Sharm El Sheikh: Private City Tour & Old Market Shopping

Summary

Walk Na'ama Bay, visit Al Sahaba Mosque, shop the Old Market

You’ll wander Sharm El Sheikh with a local guide—touching cool mosque stones, pausing in Saint Mary’s quiet church, taking in wild city views from above, then haggling for spices at the Old Market before heading back with your arms full (and maybe your head spinning just a little).

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving through Sharm El Sheikh’s side streets before I realized how different the city feels from anywhere else I’ve been. Our guide, Ahmed, had this way of pointing out things I’d never notice—like how the call to prayer echoes off the mosaic walls of Al Sahaba Mosque. He let us linger there a bit longer than planned. The air smelled faintly of cardamom and dust, and I remember touching the cool stone just outside the entrance. Maybe it sounds odd but that’s when it hit me—I was really here.

The next stop was Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. It’s tucked away on a quieter street, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. But inside, there was this hush—just a few women lighting candles and someone humming under their breath. Ahmed explained how both churches and mosques have their own rhythms in Sharm El Sheikh. I tried to say “thank you” in Arabic to one of the caretakers (I probably butchered it), but she smiled anyway.

After that we drove up to some viewpoint—I never caught the name—and suddenly all of Sharm spread out below us: domes, palm trees, that weird blue haze over the sea. We took photos but mostly just stood there for a while. Then came Na’ama Bay; it’s loud and bright in a good way. Street vendors calling out in three languages at once, music mixing with car horns. There was this one stall where the spices looked almost too bright to be real—cinnamon sticks piled high next to dried limes and dates. I bought more than I should have at the Old Market (the bargaining is half the fun). The whole day felt like moving between worlds—quiet corners then sudden bursts of color and noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sharm El Sheikh city tour and shopping

• Visit Al Sahaba Mosque
• Explore Naama Bay promenade
• Visit Saint Mary Catholic Church
• Go to highest viewpoint
• Shop at Old Market

Top questions

How long does the private city tour in Sharm El Sheikh last?

The tour typically takes half a day, allowing time for each main stop plus shopping at the Old Market.

Is hotel pickup included in this Sharm El Sheikh city tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What sites are visited during this private city tour?

You’ll visit Na’ama Bay promenade, Al Sahaba Mosque, Saint Mary Catholic Church, a secret viewpoint for photos, and the Old Market.

Can I shop for local products during this tour?

Yes, there’s plenty of time to shop at Sharm el Sheikh Old Market for spices, gifts, oils, and fruits.

Is this tour suitable for families or small children?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are entry fees or bottled water included?

Bottled water is provided; entry fees are not mentioned as required for these sites.

Will we have a local guide during the tour?

Yes; you’ll be accompanied by a private local guide throughout your day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private round-trip hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water along the way; guided visits to Al Sahaba Mosque and Saint Mary’s Catholic Church; photo stops at secret viewpoints; free time for shopping at Sharm el Sheikh Old Market; plus plenty of chances to pause wherever something catches your eye before heading back to your hotel.