Including excursions to Mt. Sanai & Petra, Jordan
Sharm El Sheikh, situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, is a premier resort destination renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. This coastal city is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, offering access to some of the world’s most famous diving sites, such as the Ras Mohammed National Park and the SS Thistlegorm wreck. Beyond its underwater attractions, Sharm El Sheikh boasts luxurious resorts, lively nightlife, and an array of restaurants and shops catering to international tourists. The city’s warm climate and beautiful landscapes, including the striking Sinai mountains, make it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re exploring coral reefs, embarking on a desert safari, or simply lounging by the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort.
The Same
We visited Sharm El Sheikh as part of a larger family trip to Egypt so most of our experiences overlapped with the exception of one day. We mostly spent our time relaxing at the beautiful resort; lounging by the pool or on the deck overlooking the ocean. The deck extends over a coral reef, making snorkeling a fantastic experience right at the resort.
Snorkeling (Or Diving):
Ras Mohammed National Park is known for its incredible marine biodiversity, this protected area offers some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Coral reefs, colorful fish, and even the occasional shark make it a diver’s paradise. Unfortunately, the Egyptian President was in the area and the park was closed so our tour was rerouted to Tiran Island. Another top spot for diving, Tiran Island is famous for its clear waters and rich marine life, including manta rays and sea turtles. The snorkel excursion was interesting as they drop you off in the middle of the water without life jackets. The salinity is so high in the water you just naturally float.
Snorkeling in the Red Sea offers an unforgettable experience, with crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. The sea’s warm temperatures and excellent visibility make it ideal for exploring colorful coral reefs, exotic fish, and unique sea creatures like turtles and rays. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced snorkeler, the Red Sea provides a stunning underwater world that’s easy to access and full of life.
Martin Jollie Golf Resort
The Martin Jollie Golf Resort in Sharm El Sheikh offers a luxurious experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea and desert mountains. Located in one of Egypt’s premier beach resort destinations, the resort caters to both avid golfers and those looking for a relaxing escape. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course designed to international standards, providing a challenging and scenic experience for players of all levels. (We did not golf while we were there.)
In addition to golfing, guests can enjoy a range of other activities, such as water sports, diving, and exploring the vibrant marine life of the Red Sea. The resort’s amenities typically include fine dining options, a spa, and easy access to Sharm El Sheikh’s famous beaches and nightlife.
We stayed in the Royal Wing area of the Resort which allowed for extreme relaxation. This area does have a fun kids pools which was mostly empty during the time we were visited. It also featured villa style rooms.
The DINKs
Mount Sinai
Hiking Mount Sinai is a profound experience that combines physical challenge with spiritual significance. Located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, this mountain is revered in multiple religious traditions as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
We began our journey late in the evening, aiming to reach the summit by sunrise. Starting from the base at St. Catherine’s Monastery, an ancient site itself worth visiting, we joined other hikers and pilgrims, all eager to embark on this historic trek. The hike can be done independently, but we opted for a local Bedouin guide to enhance our experience with insights into the mountain’s history and cultural significance.
Mount Sinai offers two main routes to the summit: the Camel Path (Siket Sayidna Musa) and the Steps of Repentance (Siket Sayidna Musa).
- The Camel Path: This is a longer, winding path that is less steep and can be traversed by foot or on camelback. It’s about 7 kilometers long and takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to complete on foot. We chose this route for the ascent due to its gradual incline and the ability to soak in the scenery at a comfortable pace.
- The Steps of Repentance: Consisting of 3,750 stone steps, this more direct but strenuous path was constructed by monks as an act of penance. It offers a challenging but rewarding climb and is often preferred for the descent, which is what we did.
Hiking in the cool of the night, under a canopy of stars, was a serene and almost mystical experience. The trail, illuminated by moonlight and the occasional flashlight, was bustling with fellow hikers. The air was filled with a sense of camaraderie, as strangers shared stories and encouraged one another along the way. As we climbed higher, the temperature dropped, and layers of warm clothing became essential. Along the path, small rest stops offered refreshments, blankets, and hot tea, providing much-needed breaks and warmth.
At one point, they offer my mother a camel ride to the top. My sister and I convince my mom to do it as long as we do it as well. (Our egos were spared because truth be told we werent going to make it on foot.) So up on the camels we go. They tell you to turn off your flash lights as camels actually see in the dark not the light and they signal the camel to go. The camels one by one start running up the mountain unguided right along the cliffs edge. I peer behind me to see my little sister with her flashlight still on and her camel & possibly mine blinded by the light. Luckily she heard my yells and cut it off. I could only imagine this was how we died and know one knew how we diappeared into the mountain side. But clearly we made it as many others have.
Arriving at the summit just before dawn, we found a spot among the rocky outcrops and settled in to witness the sunrise. As the first rays of light broke over the horizon, the landscape was bathed in golden hues, revealing the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It was a breathtaking sight that evoked a deep sense of awe and reflection.
For the descent, we took the Steps of Repentance. This steep, rocky path required careful footing but offered a quicker route back down. The journey down was quieter, with fewer hikers and a chance to contemplate the experience and the historical significance of the mountain.
After the hike, we explored St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. Its ancient walls, religious artifacts, and the renowned Burning Bush (a rare species of bramble) added another layer of depth to our journey.
The Family
We decided to book a day trip to Petra in Jordan which was on our bucket list. Originally we had booked a small plane to take us over but unfortunately that flight was canceled and we had to instead book the ferry last minute. It was stressful but it worked out and we were glad we were able to squeeze this in.
Petra, Jordan
A day tour from Sharm El Sheikh to Petra offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Known as the “Rose City” for its stunning pink sandstone cliffs, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Here’s a detailed account of this unforgettable day trip.
The day begins early with a pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. Most tours start around 4:00 AM to maximize time spent in Petra. After a quick drive to Taba, you board a ferry for a scenic ride across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan’s coastal city of Aqaba. The ferry journey usually takes about 1.5 hours and provides stunning views of the Red Sea and surrounding landscapes.
Upon arriving in Aqaba, you’ll be met by your guide and driver who will take you on a two-hour drive to Petra. The drive itself is a fascinating experience as you traverse Jordan’s rugged terrain, passing through dramatic desert landscapes and picturesque mountains.
Once you arrive in Petra, you’ll begin your guided tour of this ancient city, starting at the Visitor Center. The tour typically lasts around 4-5 hours, giving you ample time to explore the key highlights of Petra:
- The Siq: Your journey into Petra starts with a walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering rock walls. The Siq is about 1.2 kilometers long and offers glimpses of Petra’s rich history through various carvings and remnants of ancient water channels.
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): Emerging from the Siq, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Treasury, Petra’s most iconic monument. This magnificent structure, carved directly into the rose-colored rock face, is believed to have been a mausoleum or a temple. Its intricate facade and grand scale are truly awe-inspiring.
- Street of Facades: Continuing from the Treasury, you’ll walk along the Street of Facades, lined with impressive tombs and houses carved into the cliffs. These structures showcase the Nabataean civilization’s architectural prowess.
- The Theater: Carved into the mountainside, the Roman-style theater could seat around 4,000 spectators. It’s an excellent example of how the Nabataeans incorporated Roman influences into their own architectural style.
- The Royal Tombs: This series of monumental tombs, including the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, and the Corinthian Tomb, showcases the wealth and significance of Petra’s ancient inhabitants.
- The Monastery (Ad-Deir): For those with the energy and time, a hike up to the Monastery is highly recommended. Similar in grandeur to the Treasury but larger, the Monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding area from its hilltop perch.
After the guided tour, you’ll have time for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant in Petra, included in most tour packages. This is a perfect opportunity to sample traditional Jordanian cuisine and relax before the return journey.
In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to Aqaba for the return ferry to Taba. From Taba, a transfer will take you back to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, typically arriving around 10:00 PM. It’s a long day, but the experience of visiting Petra is well worth the effort.
Summary
In conclusion, both the DINKs and the family enjoyed a relaxing stay at the resort in Sharm El Sheikh, making the most of the amenities like multiple pools, restaurants, and the private beach. They also shared the experience of a snorkeling excursion, taking in the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea. However, their adventures diverged when the DINKs chose to climb Mount Sinai, fulfilling a lifelong wish of their mother, while the family opted for a visit to Petra in Jordan. Looking back, the DINKs would have loved to see Petra but are grateful for the memorable experience of Mount Sinai shared with their mom.
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