DIVE INTO THE RED SEA

Each day's majestic sunrise and sunset behind the mountains is just the beginning of what the Red Sea resort destination of Eilat has to offer. Israel's southernmost town is the place to go for an underwater experience on par with many of the world's top diving sites.  

The reef here, with its veritable mazes and canyons, is home to over 270 species of coral, among which are numerous small habitats that contain over 2500 species of marine life – some of them unique to the Red Sea. These include sea turtles, sea anemones, a host of tropical fish and even several types of dolphin. Outside the reserve there are several other diving sites including one known as the eel garden, where divers can watch a forest of eels standing upright in the current. Israel-based operator U-Dive offers a range of PADI-certified diving courses. An introductory dive is priced from 220 Israeli shekalim ($57).

CYCLE THROUGH THE NEGEV

Over half of Israel's land area, in the country's southern region, is taken up by the Negev Desert. While sparsely populated due to its barren and desolate landscape, this is a fascinating region to explore on two wheels, with its archaeological and cultural sites as well as the occasional oasis and local wildlife.

Cyclists will also have the chance to explore the mighty Ramon Crater – the remains of a giant sandstone mountain – where the locals love to go "snappling" (abseiling) down the cliff face. Tour Plan Israel offers the 19km guided cycling trip On the Crater's Rim, which departs from Mitzpe Ramon, where participants will enjoy outstanding views of crater. They'll also cycle along the dry riverbed of Nahal Hava, exploring its unique desert flora, fauna and geological formations. The trip takes around three hours and costs $US75 ($72).

HIKE TO NIMROD FORTRESS

It's one of the most beautiful fortresses in the Middle East – author Mark Twain even described it as "probably the most exquisite ruins in the world" when he paid a visit. Curious visitors will have to decide for themselves when they visit this structure, which is the remnants of a Muslim construction over a medieval Crusader fortress built in 1229. Located in the centre of Nimrod Fortress National Park in the northern part of the Golan Heights, it contains wide halls, hidden passageways, watchtowers, the remains of stairs spiralling to the top of a tower and even a prison. The entrance fee to Nimrod Fortress is around 20 Israeli shekalim ($5).

HOT OFF THE PRESS

In the latest product news for the country, the Israel Travel Centre has several first time itineraries for 2012, such as the eight-day Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where Catholic pilgrim groups follow in the footsteps of the Bible, visiting iconic holy sites at Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho and Jerusalem. Other additions include a four-day Christmas in Bethlehem Tour and the opportunity to stay at Kibbutz Ein Ged, overlooking the Dead Sea, with its famous therapeutic black mud.

Meanwhile, Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre has introduced a new Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land package – an eight-day itinerary visiting spots including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nazareth, Tiberias and Mount Tabor.