Arabic lexicon

Hello Salam aleikum

(response: aleikum es salam)

Thank you Shukran

Please Min fadlik (to a woman),

Min fadlak (to a man)

Yes Aiwa

No La

Goodbye Maas salama

God willing InshaAllah

Go on! Yalla

It doesnt matter Maalesh

Sorry Asif

Good morning Sabah al-kheir

Good evening Maasa al-kheir

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Red Sea& Sinai

Red Sea resortsand major highlightsof Sinai Peninsula

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

All information contained herein is correct at the time of production. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this brochure,

the Egyptian Tourist Authority cannot be held liable for any inaccuracy, omission or alteration that may occur.

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Red Sea resortsand major highlightsof Sinai Peninsula

Red Sea & Sinai

EGYPT

Sharm el-Sheikh

5rrcontentsWELCOME TO RED SEA AND SINAIP.6-7-8-9

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONP.46-47

ACCOMMODATIONP.48-51

ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTSP.52-53

DOS & DONTSP.54

P.10-11 P.12-13P.14-15P.16-17P.18-19P.20-21P.22-23P.24-25P.26-27

P.28P.29P.30-31P.32-35P.36-37P.38-39P.40-41P.42-43P.44-45

SINAIRAS SIDRRAS MOHAMMED NATIONAL PARKSHARM EL-SHEIKH & NAAMA BAYDAHAB & NABQABU GALLUM NATIONAL PARKNUWEIBATABA & TABA HEIGHTSST CATHERINES MONASTERY& MOUNT SINAI

RED SEA COASTISMAILIA, AIN SUKHNA & ZAFARANAEL GOUNA & HURGHADAAROUND HURGHADASAFAGAAL QUSEIRPORT GHALIBMARSA ALAMWADI EL-GEMAL, BERENICE & BIR SHALATEIN

EGYPT GENERAL MAPP.55

Welcome to Red Sea & SinaiEgypt is a unique blend of timeless fascination and modern approaches to holidaymaking which give it a very special place in the world of tourism.Broadly speaking, tourist areas of Egypt can be divided into the Nile Val-ley, the Deserts and Oases, and the Red Sea and Sinai region.Travelling between these areas is very easy, and its quite simple to book a holiday which combines very different experiences in one trip.

Its no surprise that the Red Sea and Sinai is now one of the most popular and fastest growing tourism destinations in the world. As well as the peaceful sun and sand holiday, theres a huge range of ac-tivities on hand including world-famous diving, desert trips, climbing, golf, and national parks to name a few!

It has something for everyone and the friendly atmosphere and wide range of activities means that it has become particularly popular with families.

Red Sea&SinaiE G Y P T G U

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G E O G R A P H Y

A D E S T I N A T I O N

Its an easy trip, only a few hours flight from Europe, and is a genuine year-round destination with guaranteed sunshine. The area has stunning scenery and is a re-gion which is perfectly suited to exploring, relaxation, and activities on, and under, the water.Sinai Peninsula consists of an area of some 61,000 square kilometres. The natural bar-riers are the Gulf of Suez to the west, sepa-rating the African continent from Asia, and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east. The north east boundary, a 200 km stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Isolated and protected by the surround-ing majestic mountains, the monastery of St.Catherine is a major attraction for tour-ists visiting the area.Egypts Red Sea coast runs from the Gulf of Suez in the north to the Sudanese bor-

der in the south. It is, effectively, the east coast of mainland Egypt looking across the sea to Sinai.The crags and dry limestone valleys of the Eastern Desert remain relatively unex-plored, but the Red Sea itself, dotted with coral reefs, has a rich maritime history which stretches back to the times of the Pharaohs.In the Red Sea and Sinai areas, sun seekers love the gentle refreshing breezes which are welcome in a hot summer.Take a look at the map of the Red Sea and Sinai region of Egypt and you will see how the water laps around its shores over many hundreds of miles. Above all, the Red Sea is a dream destina-tion which suits so many travellers, whether they are seeking relaxation, exploration, or an ideal family break.

The great thing about the region is that the possibilities are endless you can make your holiday exactly what you want it to be. Among the most varied activities offered by the main destinations of the region, you can take the chance to pamper at El

Gouna, or taste one of the aquatic sports at Hurghada, to explore the peaceful div-ing sites of Marsa Alam or to chill out in the luxury resort of Port Ghalib, or even to enjoy the sun in Taba or relax in Nuweiba, not to forget Sharm el-Sheikh famous for its

Welcome to Red Sea & Sinai

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nightlife and Dahab for its tranquillity.For some visitors, simply soaking up the sun and relaxing is a key part of the trip and this is just the place for that!As youll see in this guide, though, the beauti-ful crystal clear waters are waiting to tempt you.If its relaxation youre looking for, its hard to beat sitting on a jetty with your feet in the Red Sea while you watch legions of brightly coloured fish coming to say hello.Even if youve never done it before, have a taste of snorkelling and enjoy a different world where you can feel part of the life of the sea. Of course, the Red Sea and Sinai is one of the most popular destinations in the world for experienced divers too. For snorkelers and scuba divers, this place is like heaven.The sheer range of things to do in this region is one of many pleasant surprises for first time visitors. For an increasing number of holidaymakers, sport and the open air is a vital part of their time away from boring routine.As well as fun on, or under, the water, youll find superb facilities for golf and climbing activities. For many golfers, planning a days golf and knowing, not hoping, that the sun will shine is one of the biggest pleasures. Egypt has taken to golf in a big way and resorts like Ain Sukhna, El Gouna, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Taba Which have fabulous courses to enjoy.For most visitors to the region, the tower-ing mountains are there to admire espe-cially when you can relax with a drink and watch their changing colours at sunrise and sunset.One of the many theories on the origin of the Red Seas name is built around the beautiful red hues bouncing off the mountains and wa-ter as the sun rises and sets. For more adventurous people, these mag-nificent mountains are not just for admiring they are for climbing too. If youd like to try it, whether as a beginner or expert, there are many tours and teachers to show you the way.

There are many chances to enjoy the wide open spaces of Sinai, whether a trip to go camping under the stars, or a day trip to enjoy camel trekking, mountain biking, or a jeep trip through sand dunes and mountains.Try to enjoy the desert for its glorious si-lence and youve never really seen the night sky properly until youve seen it over Sinai completely without the bright lights of home which hide the glory of the heavens.Egypt is a land of variety & endless choices, and the distinctive attractions of the Red Sea and Sinai make you feel as if you are a completely different country to the Nile Valley and Desert regions but they are close by, with the same friendly welcome and top value. When the sun goes down, the shops become particularly busy and youll find some great souvenirs to take home, espe-cially in cotton, leather, and local crafts. And youll still have time to enjoy the wide range of nightlife which has a magic all of its own. Value for money is very much in evidence in this region. And the choice is yours with everything from simple accommodation for the backpacker up to the very best in bou-tique and luxury.

R H Y T H M O F L I F E

The rhythm of life in the sunshine means that youll soon find yourself adapting to the Egyptian way of doing things.

Long before the air conditioning and iced drinks which are part of the modern holiday experience here, people chose to wait until the sun set before venturing out to shop or dine.That pattern is still the way to do things, and another great feature of the Red Sea and Sinai region is that, unlike some countries, there are lots to do after dark and in com-plete safety too.Whether its a modern shopping mall or a traditional souk (market), they take on a very special atmosphere as they, and the shopkeepers, seem to twinkle after dark.When you booked your holiday, you will already have noticed that Egypt is tremen-dous value and prices in the shops will con-firm your good luck.

C O M B I N A T I O N O F P R O D U C T S

Another beauty of the ease of travel in Egypt is that you can combine your beach holiday with a short trip to the Pyramids or the Valley of the Kings. Many operators offer short trips by air which mean that you can be back relaxing by the pool a very short time after a taste of historical Egypt and its treasures.

Theres more later in the guide on the great monasteries of Sinai which reflect the regions links with many great world re-ligions. Many visitors to Red Sea and Sinai find that their short side trips give them a long shopping list of ideas for future return visits. One trip to Egypt is never enough!

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Talking of value, eating out in Egypt comes at superb prices and with great variety.Whatever your taste in international food in your home country, theres a good chance youll find it here too Italian, Chi-nese, Thai and Indian you name it and its here. Dont miss the chance to try Egyptian food too often gently spicy with brilliant use of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.Perhaps the best recommendation for a holiday in Red Sea and Sinai comes from holidaymakers themselves. Many people will tell you that, Egypt is a breath of fresh air , It has many guaran-tees sunshine, a warm welcome, an infinite variety of ways to enjoy life and supreme value.Perhaps you are about to make your first trip to Red Sea and Sinai after hearing a glowing report from a friend. Or perhaps as a returning visitor you take great pleasure in passing on the good news to friends yourself.We hope you find this guide really useful in making the very best of your time in one of

the worlds great destinations. One things for sure one or two weeks wont give you enough time to try every-thing youll find in the pages which follow.But look on the bright side you can spend your time on the short plane trip home making a wish list for your next trip and many more to come. Keep smiling Egypts Red Sea and Sinai re-gion always has a warm welcome for you.

E G Y P T I A N C U I S I N E

Red Sea Coastthe

The eastern Red Sea coast of Egypt is caressed by the warm waters of the Gulf of Suez, which leads to the Suez Canal, Egypts gateway to Europe. The area stretches from the Suez Canal and south along the Gulf of Suez coast, along 1500 km, where recent international tourist developments have sprung up around areas already popular with Egyptians. Warm waters, a moderate climate and a wide range of places to explore make this an ideal starting point for first time visitors to Egypt, particularly those who would like to blend history and culture with fun and relaxation on the beach.

Known as the premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts for some years, the Red Sea area is fast becoming a haven for tourists looking for beach holidays, as well as vibrant and activity-rich holidays in guaranteed sunshine, and on some of the purest, most unspoilt beaches in the world.

Many former fishing villages and ports have been developed extensively and enthusiastically to create new paradises for tourists and this area is unique because of its proximity to the Eastern Desert, which stretches almost all of the way to the coast. Transport links also exist to the major cities of Cairo and Luxor, where ancient wonders await travellers who wish to take in as much of the Egyptian experience as they can.

Airports have been built along the Red Sea Riviera, allowing convenient and easy flights to and from the area to anywhere in the world, making this one of the worlds most exciting and fastest-growing destinations. Where some years ago only Egypt residents visited these resorts, the secret is now out, and tourists from all over the world are discovering what this lively and animated part of the world can offer.

The sheer variety of ways to spend time on the Red Sea coast is unparalleled anywhere. Diving and snorkelling among a rich and varied undersea world of sea life and breathtaking coral reefs are a must, and the resorts here have purpose-built dive centres, run by professionally qualified, knowledgeable and experienced diving instructors who are able to instruct absolute beginners, or further the training on intermediate divers. Standards of safety and attention to care for the natural environment are paramount here, and visitors will be delighted to find so many unspoiled dive sites to explore.

The natural world provides dives suitable for all levels of diving proficiency, from sandy shallows for snorkellers, to deep coral walls and towering pillars for experienced scuba divers. There are wrecks to explore, and underwater photography produces terrif ic results with the water being so clear.

Sea life in this area is plentiful, and visitors here may find themselves diving and snorkelling among rare and fascinating fish one day, and with playful dolphins the next. There are also turtles, tuna, groupers, clownfish, and many more wonderful creatures to find.

On the beach and in the hotels, the Red Sea Riviera offers every kind of seashore fun imaginable, with jetskiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, fishing and parasailing only a taste of what is waiting to be enjoyed.

The resorts here take guest comfort and service very seriously, and consistently offer great luxury and a range of services, from the sumptuous air conditioned rooms to the spas whereguests can be pampered.

warm waters, a moderate climate and a wide range of places to explore

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Within each resort is a variety of choices of accommodation, with three, four, five, and even six star luxury on offer, and each resort has its own unique appeal. Ismailia offers lakeside walks and historical attractions while, further south, El Gouna, a complete luxury complex where everything is there to fit anybody needs, Hurghada is the areas most well-known established resort, bringing scuba enthusiasts from all over the world. Marsa Alam is well Known for its unspoiled nature with rich possibilities for fun and leisure activities. Port Ghalib is a marina with shops, restaurants and cafes, where luxury yachts sail in and out along with the diving vessels. Others, like Safaga, have waters with therapeutic effects.

Some resorts offer different emphases, sometimes on sailing or fishing, and sometimes on luxury and high class shopping, but always with the beaches and clear turquoise water leading to the coral reefs and wonders beyond.

Of course, no visit to Egypt would be complete without witnessing the splendor and awe-inspiring majesty of the Eastern Desert, with landscapes of sand, rocks, and oases areas loomed over by the towering mountains, where tourists can visit ancient ruins, and meet nomadic Bedouin tribes and learn

their traditions. In keeping with the energetic and exciting feel of the region, it is possible to do all of this either in a four-wheel drive jeep, or take on the desert yourself aboard a quad bike.

Many other desert excursions are easily accessible and can be arranged with your hotel. Roman ruins from the days of the Roman Empire stand near examples of both earlier and later cultures, from the Pharaohs to 19th Century colonists, and there are many unexpected treasures to be found by exploring the area.

Many visitors to the area are realizing that its possible to get the best of both worlds with very different holiday experiences on the same trip.

Both sea and culture can be enjoyed by combining your time on the Red Sea Riviera with visits to key sites in the south of Egypt like Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Local flights are available, and road trips offer stunning scenery with, for example, Luxor only about 4.5 hours from Hurghada by car.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing time on the beach, a non-stop activity holiday with endless choices, or something in between, The Red Sea Riviera coast is waiting for you, and its closer than you think.

Red Sea

Ismailia, capital of the Suez Canal area, sits on the West bank of the Suez Canal. Only around 120km from Cairo, Ismailia, known as the City of Gardens and Flowers, grew around the construction of the Suez Canal. As a result, the city centre has a distinctive 19th Century colonial feel, with many British and French-style houses from that era.

Today, as well as its connection with the famous canal and its fascinating history, Ismailia is a popular tourist resort among Egyptians, particularly wealthy Cairo residents, many of whom have second homes here.

The surreal sight of huge cargo vessels sailing along the canal is not to be missed, but Ismailia is a city of contrasts, with romantic walks along the Sweet Water Canal, 19th Century history at Suez Canal founder Ferdinand De Lesseps house, and the bustling Market Area, a perfect place to immerse yourself in real Egyptian life.

ISMAILIA, THE CITY OF GARDENS AND FLOWERS

Suez Gulf

Ain Sukhna & ZafaranaIsmailia,

Ismailia

Timsah Lake, Ismailia

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Originally a quiet village, Zafarana is becoming known as a diving hot spot, and visitors from all over the world are enjoying not just the tennis courts, spas, restaurants and swimming pools, but the dive school, dive shop and dive safaris run from the resort. With three virgin reefs, Zafarana is an exciting new place to explore, and its clear turquoise waters are home to a vast array of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, barracuda and many varieties of sponges and coral. Newer resorts mean that any of the wreck dives scattered along the coast near Zafarana, now available as day trips, were previously only accessible from stay aboard dive cruises.

DID YOU KNOW?

INFO POINT

EASY TRAVEL

The beaches on the shore of Lake Timsah can be reached by taking a taxi or walking 1 km out along Talatini Street. Dine outdoors near picturesque fishing boats, or visit the manicured lawns and beaches of the smart resort clubs and hotels (which may include snacks and drinks or even a barbecue), some of which offer waterskiing , windsurfing and tennis facilities.

Turtle, Red Sea

The Ain Sukhna (hot spring) region extends for some 60km along the Gulf of Suez coast, and as the closest beach resort area to Cairo, is another leisure destination popular with Egyp-tians from the capital.

Perfectly situated for those looking for explo-ration of Egypt, the region is a short drive from Cairo, making this the perfect place from which to enjoy both the Pyramids of Cairo and the glorious beaches.

Another attractive option is Porto El Sukhna, a major new resort with fine golf and spas and increasingly popular location for holiday homes.

With crystal clear waters and pristine beaches, Ain Sukhna is known as a centre for deep-sea fishing, while Zafarana is among the worlds premier diving locations and famous for its wind and kite surfing too. Both are ideal bases for seeking out history, with the Eastern Desert Monasteries, including the ancient St Pauls Monastery, and St Anthonys Monastery, which is the oldest functioning monastery in the world, just a short trip from the beachfront resorts. At the monasteries, tourists can not only wonder at the frescos decorating the ancient buildings, but enjoy tours and some fantastic views.

As an up-and-coming tourist region, Ain Sukhna is considerably less expensive than some of the more established destinations, and those choosing this area will be delighted with just how much they can see and do in a short time.

St Pauls Monastery, Eastern Desert

Ain Sukhna

El Gouna is a modern resort about 25km north of Hurghada, ingeniously using a network of lagoons and canals to create not just one strip of beachfront, but a whole city of beautiful beaches linked by bridges across clear turquoise water. It is for this reason that El Gouna is considered to be the Venice of the Red Sea. Simultaneously refined and informal, it is a resort where visitors enjoy superb facilities and an end-less list of opportunities for adventure and fun, all in a relaxed and accommodating atmosphere. It has also built a very strong reputation as a green resort and is a leading example of tourism being run in an environmentally responsible way.There are two main beaches at El Gouna. Exciting Mangroovy Beach, with its sports, out-door parties and barbecues, and Zeytuna Beach, which is located on its own island, and has a 600-metre long jetty reaching out into the sea over the coral reef. Diving and snorkelling are popular in El Gouna, with interesting dive sites in an area which is fairly inaccessible to mass tourism.

Local codes of practice have kept the sites unspoiled, and you will feel as though you are among the first to discover the amazing submarine views. At these special places, it is pos-sible to swim with dolphins and turtles, or explore the coral reefs for the many unusual fish and coral-dwelling creatures which cannot be found elsewhere.The clear waters and incredibly rich variety of marine life in the area means that El Gounas dive sites are perfect for underwater photography, and you are sure to come away with your

best pictures as well as wonderful memories of a diving ex-perience unlike any other. There are ideal conditions for kite surfing here too, and the experts will tell you that this is one of the worlds best centres for the sport.

Nightlife in El Gouna is rich and varied, with large discos and vibrant bars, as well as smaller, more intimate venues and restaurants with a huge variety of entertainment, and cui-sine from around the world, including Indian, Thai, French, Belgian, Chinese, German, Italian and British. A lively evening of music and dancing, or a quiet romantic evening of dinner and cocktails are both waiting in El Gouna.The two main areas of kafr el Gouna and Abu Tig Marina offer the trendiest bars and cosiest pubs, along with billiard bars, beach bars, karaoke cafes, and the Palladium open-air disco. Places at the heart of the social scene include Studio 52, the marina promenade, and Mangroovy Beach, which of-ten organise live concerts and events, including beach bar-becue parties.You can also take advantage of the dine around system here too, which means that you can add variety to your stay and try an excellent range of restaurants and dishes.

EL GOUNA, THE VENICE OF THE RED SEA

El Gouna & Hurghada

El Gouna resort

DONTMISS

As well as seeking out the undersea world yourself, you could visit the aquarium at Kafr El Gouna, which is full of in-teresting aquatic life, from colourful local fish to baby crocodiles, and makes an excellent day out for families. Golfers will love the El Gouna Golf Club, where it is high season all year round on the 18-hole course.

Marina at El Gouna

HURGHADA - INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR AqUATIC SPORTS

Hurghada was once a quiet fishing village, but over the last twenty years, it has become the leading seashore resort on the Red Sea. Holiday villages and hotels provide aquatic sport facilities for sailboarders, yachtsmen, scuba divers and snorkellers, as well as 36km of pure beaches on which to relax before adventuring beneath the Red Sea to seek out underwater treasures.

Todays active lifestyles demand that tourists can find exciting and challenging activities to enjoy on holiday, and Hurghada provides a perfect blend of engaging daytime pursuits and vibrant nightlife.

Hurghada has become an international centre for aquatic sports such as wind-surfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swim-ming, but above all for some of the most spectacular diving and snorkelling in the whole world. The underwater gardens are amazing with a wide range of rare fish and coral reefs. If you are a diving enthusiast, or someone who would love to see what diving has to offer, Hurghada has simply the finest diving you will find.Whether you are an experienced diver looking for the ultimate locations, a novice keen to try diving for the first time, or somewhere in between and looking to learn more, Hurghada has exactly what you need. With PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) qualified instructors at a host of diving centres, you will find a diving experience to cater for your needs.

For those wishing to enjoy the sights beneath the Red Sea without learning to scuba dive, snorkelling is also popular in Hurghada, and is possible with a less demanding learning curve, although safety and orientation courses are given, and allows for underwater viewing up close in shallow water.Owing to its central location, the city provides a gateway to diving sites throughout the Red Sea, and is also known for providing access to many uninhabited offshore reefs and islands. It really is paradise for anyone with an appre-ciation of the underwater world.As well as the newer parts of Hurghada, dont miss the chance to spend time appreciating the charm and character of the older parts of the city like Sakkala and Al Dahhar.Back on dry land, Hurghada is well-served by

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Windsurfing at Hurghada

beautiful hotels, where guests can enjoy spa facilities, massages and beautiful beach-es from which sailing, windsurfing, deep sea fishing, kitesurfing, pedal boats and waterskiing are available. For those who would rather view the undersea beauty without getting wet, glass-bottomed boat trip is a great way to see the sights.By night, Hurghada shifts up a gear and reveals its famous nightlife, includ-ing the Ministry of Sound Beach Club, as well as the discos and entertainment on offer at most of the citys hotels. Restaurants range from those serving traditional Arabic food to chains familiar to western visitors, including Hard Rock Caf.

Night life at Hurghada

INFO POINT

EASY TRAVEL

Hurghada Tourist Office :Phone : 065 3463221 - Fax : 065 3463221

All of the excitement and beauty of Hurghada itself is reason enough for a long stay in the area, but the sur-rounding desert and coastline offers such a wealth of sights and experiences that you will want to return time and again to discover new and unex-pected encounters with the splendour of Egypt.

AROUND HURGHADA

As well as being known for its amazing beaches along the coast, Egypt is also famous for its majestic deserts, and taking a trip inland from the Hurghada area can open up new possibilities for adventure and new experiences. To the west, the inland desert mountains rise up to dominate the landscape, making for breathtaking sunsets, and an unparalleled

Sunset at Hurghada

Around Hurghada

MAjESTIC DESERTS

opportunity to explore.Quad bike desert tours are among many activities you will find around Hurghada, and make a wonderful story to tell upon your return home. The Eastern Desert is a fascinating and vast landscape of sand, rocks, oases and mountains, and is the home of the Bedouin people.

Operators arrange tours in which, after safety tests and orientation, they lead you on a mid afternoon ride over the desert sands to a Bedouin village, where you will learn about Bedouin life, heritage and traditions, before riding a camel in the desert, and then taking in the amazing sunset view with a barbecue dinner, entertained by traditional Bedouin music, before you ride back to your hotel under the desert stars. These visits to Bedouin villages can also be taken in four-wheel-drive vehicles for those who would prefer someone else to do the driving.

Hillscape at Hurghada

4x4 adventure

Beach

Looking away from the desert and out from the coastline, you will find islands, reachable on short boat trips, and each with their own individual appeal. Many of the islands are popular dive sites, with a vast variety of dives suitable for all skill levels, from absolute beginner to seasoned expert. With coral walls, sandy shallows, and both shallow and deeper areas to explore, there is certain to be no shortage of diving and snorkeling choices, and the huge number of different sealife to be seen makes this whole area one that no diver should miss.Giftun Island is among the main diving sites to which day-boats take diving parties. The island is a beautiful sand reef, and is surrounded by a garden of corals and exotic marine life. On a trip to the island, you can soak up the glorious sunshine on the sandy beach or swim in the crystal clear waters - the reef is home to vibrant corals, a seemingly infinite number of bright and colourful tropical fish, and you may even see rays, turtles and dolphins. Many operators will provide equipment for snorkelling in order for guests to explore the views under the sea, and it is also possible to sail to other nearby coral islands.

Mahmya Beach is on the southern shores of the Giftun Island National Park off the coast of Hurghada. Mahmya in Arabic means Protected Area, and it is a testament to the careful management of this idyllic island that it is able to welcome tourists and yet remain so wonderfully unspoilt.Day trips to Mahmya are operated by many tour operators. Visitors board one of two 27-seater Mahmya boats, and sail for around one hour to the island. To protect the coral reef and its marine inhabitants, the boats moor at buoys off the pristine bay, and visitors are taken to the shore by smaller boats. Once they have landed on the island, guests are free to snorkel on the impressive coral heads scattered in the clear lagoon, have a walk along the sandy beach, take on other guests at beach volleyball, try scuba diving with the diving centre, or just relax on the pure white beach. Lunch can be enjoyed at the restaurant, with seafood and Italian specialties, and later in the day guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Despite being on an uninhabited desert island, first aid, security and trained lifeguards are present at all times, so tourists can relax in the knowledge that they are in safe hands.

Around Hurghada

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SINBAD, THE SUBMARINEWith diving and snorkelling so popular, it is interesting to find yet new ways to enjoy the undersea views. How about two hours discovering the wonderful marine life of the Red Sea by subma-rine? Hurghada is home to Sinbad, a submarine which carries 44 passengers and has a crew of two pilots, who take their guests for a wonderful trip beneath the sea to a depth up to 22 meters where many coral reefs and colourful fish can be found.

It is well-known that Egypt is a country full of historical interest, and just to the south of Hurghada is Mons Claudia-nus, an ancient Roman penal colony from the days when Egypt was within the Roman Empire, and where prisoners mined granite as a building material for the Roman Empire (tourists will be pleased to hear that they will not be expected to work in the quarries during their visit!) This stone was used in fa-mous buildings such as the Pantheon and Temple of Venus in Rome, Hadrians Villa in Tivoli, and also in the defending walls and defence towers around Mons Claudianus itself. Hot springs, which were used for underground heating systems in Roman times, still exist today along with ruined granite artifacts, and the Roman camp, dwellings, workshops and stables. The granite mine itself is still there, and is the largest and best-preserved Roman site in the Eastern Desert. You will also find Mons Porphyrites (about 40km from Hurghada).

The Hurghada area is a real state-of-the-art resort with a huge range of leisure activities, entertainment and spa facilities. It is also an ideal base from which to explore the nearby resorts at Safaga, El Gouna,Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh, all of which offer beautiful beaches, ex-cellent diving sites,and their own ranges of activities and sights. With Hurghada International airport so close by, it is even possible to fly out to Cairo and take in the famous ancient sights such as the Pyramids, or to Luxor with its many ancient temples.

The high level of top quality investment in top class new facilities highlights the excellent nearby resorts of Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay and Makadi Bay.They have a multitude of fine facilities including golf, spa and wellness resorts. They are also becoming very popular locations for holiday homes.

HISTORICAL INTEREST & EXCELLENT DIVING SITES

INFO POINTISLANDS

Underwater adventureat Hurghada

Clown fish

Diving from Safaga is varied and interesting, the dive sites are peaceful and the coral is unspoilt. A key feature for groups travelling to Safaga is that there are sites for all levels of diver here, with shore dives on the house reefs for beginners and some deeper drift dives offshore for the more experienced. Dive schools operate here, and guests can combine the relaxation of a holiday by the beach with an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience as a diver in some of the best dive spots in the world.

The coral reefs are characterized by pinnacles, slopes, grottos and overhangs and all are well populated with a startling array of marine life.

Safaga

It also makes a perfect base for sightseeing, with the desert to the west holding as many treasures on dry land as the Red Sea holds beneath its surface to the east. Safaga itself is a sizeable Egyptian town which built up around its port, built because of Safagas proximity to the ancient gateway through the Red Sea Hills to the Nile, used as far back as during the time of the Roman Empire. Having retained much of its local colour and feel, visitors will find local shops and markets selling souvenirs as well as more traditional goods such as spices, local food and crafts.

In and around Safaga there are a number of resorts, offering essential Red Sea activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, and of course scuba diving. Clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches meet at the shoreline to make Safaga a perfect spot for a relaxed holiday off the beaten track, but with the facilities and activities one would expect of a much larger and busier resort.

PEACEFUL DIVES SITES

The highly saline sea water at Safaga makes the town unique, and the water is believed to have a thera-peutic and beneficial effect on the skin. The combina-tion of sunshine, clean air, and the water is believed to be very effective against skin conditions like psoria-sis and you can find Spa & wellness high possibilities according to International standards.

DID YOUKNOW??

Diving spot in the Red sea

SAFAGA, RENOWNED FOR ITS UNPOLLUTED ATMOSPHERE, BLACk SAND DUNES AND MINERAL SPRINGS (WELLNESS & SPA)

53 kilometres south of Hurghada stands Safaga, an ancient marine port well-known for its unpolluted atmosphere, black sand dunes and mineral springs.

The town has built a great reputation as a wellness and spa resort and visitors have a wide choice of very high quality facilities. A favourite watersports destination for windsurfers, kitesurfers and scuba divers, Safaga is a re-laxed and laid-back destination more suited for those who love to take part in diving and other sports during the day, and prefer beach parties to large nightclubs by night.

Windsurfer

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TOBIA ISLAND

RAS ABU SOMA

Tobia Island, a small sand bank island in the middle of the bay of Safaga, is a popular excursion from Safagas hotels and resorts. The island is an ideal spot to spend a day at sea aboard one of the many day excursion dive boats. Hotels, diving and aqua centres in Safaga offer half day or full day excursions to

the island, which is a wonderful site for snorkelling and ob-serving the outstand-ing coral heads in shallow water, which make snorkelling easy, fun, and great for children. A full day ex-cursion generally in-cludes lunch on board the boat, and the use of snorkelling equip-ment.

Ras Abu Soma is located off Soma Bay, close to Safaga. There is a large lagoon here, and this site is easily accessible from the shore, where in recent years a 300 me-tre jetty has been built. Giant moray eels frequent the area, as well as cuttlefish, clown fish and octopuses. This spot offers varying degrees of adventure, with a long, sandy slope before the wall drops away into the depths. As you head to the north the sandy slope becomes thinner, until it even-tually joins the main reef wall. Shortly be-fore this is a small cave or overhang which goes a short distance into the coral reef. Heading back to the south you can finish your dive over the sand plateau where blue spotted rays and even the occasional eagle ray may pay you a visit. With ever-present clown-fish in their anemones and all the colourful marine life this site has to offer, this is a very pleasant dive suitable for all levels of diver.

With diving like this, trips to the desert, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts, Safaga makes an ideal getaway for busy people who would like to experience some fun and adventure whilst slowly winding down from the stresses of everyday life.

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ADVENTUROUS DAY TRIPS

Day trips away from the sea can take adventurous types out into the desert, where it is possible to travel by four-wheel drive or to ride your own quad bike out into the landscape, taking in spectacular vistas of sand, rocks, oases and mountains, before visiting a Bedouin village and riding in the Egyp-tian desert on a camel, sure to become a lifelong memory and a tale to tell when you return home. The visit culminates with guests enjoying a barbe-cue dinner whilst being entertained by traditional Bedouin music, before setting off back by quad bike or jeep to Safaga. These tours can be half day or full day trips. Only 40 km, from Safaga, you will find Mons Claudianus, an old Roman granite for-tress complex.

It is also possible to explore unexpected historical treasures from the time of the Roman Empire (like the Mons Claudianus an old Roman granite fortress complex lying just 40km from Safaga), or even take a trip to the south and Luxor, with its incredible ancient temples and other historic sites.

In all hotels in Safaga, you will find watersport and diving centres hiring snorkelling equipment, and organising guided and non-guided snorkelling trips to the best places in the area. They also cater well for children, with professional guides teaching youngsters how to use a snorkel, mask and fins, which will teach them the skills needed for an experience they will always remember.

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Quad adventure

Anemone Sea Clown fish

For those who would rather take on some of the best diving in the area, the dive boats also travel to some locations where a single trip can let you experience many different types of dive, from sandy shallows to towering coral pillars.

Al quseir is 85km south of Safaga, and has been used as both a trade port and base for exploration by many different civilizations for over four thousand years. One of Egypts earliest places of importance, the city stands at the end of the shortest route between the Nile and the Red Sea, which made it a vital link between Egypt and the wider world in the days before the Suez Canal.

AL qUSEIR, BEFORE A TRADE PORT AND BASE FOR EXPLORATION

Al Quseir

White-tipped sharks, Red Sea

When the Roman Empire ruled Egypt in the distant past, Al Quseir (then known as Myos Hormos) was an important and busy port, and in 20 AD, around 120 ships were setting sail for India each year to carry exports of Egyptian wine, fine pottery, glass and precious metals, to trade with India for its silk, spices, medicines and pearls.

DID YOUKNOW??

Visitors seeking ancient history and a taste of eras gone by will have much to see and explore here. The remains of the Roman port settlement, Myos Hormos, are only 8 km from present-day Al Quseir. There, visitors can still see the ancient portbuildings, and scattered around the area are many Roman vases and artifacts, making this a rare historical location where tourists and locals alike have re-spected the significance of the site, leaving it preserved for new visitors to find as though they were the first.

It is possible to travel even further back into time here, though, with as many as 200 hieroglyphic tablets adorning the cliffs at Wadi Hammamat, which joins Al quseir to qift on the River Nile. Many of these tablets are 4,000 years old, and depict traditional reed boats travelling to the Nile. In later years, the Romans built watchtowers along this wadi, and many of them are still there today.

Diver and corals, Red Sea Anthias, Red Sea

Another major influence on the look of the city is the Ottoman era, and the Ottoman fortress of Sultan Selim, ruler of Egypt during the 16th century. The fortress was a military stronghold to protect the port from invaders and to keep pilgrims to Mecca, many of whom set off from Al Quseir, safe from harm. It is for this reason that many buildings in the town have a strong architectural Islamic influence. The recently restored fort has an interesting Visitors Centre with displays of local history, archaeology and culture.

Following the Ottomans, Napoleon and later the British Empire occupied the port, which now has varied architecture from both of these influences, with many British and French style 19th Century buildings juxta-posed with the Islamic-influenced buildings and the ancient structures from Roman times and beyond. The local government is keen to preserve these historic buildings, as well as the areas natural environment, to keep Al Quseir as beautiful for the future as it is today.

This is truly an area of amazing history, and it is remarkable how well the remains of past cultures have stood through so much time and a changing world. All of this exists alongside modern Al Quseir, which has narrow streets perfectly suited for the colourful bazaars, as well as cafes and restaurants serving delicious seafood, and of course glorious beach areas which have more recently become home to luxurious hotel resorts.

Despite being so rich and varied, the areas history is only one of the reasons to visit the won-derful city of Al Quseir. Today, scuba diving is a huge attraction here. The citys coastal hotels, including the Movenpick, the Flamenco Beach Resort and the Utopia Beach Club, the Man-grove Bay Resort and the Fanadir, all have their own diving centres, where both beginners and more experienced divers can enjoy sandy slopes and beautiful coral reefs beneath the turquoise waters.

PRESERVED ENVIRONMENT

Al Quseir is a beautiful place, with both the natural and man-made environments vital to its atmosphere and appeal. For this reason, the local government takes the preservation of the area seriously, to the extent where the hotel resort staff receives special training on thinking environmentally. It is perhaps for this reason that the city and its beaches have remained so beautiful. Diving parties are limited in size to preserve the reefs, so you will find your underwater experience to be tranquil and peaceful, and of course you will be able to experience a sub aquatic world kept undamaged with responsible use.

IMPRESSIVE MARINE LIFE

The coral reefs at Al quseir are extremely diverse with scattered pinnacles, tunnels, chimneys, outcrops and caves waiting to be explored, and the sheer variety of coral growth is astonishing. The marine life is just as impressive, with Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, lionfish, goatfish, rock cod, trumpetfish and groupers inhabiting the reef areas, and gobies, shrimp and squid on the sand and shallow waters. Further variety can be found on the outer reaches, including tuna, fusiliers, mackerels, jacks and snappers. Its clear that this is one of the best diving locations in the Red Sea, if not the world.

A STRONG ARCHITECTURAL INFLUENCE

MORE ADVENTURES TO BE ENjOYED

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Away from the sea, and to the west of the city, more adventures are waiting to be enjoyed. Desert safaris, either by four-wheel drive jeep or riding a quad bike, take guests out into the desert across vast expanses of sand, and past rocks and oases, towards the mountains until they reach a Bedouin village. These nomadic people offer a warm welcome to visitors, who will get to ride a desert camel and enjoy Bedouin hospi-tality and entertainment before heading back across the desert to the city and its beautiful resorts and beaches.

Further afield, those wishing to take in as much of Egypt as possible can easily reach Luxor and even Cairo, both well-known throughout the world as centres of ancient history. A little nearer to Al quseir are more Roman and ancient Egyptian remains waiting to be discovered.

With the opportunity to see deserts, mountains, beaches and the full glory of the undersea world in a single day, it is as apparent as the clear waters of the Red Sea that Al Quseir is quite simply one of the most exquisite desti-nations one could ever visit. Diving in the Red Sea

INFO POINT

Close to Marsa Alam Interna-tional Airport, and so very easily reachable straight from the plane, is Port Ghalib, a beautiful port with its own legend, and now a thriving marina and tourist town.

Port Ghalib is located five minutes from Marsa Alam International Airport and 2.5 hours, by road, from the Valley of the kings. It unfurls along one of the finest marina and sweeps on the Red Sea.

PORT GHALIB, THE FINEST NEW RESORT

Today, there are no ghost ships to be seen, but the area has grown into a luxurious marina and tourist resort, with excellent hotels by the beach serving as a haven for sunseekers and diving enthusiasts, spa and wellness lovers as well as those who would like to explore the wonders of Egypt.

The marina itself is the nucleus of Port Ghalib. A mod-ern and fully serviced port of entry into Egypt, the ma-rina can accommodate up to a thousand large yachts. Acting as both a fully-functional marina and a leisure and tourism destination, there will always be plenty of activity in Port Ghalib, and in the crystal waters around its shores.

The Port Ghalib tourist resort stretches along some 3.8 km of beachy shoreline, and has a lively town centre, with busy promenades with shops, boutiques, restaurants, bistros, and cafes.

The Corniche Peninsula looks out over the marina, and is a half mile stretch of high class shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, along with recognizable chain brands, behind which is a traditional Egyptian bazaar called The khan, where visitors will enjoy haggling with sellers for semi-precious gems, ceramics and perfumes, all part of the Egyptian bazaars traditional character and charm.

Ghalib Harbour

The legend of Port Ghalib says that at the turn of the first millennium, a young man named Ghalib founded the port after a rival for the hand of his true love ar-ranged for his trade ships to be barred from entering the port of Aidhab. After the port was established, or so the legend says, the rival tried to destroy it by sen- ding a fleet of warships to attack the port, but a fleet of ancient ghost ships ap-peared and frightened the attackers away, leaving Port Ghalib free to become a thriving port for trade, and Ghalib himself free to marry the woman he loved.

DID YOUKNOW??

Ghalib Harbour

Port Ghalib

ENERGETIC & FUN

Day trips away from the sea can take adventurous types out into the desert, where it is possible to travel by four-wheel drive or to ride your own quad bike out into the East-ern Desert and its spectacular landscape of sand, rocks, oases and mountains. After a thrilling and awe-inspiring journey, the safari visits a Bedouin village where guests will be welcomed with traditional hospitality, and be offered the chance to ride in the desert on a camel, sure to make an interesting story to tell when you return home. Guests enjoy a barbecue dinner as the sun sets over the mountains, and traditional Bedouin music and entertainment captures their hearts, before setting off back by quad bike or jeep to the resort. These tours can be half day or full day trips.

Of course, in between all of this activity, guests will wish to find time to relax, and Port Ghalib has that covered, too. With spas and steam baths for both men and women to be pampered in, and sunset and moonlight cruises, Port Ghalib can offer a romantic and relaxing experience, as well as a vibrant and energetic one.

CHILDRENS CLUB

DAY TRIPS INTO THE DESERT

Port Ghalib has two beach areas each with their own unique appeal. The southern beach is ideal for swimming and general beach fun, while the eastern beach offers jetty access to the reefs that surround the resort, which makes it perfect for snorkellers. Alternatively, guests may choose to visit other nearby dive sites by visiting one of the resorts dive centres, which are operated by professional, fully trained instructors.

Three of the top ten dive sites in the world, The Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef and Rocky Island, are within easy reach of Port Ghalib. The area also boasts some of best dolphin observing waters anywhere on the planet.

Being towards the south of the Red Sea Riviera means that Port Ghalib is within easy reach of Luxor, with its ancient temples and other famous sights and expe-riences. With the airport close by, it is also possible to take flights to destinations elsewhere in Egypt, such as Cairo, very easily, and still return to Port Ghalib to soak up the luxurious and affluent atmosphere of one of Egypts finest new resorts.

Theres a very good chance that you will want to return to Port Ghalib again and again, knowing that there is so much excitement and adventure available.

Port Ghalib has been created with an en-ergetic and fun loving visitor in mind, with a long list of watersports, including kaya- king, windsurfing, parasailing, wakeboarding, sailing boats and catamarans, jet boats and jetskiing, waterskiing, scuba diving, under-water photography, snorkelling, and dolphin safaris, as well as deep sea fishing, and fun boat-drawn banana and donut rides. Taking

part in such activi-ties on the clear blue waters of the Red Sea is like a dream of paradise.Other active pursuitsout of the water are also available includ-ing horse and camel-riding, motocross and quad bikes, go-carting, paintballing, rock climbing, and abseiling. Tennis, swimming, kiting, cycling and ar-chery are also available from the resort hotels.

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TWO BEACH AREAS

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For the youngsters, Port Ghalib has an exciting childrens club. Lulee Kids Camp offers supervised activity programmes for chil-dren (ages 4-12 in low season, 2-12 in high season), and operates every day of the year offering a range of activities to keep kids interested, involved and stimulated while adults get to enjoy the freedom of Port Ghalib. Kids can expect to find treasure hunts, jungle gyms, mini golf, trampolines, bumper boats, ten-pin bowling, a games arcade, bubble diving, inflatables, and much more. If you have ever wondered how to keep the children oc-cupied on holiday, Port Ghalib has more answers than you would believe.

About 220 km south of Hurghada, Marsa Alam is among the fastest growing holiday resorts on the Red Sea Riviera, and is popular with wind surfers, scuba div-ers, snorkellers and beach lov-ing sunseekers lucky enough to have already discovered Marsa Alams tranquility and beauty. Fringed with palm trees and mangroves, this is a real life tropical paradise, and an ideal base for further exploration.Like some other resorts

While Egypt has become a popular destination for divers eager to experience the magic of the Red Sea at first hand, the spectacular dive sites of Marsa Alam still remain relatively uncrowded, allowing holiday makers to discover the areas ship wrecks, coral walls and underwater gardens in peace.Marsa Alams top diving spots are popular for their unspoilt beauty. Elphinstone, situated 6.5 nautical miles from the Marsa Alam coast, is teeming with life including sea turtles and reef fish, as well as larger pelagics. With a shallow northern plateau for snorkeling, and a far deeper southern plateau, this area is suitable for sea users of all skill levels, from snorkelers to experienced divers.Shaab Samadai, or Dolphin House, a curved reef off of the southern Marsa Alam coast, is so named because of a the pod of 60 or so spinner dolphins who are often seen here. In addition to the dolphins, this shallow, turquoise lagoon is also populated by schools of reef fish including leopard groupers, lionfish and masked butterfly fish.

Marsa Alam

UNCROWDED DIVE SITES

on the Riviera, Marsa Alam was once a small fish-ing village, and the addition of Marsa Alam Inter-national Airport to the area allowed the town to enter into the realm of tourism, and since then the area has become one of Egypts secret treasures, especially among divers and snorkelers looking for a new destina-tion off the beaten track.For diving enthusiasts, The Red Sea is a glorious trea-sure waiting to be discovered, boasting kilometres of beautiful coral reefs and an abundance of magnificent-ly coloured sea life.

MARSA ALAM, THE FASTEST GROWING HOLIDAY RESORT

Emperor Fish

Divers in Marsa Alam

Kahramana Beach Resort Marsa Alam

For those seeking adventure in the desert, there are tours and attractions aplenty near to Marsa Alam. Quad bike or jeep safaris into the desert, including a visit to a genuine Bedouin village, can be taken from the resort, and are available as full or half day excursions, which include a barbecue and entertainment at the Bedouin village, and the chance to ride a camel in the Egyptian desert.

It is believed that the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs mined brilliant green emeralds in the mountainous areas of the Eastern Desert southwest of Marsa Alam. The Cleopatra Mines or Mons Smaragdus (Emerald Moun-tains) became the most famous mining com-plex in the ancient world, and at various times the mines at Wadi Gemal, Wadi Sikeit, Wadi Nuqrus and Gebel Zabara were in use during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Today the ruins of the Zabara and Sikeit mining settle-ments are still evident near Marsa Alam, as well as the remains of temples and ancient caves.

Visitors looking for history will do well to visit the mines, which, like so many sites of natural resources in Egypt, bear evidence of several different civilizations that have made use of the precious stones over thousands of years.

Also not far from Marsa Alam are the remains of the Roman port settlement, Myos Hormos, where visitors can see remarkably well-preserved Roman artefacts, and as many as 200 hierogylphic tablets adorning the cliffs at Wadi Hammamat. Many of these tablets are 4,000 years old, and depict traditional reed boats traveling to the Nile. Hammamat is also famous for Bekheny stone, a beautiful green ornamental rock which was considered sacred in an-cient times. The stone was actively quarried until Roman times, and used to make bowls, statues and even sarcophagi. Many items made from Bekheny stone have been found in the Pyramid tombs of the Pharaohs. In later years, the Romans built watchtowers along the wadi, many of which can still be found still there today.

ADVENTURE IN THE DESERT

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Adventurous undersea explorers will love the idea of diving to the underwater caves and pinnacles to the south.Fury Shoal is a diverse coral garden which makes a wondrous diving location. A network of hard coral formations make up a complex reef inhabited by a variety of pelagic fish and dolphins, and even contains the wrecks of a tugboat and a sailing ship for your explora-tion. On dry land, Marsa Alam is the home of an increasing number of luxurious hotels, from three to five star.

INFO POINT

EASY TRAVEL

Many visitors to the Red Sea Riviera like to combine a relaxing holiday by the Red Sea with the sights of Ancient Egypt and sights from the era of the pharaohs. Excursions to Luxor from Marsa Alam are available by bus, with a relatively short trip (around 4 hours drive). The most popular excursion to Luxor is on a full day basis, with an early morning departure, but guests also have the opportunity to spend a night in Luxor, allowing more time to see the ancient temples and other artifacts over two days.The airports proximity also means that nowhere in Egypt is out of reach for guests in Marsa Alam, and flights to Cairo are inexpensive and easy to arrange for the complete Egyptian experience.

Diving Spot

Camels

It is a protected National Park in the Eastern Desert, and a perfect way to discover the fa-mous Egyptian desert, and to meet the original tribes who have roamed the vast desert for centuries.Around 40km from Marsa Alam, the park covers nearly 100km of the coast with palm groves, mangrove bays, and pristine beaches with pure white sand, as well as the Wadi itself, a huge, deep, dried riverbed, the site of many interesting geological and natural wonders to explore, and the third largest wadi in the Eastern Desert.

WADI GEMAL

Wadi Gemal, Berenice & Bir Shalatein

Berenice

In ancient times, this area was part of the major trade routes between the Nile and the Red Sea and the world beyond, when there was no choice other than to transport goods south on the Nile and then overland to the Red Sea coast. It is for this reason that there are many archeologi-cal discoveries to be made here, including the remains of Roman guard towers placed along the route to protect trade convoys from attack.

DID YOUKNOW??

Diver and coral, Red sea

Gorgonian coral, Red Sea

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The ancient city of Berenice, named by Ptolemy II Philadelphos after his mother, became a trading port in 275 BC. A ruined Temple of Semiramis built by Trajan and Tiberius is near the modern town and, inland, there are the remains of the emerald mines of Wadi Sakait, which were worked from Pharaonic to Roman times. On the outer walls of the temple are representations of Emperor Tiberius before the god Min, and another depicts offerings to the deity of the Green Mines. The coast is lined with mangrove swamps and unspoiled bays and coves. Offshore, visit the tectonic island of Zabargad, a geological phenomenon which is also famous as the source of the semi-precious gem olivine, mined here from 1500 BC until the mid-20th century. From Peridot hill there are breathtaking views of the surrounding blue lagoons, rich in marine life and home to many dolphins. While Berenice is famous for its fishing, it also has some of Egypts best health spas.

BIR SHALATEIN

BERENICE

Bir Shalatein is a small village located on the Egyptian border with Sudan.

Once a major sea port, the area is now known for its proximity to some spectacular diving sites. Many resorts further north on the Red Sea coast travel to this area, such as the standard of natural beauty found beneath the sea here.

These are all areas where the bustling world of international tourism is yet to shake up the natural order of life, and as they are further south than the large tourist resorts, visitors can find some of the Red Seas best diving sites.

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Lahami bay hamata

Red Sea

Sinai

It has everything a superb climate, stunning views, friendly people, and excellent value for money.

You can add to that the historical and cultural qualities of the region which mean that it is held in high esteem by the major religions of the world. It is a huge area, stretching from Sharm el-Sheikh in the south to El Arish at its northern tip on the Mediterranean.

Sinai has a fabulous diversity in landscapes and activities for the visitor to enjoy. In a comparatively short distance, its possible to see a huge range from beautiful coastline to stunning desert and mountain landscapes. The wildlife is abundant too from warm sea teeming with brightly-coloured fish to the animals which make their homes in the interior.

Theres an amazing choice in activities too as well as diving of course, you can try, quad biking, horse and camel riding, and windsurfing,to name a few.

Whatever kind of accommodation you are seeking, you will find it in Sinai from simple budget accommodation to luxurious 5 star hotels, with everything in between.

As youll see in the following pages, Sinai Region has something for everyone, whatever you are seeking on your visit.

Whether its the vibrant night-life of Sharm el-Sheikh or the peace

and tranquillity of the desert (or a bit of both!), theres the very besthere for you.

For many people, its the diving in this area which first springs to mind and for good reason.

Many experts will tell you that its simply the best in the world but also an ideal place to learn as a beginner too.

Many of the experiences you can discover here will stay with you long after your return home.

The dullest day in everyday routine will be brightened by memories of quad biking in the canyons, coming face to face with beautiful fish, or seeing some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets this world has to offer.

If a team of holiday experts was asked to design a perfect holiday destination, it would probably be just like Sinai region.

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Ras Sidr is a destination on the Gulf of Suez coast, popular with Cairo residents, but rapidly growing into a major international beach resort. The area extends some 95km along Sinai Coast.

The area is divided into North Ras Sidr, with its tourist centres at Ras Masalla, South Oyoun Moussa and Ras Dehaisah, and South Ras Sidr, including Ras Matarma, an Nakhila and Ras Malab.

Ras Sidr as a resort began life as a quiet coastal town, known locally for windsurfing. Today, new year-round tourist facilities, as well as shopping and private villa developments, have been added. Most of the newer tourist development is in the South Ras Sidr area. One can still windsurf, or now kitesurf, but also enjoy a wealth of other activities associated with beach holidays, as well as taking in the flavour of Egypt through visits to nearby attractions.

This unique area enjoys a number of varied natural assets not found in other regions, with areas of deser t , mounta ins ( inc lud ing Pharaoh, at-Teeh and Om-kathira), valleys with beautiful plant life, and untouched beaches. It is also well known for therapeutic natural springs, including the Springs of Moses. The area is particularly rich in desert plants and herbs, and it is also the habitat ofmany rare fish.

Ras Sidr makes an excellent base for exploring, with attractions such as the 800-year old El Guindi fortress.

Red Sea

Nearby are Hammamat Pharaoun, or Pharaohs Bath, a sulfuric spring with waters said to have healing properties, and Ein Abu Morir, a picturesque spring surrounded by palm trees.

DID YOUKNOW??

RAS SIDR, A MAjOR INTERNATIONAL BEACH RESORT

The 480 km2 of Ras Mohammed sits on the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, about 20km from Sharm el-Sheikh.

It has stunning views across the Red Sea which gave the area huge strategic importance throughout history. Today, it is a beautiful National Park, set up to protect marine and land wildlife and maintain the natural beauty of the area. Not far south of the resort town of Sharm el Sheikh, this protected area is a must-see for visitors interested in the vast array of natural beauty found in and around the Red Sea. With building of any kind prohibited, Ras Mohammed remains a timeless and pristine environment in which nature flourishes.

For divers and snorkellers, the area is a paradise. Over 220 species of coral exist in Ras Mohammed National Park, as well as 1000 species of fish, 40 species of starfish, 25 species of sea urchins, more than a 100 species of molluscs and 150 species of crustaceans. In addition to these natural wonders, many wrecks are scattered around the sea bed here from the days when strong naval presences patrolled the area, considered to be strategically important because of its proximity to the Suez Canal.

Diving is of course a big attraction to Ras Mohammed, not least because of the unique nature of this peninsula. For those keen to concentrate on exploring the underwater world, dive cruis-es are ideal, and will take you to the best spots in Ras Mohammed and the surrounding area.

The principal Ras Mohammed dives are Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, two twin coral reefs ex-tending for hundreds of metres below the waters surface. These are advanced dive sites, and recommended for experienced divers, who will be rewarded for the challenge with a simply amazing range of discoveries.

Shark Reef, as the name suggests, is home to hammerheads, grey tipped and white tipped sharks, and many other open sea fish, including barracudas and huge tuna. There are also areas densely populated with anemones, along with the clownfish who dwell amongst them.

Yolanda Reef was named after the shipwreck of freighter The Yolanda, part of which is still divable to this day. Scattered containers from the vessel have deposited interesting diving discoveries.

Salted lake near Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park

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Dive sites at excitingly named places such as Anemone City, Shark Observatory, Eel Garden, Jackfish Alley, and The Alternatives. Some areas are suitable for snorkelling and novice divers, with others being better suited for intermediate or experienced divers. Diving schools and cruise operators will advise visitors on the most suitable dives for their level of experience.

On land, exploration of the desert is possible, and can include visits to traditional Bedouin settlements to which the area is an ancestral homeland.

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The Visitor Centre at Ras Mohammed is of very high quality, and some time spent there will greatly enhance your visit to the area as well as being a great source of information.

The coral reefs at Ras Mohammed are recognized internationally as being among the best in the world, thanks to the National Parks protected status, which has forbidden development of the area in order to protect the ecosystem of the reefs and the desert of the Ras Mohammed peninsula. Although very different, the desert areas and undersea world are part of a single ecosystem, dependent on each other in order to survive and flourish.

You can see the full regulations at the Park, but most of it is common sense respect your natural surroundings, and dont take anything or leave anything behind.

Ras Mohammed offers the closest tropical waters to Europe, only a few hours flying time from anywhere on the continent.

Despite what many people think of when they imagine a desert as a barren wilderness, the desert areas of Ras Mohammed are rich with a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Vegetation is also rich in some parts, including a mangrove forest, and exotic and interesting plants which have evolved over millions of years to live in the harsh desert conditions. Excursions with experienced guides will let you discover the hidden wonder of the desert.

International marine biologists, seasoned scuba divers, and even Egyptians themselves consider Ras Mohammed a place which must be seen to be believed.

* For your own security, you are required to carry your passport while in this area.

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EASY TRAVEL

Dive sites at Ras Mohammed can be accessed from live-aboard or local cruises from Sharm el-Sheikh or Naama Bay. Some can even be reached by swimming out from the shore. It is important to choose guided dives, whose experienced dive leaders will not only ensure the safety of visitors in the water, but take care not to disturb the protected marine environment.

Yolanda reef Ras Mohammed

Ras Mohammed

Red Sea fauna

For many thousands of its happy visitors, the area is known simply as Sharm, but its actually a collection of attractions with differing personalities.

The towns name first appears on maps as long ago as the eighteenth century, but, until two centuries later, it was a small fishing village which few people knew.For language students (and people who like to win quiz nights) you might like to know that in Arabic the word sharm means bay and el sheikh means a wise old man.

It is now a hugely popular year-round resort which is hot and sunny in the summer, but still warm and very pleasant when European winters can be very depressing!

The great thing is that, whatever youre looking for on holiday, youll find it here; whether its the natural wonders of land and sea, sun and relaxation, or night-life with the energy of the worlds best!

The area consists of downtown Sharm el-Maya, busy Naama Bay and Sharks Bay further up the coast.Sharm el-Sheikh is the most popular resort in South Sinai and a perfect base from which to explore the regions stunning coastline and rugged interior. You can dive, snorkel or simply paddle in the waters of the Red Sea at Ras Um Sid, Turtle Bay and the Strait of Tiran.

It is the superb diving which has given the waters around here their worldwide reputation, and it is frequently voted as the best diving site in the world by the experts who know these things. Because of this, the range and qual-ity of dive sites, boats and professional instructors are superb. Even if you have never tried it before, take the plunge (so to speak) and try snorkelling or scuba diving youll be in very safe hands and, like many people, may find a hobby which lasts a life-time.Take a camel trek into the desert to visit Bedouin villages, mystical oases and the mangrove forests of Nabq. Or stay in Sharm, sample world-class in-ternational cuisine at one of the restaurants on the beach and dance the night away at the resorts discos and nightclubs. Above all, its the value for money which attracts millions of happy visitors.

Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh & Naama Bay

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Even if you were visiting from another planet, youd soon see that underwater life is very much part of Sharms attraction.There is a huge choice in good quality diving gear shops, boat trips, and fully qualified dive schools.There are over 250 coral reefs here and the estimate of fish spe-cies is well over 1000.Its perhaps the range of possibili-ties which is the real magnet.

Divers in the Red Sea

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You can see many beautiful fish if you simply sit and dangle your feet in one of the many jetties built to protect the coral from human feet.

For the more experienced diver, theres world class snorkelling and scuba at the underwater national parks and fascinating wreck and natural sites.

When the sun sets, Naama Bay is the place to be.

It cant be stressed too strongly that the pattern of the day best followed is that which has been part of the way of life in hot countries for centuries.

When the suns up and strong, enjoy the sea, sand and scenery when night falls, its time to socialize, party, and eat well at leisure.

The long promenade hugging the beach at Naama Bay is a hive of activity as visitors stroll or take a seat and people watch.

The cafes, restaurants and bars along the front are very aware that people have a choice, so they really work hard to offer good value and a great atmosphere.

Early evening, many establishments offer a happy hour with two-for-one drinks and other goodies.

Food and drinks prices already feel good compared to the pricy tourist places of the world, so reducing those to half price might be one of the reasons for the smiling faces youll see everywhere.

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EASY TRAVEL

Whether you are flying direct to Sharm or via a larger airport like Cairo, you will find that connections work really well for the large number of Sharm lovers from all over the world.

It would be a pity to miss the many attractions which lie so close at hand, and you will find that most hotels have a very efficient tour desk which can organize your trips on land and sea.

A regular ferry service runs between Sharm and Hurghada and this gives you a great chance to see another great Red Sea resort and perhaps continue further into Egypt.

Be honest about your own fitness! Some trips involve long walking through rugged country and climbs to high altitudes.

If thats not your thing, there are many brilliant compromises where you can reach the wilderness along good roads in the comfort of an air-conditioned car and then breathe in the magical scenery at your leisure.

Many visitors include a trip to St Cath-erines Monastery and Mount Sinai (Mount Moses) during their stay (see later section) and your local operator will be able to suggest a range of good value packages.

Sinai caves

Naama Bay beach

Sharm el-Sheikh Tourist Office :Phone : 069 3664721 - Fax : 069 3664521

Naama Bay

The nightlife in Naama Bay is rightly famous, and is mainly located in the busy shopping and market area.

Theres a great mix of traditional and modern proper traditional coffee shops and stalls sit happily by newcomers like Starbucks, Hard Rock Caf, and McDonalds.

Theres a big choice for the clubbers, and Sharm won serious credibility in their eyes with the arrival of the famous Pacha venue.

Dont feel as though being over 20 stops you from being a clubber though!

The morning after your big night out may well see you waking up over a leisurely breakfast before heading off to some real enjoyment in the fresh air of Sinai.

Take the chance to see the country the natural way on the back of a horse or a camel.

This is much more than a tourist photo opportunity skilled and knowledgeable trek leaders will lead you into beautiful places which seem a thousand miles (and years) away from the bustling hotels and nightlife.

If motorized transport is more to your liking, you can bounce along dry valleys in a 4x4 or take the controls of a quad bike (see the Taba section for more on that).One very popular trip is a Jeep Safari to the Coloured Canyon.

Whether its for the naked eye, or your still or video camera, there are some beautiful sights and colours here.

Youll travel through unforgettable desert scenery and steep-sided valleys of granite and sandstone.

Time, wind, sun and geological shift have produced some quite surreal colours and patterns which leave quite an impression. It may look lifeless, but youll come across

unexpected water springs, plant life youve probably never seen before, and in the stillness, one of the animal residents might pop out to see you.

If youd like to get a longer taste of life in the desert, youll be able to fix a trip to take dinner the Bedouin way or even stay overnight to really enjoy the peace.

Even the overnight stays have a range of choices!

You can do it the simple way in a genuine Bedouin tent or sleep literally under the stars which youll see in all their glory without the competition of city lights.

If luxury is your thing, you can enjoy the experience in effectively a 5 star tent!

Sharm el-Sheikh & Naama Bay

Nightlife entertainment

Naama Bay

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Sharm has built a reputation as one of the most popular conference venues in the world.

Its easy access from major capitals, along with great facilities and high service standards, mean that it has become a firm favourite.

Some describe Sharm as the city of peace because of the many conferences here which have led to harmony for nations previously in conflict.

The business world has also been quick to understand its big advantages, and many companies choose to hold conferences here with some time off in the sunshine for hard working staff afterwards!

Even if you are never likely to attend a business event or conference yourself, this market means that Sharm el-Sheikhs offer is getting better every year.

The airports facilities are getting better each year, and barely a week goes by without a major hotel or travel operator announcing new plans for the area.

One thing which is clear is that Sharm has achieved the very difficult trick of offering a huge range of visitor goodies without spoiling the reason why the resort sprang up in the first place.

By a very clever programme of management, the Egyptian Government has protected the stunning beauty of land and sea, while still making space for the quality hotels and facilities which the modern visitor expects.

Someone once said that travelers are never really sure of what they are looking for but they know what it is when they find it!

Whatever your inner needs are as a traveler, Sharm el-Sheikh has it waiting for you and youll become one of the many repeat visitors who see this place as a second home.

The Sharm area has also become a real magnet for golfers. Fine golf courses up to international standards at Maritim Jolie Ville and, of course, guaranteed sunshine every day.

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Sunset in Sinai

Dahab is a small Bedouin town, located ap-proximately 100km to the north of Sharm el-Sheikhs luxurious tourist resorts. Da-hab, which means Gold in Arabic, is named for the towns beautiful beaches, and the atmosphere here is relaxed and peaceful. Popular with backpackers be-cause of its affordable prices, the area also boasts some unique diving sites, making it a tranquil paradise for peace loving souls to relax and explore.

The Dahab area is protected and resource managed to ensure that the rich natural environment remains unspoiled.

DAHAB

As with many other areas of the Red Sea and Sinai coast of Egypt, Dahab has some famous dive sites and snorkelling opportu-nities. The famous Blue Hole, literally a deep hole in the coral reef, is located around 30 minutes from Dahab by jeep, and is suitable for more experienced divers. Around 150m wide, and up to 110m deep, the Blue Hole is one of natures oddities, and is in fact a sort of cave or pothole, giving it the appear-ance of an eerie gap in the coral reefs which surround it.

Legende

Dahab has retained its youth-ful, alternative atmosphere in perfect balance with the ar-rival of tourism to the area, creating a relaxed and laid-back environment, but with fa-cilities on hand that one would hope for in a top-class tourist resort.

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Private dive guides will take individuals and groups to dive sites which are off the beaten track, giving a truly unique experience to those who choose to take this option. Standards of teaching and safety are very high here, but always check that your guide is part of a well established diving centre.Bicycles are available for hire, so visi-tors can take a leisurely ride along the beach or take to the backstreets of Dahab for exploration of Egyptian life.

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Dahab serves as an excellent starting point for visits to Mount Sinai, where many believe that Moses received the Ten Commandments in the Bible, and St Catherines Monastery, one of the oldest in the world.

Excursions into the desert are available, and are an unforgettable experience, cul-minating in a visit to a Bedouin settlement where guests will receive a warm welcome and enjoy a barbecue under the stars.

Also on dry land, Wadi Gnai is a perfect spot for rock climbing enthusiasts, or sim-ply a beautiful oasis in which to enjoy a spot of tea.

INFO POINT

Dahab and Nabq

Blue Hole Beach

Dahab canyon, Red Sea

A little closer to Sharm el-Sheikh, around 30km to the north of the bustling resort, is Nabq, where the coral reefs stretch along the length of the coast where the desert meets the sea. A protected marine reserve has been established here since 1992, in or-der to protect the coral reefs and the man-grove fringe which extends along the shore-line. The reserve also serves to preserve the way of life of the native Bedouin people, who are also responsible for much of the tourist services here.

Legende

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On land, Dahab offers a wealth of relaxing activities. There are restaurants here right on the beach itself, where delicious meals can be followed by a relaxing walk on the beach, or something a little more physical, such as horse and camelback riding, or riding the waters surface with some windsurfing or kite surfing.

The breeze blowing from the Red Sea onto the coast makes Dahab a centre for windsurfers, and the Laguna (lagoon) seems almost tailor-made for wind and kite surfers to enjoy their sport. Some hotels here specialize in wind and kite surfing in the same way that many others specialize in scuba diving and snorkelling, and there are areas of the lagoon dedicated for these pursuits.

Scuba diving is popular and well-served in Nabq, with unique and varied underwater landscapes, offering sandy slopes leading to the rich and amazingly well-preserved coral reefs, which boast a very rich and diverse variety of fish.

The beaches are beautiful, as one would expect in a protected area, and activities such as beach volleyball, beach football and basketball are available all day, so visitors can enjoy some energetic exercise.

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The incredible view across the desert, with Mount Sinai rising majestically out of its foothills. Visitors can go on safari excursions in to the desert, in four wheel drive jeeps, riding quad bikes, or on the back of a real desert camel. Bedouin hospitality awaits, with barbecue food under the stars before returning across the desert to the coast.

Nabq contains the largest mangrove forest in Sinai. These plants are remarkable for the way they purify salt water using their root system.

The wreck of the Maria Schroeder, a vessel which sank on the coral reefs in 1965, is still plainly visible at Nabq, with much of the ship still above the waters surface. The portion beneath the sea has become a new habitat for a rich array of coral and other marine life.

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NABqDahab and Nabq

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EASY TRAVEL

Nabq is easily reached from the larger resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Only around 15 minutes from Sharm by car, this beautiful area offers a change of pace and scenery for those wishing to relax in tranquil surroundings.

Red Sea cave and diver

To the north of Dahab, Ras Abu Gallum is a protected National Park area, mak-ing it one of the areas of Sinai where visitors will be the most awestruck by the unspoiled beauty of the Egyptian coast. With no hotels, shops, loud music or big crowds, this four-hundred square kilome-tre protected area is a place where one can imagine stepping back in time and being the first to discover the beauty of both the land and sea here.

The Park is home to a Bedouin settlement,and is a wonderful site for diving and snorkelling, and can only be reached from Dahab as part of a camel safari.

The best area for diving is at the northern end of the Bedouin village. Divers enter at a split in the reef and head out towards incredible coral formations teeming with marine life.Experienced divers can head out to the deeper reef wall, although some would say that the most fascinating sights are to be found in the shallows.

Abu Gallum National Park

Abu Gallum National Park

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The unique diving experience offered here. The shoreline at Abu Gallum displays just how rich the marine life is here, with shells of a huge variety of molluscs washed onto the beach. These are just an indication of the diversity of sea-life here in the protected waters among the living coral.The area is suitable for many levels of diver, from snorkelling in the shallows to the awesome 90-metre coral wall, where Napoleon fish are just one of many species you will encounter.Gebel Fuga is a large desert plateau surrounded by the desert mountains, reachable by safari from the Abu Gallum area or from resorts in Dahab. On a sloping hillside here lies one of the most interesting geological oddities to be seen in Sinai. This area has been named the Forest of Pillars, because it is covered with black lava-like columns of rock which appear to grow out of the mountain. The rocks range in size reaching to a metre or more in height, and many are crowded together as if they were supporting one another. A perfect and unique exploration and photographic opportunity is availables.

Camel at Abu Gallum

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On camel treks to Ras Abu Gallum, your diving equip-ment, as well as food, drink and baggage will be carried by your camel. A welcome bit of help from the Ship of the Desert!As well as experienced dive leaders, treks to Ras Abu Gallum ar