Sharm El Sheikh: Top 5 Historical Tours That Wow!
Planning a trip to Sharm El Sheikh? So, too often people think of beautiful beaches and also fantastic resorts, but actually, this area’s got a surprising amount of history just waiting to be discovered. Very, very far away from your everyday vacation, you could explore ancient ruins, see fascinating cultural spots, and you get a richer sense of the Sinai Peninsula. I would argue, a good vacation combines fun and learning, alright? You want some recommendations? So, in that case, here is my list of the 5 historical tours in Sharm El Sheikh that you should know about!
1. St. Catherine’s Monastery: A Spiritual Oasis
First on the list, a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, which actually is one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries and a true gem nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, this amazing historical site. Alright, this isn’t just another old building, alright? It’s a trip back in time, and a fantastic reminder of how people sought out spiritual connections in such very dramatic landscapes. Actually, the monastery, built way back in the 6th century, still holds many ancient icons, manuscripts, and so mosaics, as a matter of fact, these are practically untouched. It kind of makes it feel you’re stepping straight into history books!
You climb through rugged mountains and finally approach the Monastery and suddenly you glimpse the sturdy walls, it’s kind of a breath-taking scene, isn’t it? Mount Sinai, of course, very well known as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and it just looms large behind the building. That’s something you can see while you go around. The sense of reverence here? As a matter of fact, it’s very strong. Also, think about all the centuries of monks and pilgrims that walked around here; naturally that’s a very cool thought.
And get this: inside is that fabled Burning Bush, alright, the one from the Bible. Seriously! Supposedly it’s descended from the actual bush which Moses first saw. Honestly, you don’t have to be really that religious to think that’s just, kind of, a wow moment, that is! Make sure to get a good guide; well, their insights into the history and also significance just makes it even more rewarding. I find this to be a pretty valuable historical attraction. It tends to be fairly special.
2. Coloured Canyon: Nature’s Masterpiece
Next up is a real contrast and a geological wonder: the Coloured Canyon, like a place with colors I’ve honestly just never really seen anywhere else! Very cool indeed, alright? So, too often people don’t consider this as a historic place, it’s true that time and also weather very created some seriously amazing formations over, basically, millions of years, like artwork is. The walk through this slot canyon displays layer upon layer of sandstone in swirls that have different yellows, purples, reds and oranges. You will absolutely be reaching for your camera non-stop, believe me!
So, the hike does involve some climbing and squeezing, nothing crazy of course, however. Therefore you would do well to wear good walking footwear. Nevertheless, a local guide with insight into the geological past and history can really give that additional flavor to it; I find that really spices things up a bit. Apparently, as you wander between very towering rock faces, feel free to imagine all those centuries of winds, those infrequent flash floods that it took to really sculpt it, like a sort of sculpture, to that appearance now.
As a matter of fact, I should remind you that the Canyon tends to get quite warm, like it’s quite well known for it. In that case, go in the morning to prevent peak heat. By the way, you’ll likely appreciate the shade in the narrow sections; as I was saying that sunshine really intensifies those vivid colors to nearly unbelievable degrees; honestly, you almost would think a painter’d gone crazy, I reckon. So, it does not feel really like visiting a historic spot at all, still you are in effect getting up close and personal with that amazing, very slow art which Earth can generate.
3. Dahab: A Coastal Gem with Bedouin Heritage
A short drive up along the coast takes us to Dahab, alright, that coastal town with this seriously cool chilled vibe that somehow still holds much history. It might feel like that backpacker haven as I remember it, just somewhere everybody learns to scuba dive and also stuff, so it’s a good place! So, actually, Dahab used to be a vital Bedouin trading and also fishing settlement; a good peek back there will reveal a rich history.
Very early one morning go stroll around Assalah Square that is on the southern edge; very there, you could feel the traditional Bedouin culture. Now, then! Hang around to drink traditional tea; have a talk to the locals. Seemingly they often know much interesting information on Dahab’s evolution; too it’s nearly almost like learning their past. Just be respectful and open, as I always remind myself to do, and it’ll all enhance your feel for this area.
But you know what? Freediving into the Blue Hole has its own interest; though don’t go near that unless qualified as it’s super deep and risky! Yet this underwater sinkhole actually forms that heart of plenty of local stories plus legend too, honestly; I reckon that’s what attracts plenty of those very skilled freedivers. Get involved at one or two nearby beaches at evening. And while the sun dips down behind those mountains, consider centuries of life this coast’s watched pass. It really is sort of a magic feeling, just like being sent back in time. I like it! The old way, that is!
4. Serabit el-Khadim: Ancient Turquoise Mines
This one’s perhaps a little off most normal paths; now, Serabit el-Khadim presents the adventurous glimpse into what it’s similar to discovering the ancient history from ancient turquoise mining practices. In actual fact that temple dedicated for Hathor; alright; it absolutely served for thousands of years as one major mining hub at which ancient Egyptians extracted turquoise; something very very much wanted for jewelry, as a matter of fact and various different ornamental products. What’s fascinating’s what remains are those ruins that just show you the combination from mining camp plus temple. Something really to remember as part of one exploration of Egypt’s real earlier industries. Really is.
The remote area might take you some pre-planning to actually visit. You do know? Therefore employ a local guide which could make the traveling simple and also much enriching too actually. You could be blown away about what the guides have learned via earlier excavations which just give so context on living with these mining trips so long time past actually. When checking, find really detailed hieroglyphs. This relates specifically how those Egyptians worshipped for his Hathor; therefore their goddess of turquoise; in this really significant isolated landscape.
While looking around, it will do very well for imagine that hard toil these miners undertook, digging using pretty limited implements for this gorgeous, that sought after resource and also ponder Egypt’s reach including sway far away. Seems to show what those former humans tend do that, is what always makes such spot significant, alright? Anyway is a lot deeper; really feels deeper and more affecting compared merely seeing well-preserved tombs. Now that seems true.
5. Wadi Mandar: Echoes of Desert Civilizations
And, lastly: that stunning and also mostly abandoned desert region on Wadi Mandar reveals some little piece to actually ancient populations which succeeded living with these demanding landscapes, just that they often go overlooked due Sharm El Sheikh’s well known shores. Seems important to be aware what a wadi means ‘dry riverbed’, of course; now these used getting that focal level pertaining routes regarding both trade so that too nomadic movements centuries since. You might uncover several remnants here. Apparently ruins starting short term settlements.
Very carefully hunt petroglyphs, which were rock engravings crafted in past cultures, showing those lifestyles which inhabited for this region. All those drawings frequently actually give short details on livestock which grazed right with that region previously or these techniques these communities adopted. Whenever one travels through such area, be careful of ecosystem fragility really! Avoid producing almost any destruction and also leave basically just impressions; which protects the Wadi’s former charm regarding all after. Pack much sunscreen too always.
Whenever dusk begins. Take time to simply ponder those enormity concerning Wadi Mandar which only a few disturbances. Take for mind this place. I am talking about. Basically; really could be where exactly various generations had resided. Survived plus moved as their former paths. What I have been thinking always is to imagine; this place still continues holding some. What secrets in it? Basically; it just has to become something this specific about visiting really remote plus significant web pages of such Sinai’s; ancient history which are not simply the location in such attractions, just that sites to feel connection through with earlier times. Which helps people which thrived also before many people ever emerged.