the desert into the high mountains of southern Sinai. Rest on the way, because the climb starts in the middle of the night. The road ends near St. Catherine, at the foot of the mountain.
- 4
NightNight climb of Mount Sinai
With your guide you start the climb up Mount Sinai in the dark, on a rocky path under the stars. The mountain is sacred in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and is mentioned many times in the Bible and the Quran. Take it at your own pace and stop to rest when you need to.
- 5
DawnSunrise from the summit
You reach the top in time to watch the sun rise over the peaks of the Saint Catherine Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colors change from deep blue to gold in minutes. After the sunrise you walk back down toward the monastery.
- 6
MorningSt. Catherine's Monastery
The morning is spent at St. Catherine's Monastery, built around the year 548 and protected by thick fortress walls. You see the 6th century church, the Burning Bush and Jethro's Well. The monastery also holds one of the oldest libraries in the world.
-
MiddayLunch stop
The group stops for lunch at a tourist class restaurant. Lunch is not included in the price, so bring some cash. It is a good chance to rest after the long night.
- 7
Afternoon to eveningReturn to Eilat
After lunch you drive back toward the border, stopping at a few interesting places along the way if time allows. You cross back into Israel and arrive in Eilat in the late evening. This is where the tour ends.
What's included
Included
- Meeting and assistance at the border
- Tour guide
- Transport for the trip
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Lunch
- Visa and border fees
- Departure tax
- Tips and personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Guide in a language other than English (available for an extra fee)
Pickup & meeting point
- Eilat 21:00No pickup fee
You choose your pickup city when you book. We confirm the exact pickup time and place by email or WhatsApp the day before the tour.
Tour ends with: Return to Eilat
Know before you go
Pickup and Start Time
Pickup in Eilat starts at 21:00 and the group leaves Eilat at around 22:00. Exact pickup details are confirmed after booking. You return to Eilat in the late evening of the following day. The tour departs on set days, so check the calendar for open dates.
Accommodation
There is no hotel night. You travel and climb through the night and return to Eilat the next evening.
Group Size and Prices
Prices are per person and depend on group size: solo traveler, 2 to 3, 4 to 5, 6 to 7 or 8 to 15 travelers. The booking form shows the exact price for your group.
Border and Visa
Bring a valid passport. Visa and border fees are not included and are paid in cash (US dollars, euros, pounds sterling or Israeli shekels). We need your nationality, passport number, issue and expiry dates and date of birth for the reservation.
What to Bring
- Passport
- Very warm clothing in winter, light clothing and a head covering in summer
- Good walking shoes
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Water and snacks
- Cash for visa, border fees, lunch and tips
Dress Code
Cover your shoulders and knees for the visit to St. Catherine's Monastery.
Physical Requirements
Good fitness is needed for a long night hike uphill on a rocky path and the walk down. No insurance company covers accidents involving horses or other animals.
Age and Children
Children are welcome, and the booking form shows the price for your group. The night climb is demanding for young children.
Language
The tour is guided in English. Other languages may be available for an extra fee, so ask us before booking.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time. Cancellations after that are not refunded.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| 36+ hours before the start time | Free cancellation |
| The day before the tour | 25% fee |
| On the day of the tour, or no-show | 100% fee (no refund) |
Need to change your date instead? Message us before the tour and we will do our best to move your booking. If we cancel or materially change a tour, you can choose an alternative date, a credit or a refund. Read the booking terms.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Mount Sinai tour from Eilat include?
The price includes meeting and assistance at the border, a tour guide, transport for the trip and entrance fees. Lunch, border fees, visa costs, tips and insurance are not included. The booking form shows the exact price for your group size.
How does group size pricing work?
The price per person depends on how many people are in your booking: solo traveler, 2 to 3, 4 to 5, 6 to 7 or 8 to 15 travelers. Larger groups pay less per person. Choose your group size on the booking form to see the exact price.
Do I need a visa or passport?
Yes, bring a valid passport. Visa and border fees are not included and are paid in cash (US dollars, euros, pounds sterling or Israeli shekels). We need your nationality, passport number, issue and expiry dates and date of birth for the reservation. Egypt runs its official e-visa service at visa2egypt.gov.eg, so check your nationality there before you travel.
When and where does the tour start?
Pickup in Eilat starts at 21:00 and the group leaves Eilat at around 22:00. Exact pickup details are confirmed after booking. You arrive back in Eilat in the late evening of the next day.
Is there a hotel night on this tour?
No. This is an overnight trip without a hotel. You spend the night traveling and climbing, and you return to Eilat the following evening.
How hard is the climb?
The climb is a long uphill hike on a rocky path in the dark, followed by the walk down to the monastery. You should be in good health and used to walking for several hours. Good walking shoes and a flashlight help a lot.
Can children join?
Children are welcome, and the booking form shows the price for your group. Keep in mind the night climb and the long hours awake, which are hard for young kids. Contact us if you are unsure.
What should I wear?
In winter the summit is very cold before sunrise, so bring very warm clothing, gloves and a hat. In summer wear cool, comfortable clothes and a head covering. Cover your shoulders and knees for the monastery. Our Israel, Jordan and Egypt travel guide has more planning tips.
When is the best time to climb Mount Sinai?
Spring and autumn give the most comfortable temperatures. Summer nights are mild but the day is hot, and winter nights on the summit can drop below freezing.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. You can cancel for free up to 36 hours before the start time. After that the booking cannot be refunded. Full details are in our booking terms.
Why book with Booking-Tours
- Local operator in Eilat since 2008Our own office and team on the ground, not a call center abroad.
- Licensed local guidesSmall details, good pacing and real stories at every stop.
- Real people on WhatsAppHelp in English, Russian and Hebrew before and during your trip.
- Secure online paymentPay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through Stripe.
“We had a great experience during our tour in Petra. Our tour guide, Ahmed, was very friendly and kind…”
N. M., Mexico · Trustpilot
