Want to get away this winter, but don’t have a lot to spend? Bored by your typical low-cost package holiday to Spain or Portugal? How about something a bit more exotic that will pique your curiosity about the world but will also give you the warmth you so desperately need on those cloudy winter days?

Red Sea cruise deals from the likes of Thomson this year are recommended as a budget-conscious but interesting way to beat the winter blues. To those in the know, these holidays are tough to beat for the money – just check out any online message board or travel review site.

For those who haven’t previously ventured outside their comfort zone, flying to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt in order to get on a cruise ship might seem a bit too far off the beaten path. But it’s not only safe, it’s luxurious. In fact, it might be a holiday that you find yourself returning to time and time again, as so many others have done.

But what is there to see? First of all, Sharm El Sheikh is a world-renowned diving spot, with huge areas of coral reef now well-protected by the government. It also has sandy beaches and promenades lined with palm trees. If you like history, note that it’s located at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, at the edge of one of the most ancient regions in the world, not far from Mount Sinai and the ancient Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

Most Red Sea cruises will also stop in Aqaba, Jordan’s ancient (and only) coastal city – an area that has been inhabited since 4000 BC and has seen the ancient Greeks and Romans come and go. It has incredible architectural and cultural remnants from those eras. The city is also famous throughout the region for its breaches, warm water and diverse marine life.

Most cruises also stop in Port Sokhna, a gateway to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza. Day trips are typically offered, including return transport and tours of such cultural touchstones as the Cairo Museum, the Pyramids of Giza, the Mohammad Ali Mosque and other gems from this fascinating and ancient civilization, and the focus of so much reportage these past few years. For some, chaotic Cairo is the highlight of the Red Sea excursion, and a must-see stop for those interested in ancient and modern history.

Check now for cruise deals on Red Sea excursions and book something a little different this winter.

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