Day 2:
Walk the magnificent canyon of Ein Khudra, covered with natural coloring
before driving to Wadi El Ein. Walk to the oasis of Ein Umm Ahmed, named
after the legend of a woman's tears. A stunning desert drive through Wadi
Lathi, brings us to the date palm gardens of Ein Khudra. This oasis
is the traditional Hazerot of the Children of Israel. From here the Crusader
Pilgrimage route brings us back to the Rock of Inscriptions (Nabatean and
early Christian inscriptions survive side by side). Drive to St.
Catherine village.
Overnight in a hostel.
Day 3:
An early morning climb to see the dawn
from the summit of Mount Sinai (Rebel Um 2285 meters). Visit inside the
magnificent Basilica Church of St. Catherine, founded in the 6th Century
by the Emperor Justinian. It houses one of the worlds most famous
collection of early Christian art (the Monastery is closed on Holy days).
Drive to the village and then to Wadi Sleef and camp near Wadi Barak.
Overnight camp.
Day 4:
Drive to the forest of Pillars, a rare geological phenomenon set under
the great limestone plateau of El-Tih. Visit the ancestral shrine of Sheikh
Habus before climbing to the Egyptian Temple dedicated to the Goddess Hathor
high on the plateau above the bedouin village.
Overnight camp.
Day 5:
Drive from Serabit El Khadem to Ramlat El Khamala to visit the ancient
Egyptian turquoise mines which are set above the acacia lined valley.
Carved over the entrances are Old Kingdom inscriptions. Drive to Wadi Mukattab,
the Nabatean trade passage, with inscriptions marking the route which brings
us to Wadi Fieran. Here in the midst of the beauty of South Sinai's largest
oasis is the convent of Moses. Its small church is built from the
remains of the Archbishops Palace.
Overnight camp.
Day 6:
Walk the canyon of Wadi Arada before climbing the sand dune in Wadi Safra.We
visit the great pilgrimage landmark, Gebel El Makhroom before following
Wadi Mathla to camp near Wadi Gibi.
Overnight camp.
Day 7:
Visit the Nawamis. These extremely well pressured burial chambers
from teh early bronze age, cover the near by red sandstone plateau.
Drive to the bedouin village of Beir Saghir and follow Wadi Rossasa to
the Gulf of Aqaba, a chance to swim near Ras Abu Galloun, one of the most
fabulous places for snorkeling. Walk the coastal route to the Blue Hole
near Dahab.
Overnight camp.
Day 8: Drive to the Bedouin village of Dahab with time to relax by the sea. Return to departure point.