Red Sea Wonders of the Ancient World

Welcome to Saudi Arabia and Jeddah. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a truly memorable voyage discovering the spectacular Red Sea.

Please book your flight to arrive into Jeddah prior to 07:00 PM.

Yanbu is renowned as Saudi Arabia’s diving capital, due to its clear, warm waters teeming with diverse marine species and some of the most pristine coral reefs on the planet. Back on land, step back in time and discover the traditional buildings of Yanbu. Some are constructed from mud and stone, but in the Old Town of Yanbu, Yanbu Al-Balad, the historic buildings are made from coral stone, a nod to the city's past as an ancient seaport.

Considered the ‘Pearl of the Red Sea,’ Duba is popular for its pleasantly mild climate and excellent beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Nestled along the Red Sea’s stunning northern coast, this historic city also boasts a diverse marine life and is renowned for its delicious seafood cuisine.

Port Safago has been undergoing a transformation, slowly metamorphosing into a holiday rsort. Like other cities on the Red Sea, the commercial port town sits close to great offshore dive sites. Unlike others, however, tourist development hasn't taken off in a meaningful way. But if the mass tourism in Hurghada is a turnoff, Safaga offers a small-scale and much more low-key alternative, though the best dive sites can still be seen on a day trip from Hurghada. Safaga is also the closest beach resort to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which lies 200 km (124 mi) to the southwest; when cruise ships offer land excursions to Luxor, they often do so through Safaga.

Today, you’ll arrive in Safaga, which serves as a gateway to some of the nation’s most iconic ancient sites, transporting you to the heart of a more authentic Egypt. One such site is Luxor, originally known as the ‘City of a Hundred Doors.’ Luxor is considered by many to be the world’s greatest open-air museum, where some of the most majestic temples remain. A former fishing village, Safaga is also worth a visit for its stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and peaceful beaches.

Positioned on the western shores of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez, Ain Sokhna presents an elegant seaside town. As it’s located only two hours from the Egyptian capital, Cairo, Ain Sokhna makes the perfect base for visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.’

The port and town of Sharm-el-Sheikh lies near the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Straits of Tiran meet the Gulf of Aqaba. With its strategic position, the Sinai posed a desirable target for various rulers over the centuries. In recent times, the last battle for the Sinai was fought between Egypt and Israel from 1967 to 1979, ending with a peace treaty signed in Washington, D.C. Since the withdrawal of the Israelis, more and more Egyptians have settled in the Sinai, taking advantage of the booming tourist trade. However, vast interior regions are still sparsely populated. Many Bedouins have been affected by the advent of the 21st century, which is rapidly changing their age-old customs and nomadic lifestyle. As tourism and hotel projects continue to spring up along the Sinai coast, contact with Bedouins not involved in tourism is becoming increasingly rare. Once their nomadic life kept them on the move with their tents; today many Bedouins cultivate grain, vegetables and dates in addition to catering to the tourists. Sharm-el-Sheikh was initially developed by the Israelis during the Sinai occupation. Na'ama Bay, a short drive from the port, has grown from virtually nothing into a sizeable resort since the early 1980s. Between the two towns, a string of hotels line a once-untouched coastline. Resort hotels offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Glass bottom boat trips are available for those preferring to view the exotic marine life of the Red Sea without getting their feet wet.

On the tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, discover the glamorous resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Here, the desert meets the sea, creating an environment rich in biodiversity and a melting pot of cultures. Spend your day diving into the colourful world beneath the Red Sea’s shimmering surface, or take a step back in time, strolling through the city’s ancient mosques and bustling bazaars steeped in tradition.

Israel's southern gem, Eilat a vibrant coastal city nestled between the Red Sea and the striking desert mountains. With its crystal-clear waters, colourful coral reefs and sun-drenched beaches, Eilat is a paradise that attracts snorkellers, divers and nature lovers alike. The city’s dynamic atmosphere comes alive at night with lively markets, bars and restaurants serving-up a mouthwatering taste of local and international cuisines.

The resort town of Aqaba, on the Red Sea at the southern end of Jordan, is a popular spot for divers with some of the best coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling and other water sports are popular, and it's easy to hire a boat for a day or half-day, including lunch.Aqaba has become quite a bustling destination, with several large luxury hotels and a large shopping area. There are many jewelry stores selling pearls, gem stones, and gold and silver jewelry. It's worth noting that although it's an international beach resort, Aqaba is quite conservative—certainly much more so than Amman—and North Americans tend to be more comfortable at the private hotel beaches.

On the shores of the Red Sea, Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and sunken vessels. Divers and snorkelling enthusiasts are drawn to the warm, clear waters to explore these underwater ecosystems. Beyond its natural allure, Aqaba holds a significant place in history, inhabited as far back as around 4,000 B.C.

The resort town of Aqaba, on the Red Sea at the southern end of Jordan, is a popular spot for divers with some of the best coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling and other water sports are popular, and it's easy to hire a boat for a day or half-day, including lunch.Aqaba has become quite a bustling destination, with several large luxury hotels and a large shopping area. There are many jewelry stores selling pearls, gem stones, and gold and silver jewelry. It's worth noting that although it's an international beach resort, Aqaba is quite conservative—certainly much more so than Amman—and North Americans tend to be more comfortable at the private hotel beaches.

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Jordan and Aqaba. After bidding farewell to your crew and fellow guests, from the yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of Aqaba after 11:00 AM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.