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Lebanon
Beirut
Jordan
Israel
Syria
Amman
Jerusalem
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
Cairo
Damascus
Eilat
Taba
Ain Sokhna
Sharm el Sheikh
Mount Sinai
Tourist Bay
Hurghada
Luxor
Marsa Alam
Red Sea
Mediterranean Sea
Turkey
Greece
Cyprus
Saudi
Arabia
Egypt
Libya
Jordan
Israel
Lebanon
Syria
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Sharm el Sheikh hasn’t been a popular tourist destination for long, but other spots
along the Red Sea’s coast have a more storied past. Here are two to consider for
your next exchange or Getaway.
Once a sleepy Bedouin outpost on the Red Sea,
Eilat, Israel
, has been transformed into a
leisure capital, anchored by its reputation as one of the best dive spots in the world. Not a
diver? Explore the world of the Red Sea from a fish’s-eye view in the Underwater Observatory
(right), where an enclosed tunnel keeps you dry and safe while watching a shark feeding. If
you visit in February, attend the Red Sea Jazz Festival and the Eilat Chamber Music Festival,
which draw aficionados from far and wide.
Marsa Alam
is close to renowned attractions such as Luxor’s ancient ruins and Cairo’s
pyramids, making it a popular base for sightseeing in Egypt. Closer to the resort area, swim
with dolphins, spy ungainly dugongs (related to the manatee) and sea turtles, and marvel at
the underwater activity while snorkeling Shaab Sataya, also known as Dolphin Reef.
Middle East and Africa, Red Sea Coast
A glass-bottom boat trip is a
great way for kids to discover the
colorful coral kingdom and
undersea wonders of the Red
Sea without getting wet.
Luxor:
A short flight whisks you to storied temples and mon-
uments, where ancient tombs evoke antiquity and mystery.
The Valley of the Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the
Karnak Temple complex, and Luxor Temple are a bucket-list
gold mine. (1:00 flight)
Mount Sinai:
The place where Moses is said to have
received the Ten Commandments continues to be a popular
pilgrimage for all tourists. Many tours leave the night before
so visitors can see the site at sunrise. The sight of St.
Catherine’s Monastery at the top of the mountain is dazzling.
(3:15)
Cairo:
Although flights are an option, bus tours to Cairo
depart at midnight and pack the itinerary with stops at some
of the most famous world wonders, including the Great
Pyramid and Great Sphinx of Giza (above), as well as the
opportunity to visit city bazaars and museums. (1:00 by
plane; 6:10 by bus)