The beach is, for many, the chief attraction of the city, offering opportunities for both relaxation and water-based activities. Evening entertainment venues, while perhaps not falling strictly into the attractions category, are certainly a major appeal for many visitors. Desert: the Eastern (Arabian) Desert lies to the west of the city and is one of those places that you simply must visit in order to have really had the complete Egyptian experience. Visitors can arrange trips through hotels or local tour operators and be transported by 4-wheel-drive vehicle across the sandy terrain to appreciate the beauty of this vast landscape. An afternoon trip to watch the sunset and then experience the all-consuming darkness that ensues is one of the best ways of experiencing the desert. Highlights to see include the wrecks of Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, the vertical walls of Ras Mohammed and the massive coral outcrops of Taba. Locals refer to the Red Sea as the ‘Garden of Allah’, on account of the rich selection of sea life that it supports. Great Pyramid: by no means close to Hurghada but reachable in just over an hour by plane, the Great Pyramids at Giza are a must for anyone visiting Egypt irrespective of where they base themselves. Bedouin Village: trips to authentic Bedouin villages can be arranged with local tour operators and are genuinely fascinating experiences. The secluded lives that the villagers live have to be seen to be believed and their unique customs that have remained uninfluenced by the outside world for many eras can only be truly appreciated first-hand. Visitors will be offered the opportunity to sample Bedouin tea and to smoke a traditional water pipe if they are so inclined. | 
