If you’re looking to beat the winter blues, you may be considering a holiday to somewhere warm. There are all the usual destinations: Australia, the tropics, the Mediterranean. But if you’re looking for a holiday adventure somewhere you’ve never been—a place with a rich, ancient history, a fascinating culture, luxurious hotels and food—look no further than the Red Sea Riviera.

The Red Sea Riviera refers to a string of luxury towns along the northern coast of the Red Sea, in both Egypt and Israel. This area has worked hard in the past few decades to increase its appeal to tourists—and now there’s so much to do and see there, you won’t want to come home. Following are just a few activities and features you can find during a Red Sea Riviera holiday.

Diving on coral reefs. There are beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea that rival anything you can find in Australia. The Red Sea Riviera has always been a popular destination for serious divers. Now that the area is welcoming more tourists, there are many opportunities for even beginner divers to get in on the action, with diving schools, tours, snorkeling, and boating trips available at tourist resorts all along the Red Sea.

Beaches. No winter holiday is complete without a warm, sunny beach full of sparkling sand. There’s nothing like digging your toes into sun-warmed sand, feeling a cool sea breeze on your face, settling down with a good book and a drink beneath a palm tree and letting your worries float away. The Red Sea area boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Water sports. If you’re looking for adventure on the water, there’s no better place to go than the Red Sea Riviera. Local tourist destinations offer parasailing, waterskiing, motorboat rides, sailing, windsurfing, and more. Whether you’re experienced at water sports or just getting your feet wet, you’re sure to have a wonderful time on the water.

Ancient ruins. This area is rich in ancient history—and you can see it all along the Red Sea. The most famous ruins of Egypt are only a day’s travel away from Soma Bay, well within reach of a Red Sea Riviera excursion. There are also Roman ruins and mines from the time of the Roman occupation of Egypt; ancient temples, monasteries, churches, and mosques; and ruined cities from the dawn of civilization. Each town along the Red Sea Riviera boasts a rich and varied past—and more fascinating destinations for history buffs than can be counted.

Hiking. The Red Sea Riviera is truly the place where sea and mountains meet. The area borders several noted national parks, including the Wadi el Gemal National Park near Marsa Alam; the Giftun Island National Park in Hurghada; the Ras Mohammad National Park at the Gulf of Aqaba; and more. Bird-watch for herons, ospreys, and exotic desert birds; experience hiking on Mt. Sinai and trekking through Bedouin land; walk along pristine and uninhabited coastline in a marine preserve; rappel down sheer red cliffs that soar up from the dunes. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, the Red Sea Riviera has something for everyone.

Desert safaris. Ever ridden a camel through the desert? Many resort towns along the Red Sea Riviera offer excursions through the stunning desert landscape. There’s nothing more beautiful than a vast desert sky full of stars. A desert safari is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.

Fascinating culture. Bedouin culture places great emphasis on hospitality—you’ll see when you get to the Red Sea Riviera, and discover how welcoming the people are. It’s a relaxed, down-to-earth culture that’s sure to have you forgetting your day-to-day worries in no time. The Bedouin culture also has a rich tradition of art, poetry and music that’s sure to fascinate and inspire.

Unforgettable cuisine. Don’t be afraid to try the local cuisine. Middle-eastern cooking is bold and flavorful. No visitor should miss the “Iftar,” the traditional meal that breaks a Muslim fast—with its rich and varied choice of traditional dishes, it’s a feast like no other. Vegetarians are well provided for in the Middle East, with lots of traditional vegetable dishes; however, vegetarians should be aware that chicken stock is often used in these recipes.

The Red Sea Riviera offers an astonishing variety of things to do, places to see, and new and exciting people to meet. With its ancient history, fascinating culture, stunning landscape, luxurious hotels and unforgettable cuisine, you’re sure to want to come back next year. If you’re looking for a holiday that’s out of the ordinary, there’s no better place to go.

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