kauf7407

My wife and I will be traveling to Egypt in late November. In additional to going on a Nile River cruise and visiting Luxor and Abu Simbel, we want to spend 2 or 3 nights in a place that is truly special in terms of culture, scenery, history or nature. We have read a little about the White Desert and Sharm El Sheikh/St. Catherine's. My questions:
(1) How special are the scenery/landscapes and culture in the White Desert? Is it truly spectacular or just nice? Highlights?
(2) Is St. Catherine's very special only for highly observant pilgrims, or is it also very interesting and impressive for generalist travelers? Can it be easily visited as a day trip from Sharm?
(3) What is the best location for high quality snorkeling in Ras Mohammed National park?
(4)Where would you recommend that we do a short 2-3 hour camel trek with Bedouins?
Thanks VERY much for any insights you can offer
Jonathan

Casual_Cairo

Just another idea to consider that meets all your requirements, and is a heck of a lot easier to get to

---> http://www.elhammraeco-lodge.com/default.htm

sunshine007

The White Desert is truly spectacular.

kauf7407

Thanks to both of you for your responses. Jonathan

Casual_Cairo

I agree the White Desert is really something else, but do understand that it is a CAMPNG experience to do that right. If you are of a mind that you prefer a bed to sleep in at night, the White Desert is going to require Roughing It!

sandi

... and that desert can be very very cold at night! Think: ski jacket.

sunshine007

Well, there are hotels in Bawiti, Bahareya which are inexpensive & clean and you can see the White Desert during the day after sleeping in a nice warm room. That's what I did the first time.