Cyprus to Egypt via the Suez Canal

Welcome to Larnaca, a lively coastal city on Cyprus’s southeastern shore, where the modern waterfront sits alongside the archaeological remains of ancient Kition. Here, past and present blend seamlessly: narrow streets lined with traditional architecture sit beside a lively marina and picturesque seafront promenade. Larnaca invites you to stroll along the waterfront, visit historic churches and mosques, and soak in the warm hospitality of the local people before you step on board your luxury Emerald yacht.

Please book your flight to arrive into Larnaca prior to 02:00 PM.

Spilling down from the pine-covered heights of Mount Carmel, Haifa is a city with a vertiginous setting that has led to comparisons with San Francisco. The most striking landmark on the mountainside is the gleaming golden dome of the Baha'i Shrine, set amid utterly beautiful garden terraces. The city is the world center for the Baha'i faith, and its members provide informative walking tours of the flower-edged 100-acre spot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the top of the hill are some small but interesting museums, the larger hotels, and two major universities. At the bottom is the lovingly restored German Colony, a perfect area for strolling.Israel's largest port and third-largest city, Haifa was ruled for four centuries by the Ottomans and gradually spread its tendrils up the mountainside into a cosmopolitan city whose port served the entire Middle East. The climate is gentle, the beaches beautiful, and the locals friendly.You don't see the religious garb of Jerusalem or the tattoos and piercings of Tel Aviv in this diverse but fairly conservative city. In fact, you can't always tell at a glance who is part of an Arab or Jewish Israeli family, or if someone is a more recent immigrant from the former Soviet Union.

Your next stop is Israel’s third-largest city, Haifa, a bustling port city offering stunning seaside views and a vibrant urban life. One notable landmark is Mount Carmel, a coastal mountain range that creates an impressive city backdrop. Perched atop Mount Carmel, you'll find the Shrine of the Bab, a majestic golden-domed structure surrounded by the Baha'i Gardens, known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa.

Busy Ashdod is not only one of Israel's fastest-growing cities, it's also the country's largest port. Perched on the Mediterranean, it processes more than 60% of the goods imported into Israel. Home to many ancient peoples over the centuries, Ashdod today is a modern, planned city. It's also a convenient jumping-off point for exploring several of Israel's most interesting cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Bethlehem.

Ashdod boasts a thriving cultural scene and is a gateway to other significant sites in Israel, notably the 5000-year-old city of Jerusalem and further east, the Dead Sea. A visit to Jerusalem is of profound historical and religious significance. One of the world’s oldest cities, this holy city seamlessly blends ancient with modern-day times and offers visitors numerous must-see sacred monuments, such as the Western Wall, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Gates of the Old City.

Sail through the Suez Canal, the historic waterway linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas, and one of the world’s most important trade routes. This engineering marvel connects three continents and has shaped global trade for more than a century.

From the decks of your luxury yacht, watch the stark desert landscape roll past as you transit from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

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.

You’ll find Safaga relatively small and quiet, with a laid-back atmosphere ideal for those looking to relax and unwind. In addition to its natural beauty Safaga offers a peaceful Red Sea stop, known for its relaxed atmosphere, beaches, and mineral-rich waters.

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.

Discover Sharm El-Sheikh, where coral reefs, desert scenery, and lively bazaars create one of Egypt’s best-known Red Sea resort experiences. The city is renowned for its coral-rich waters and world-class diving and snorkelling, while the Old Market and bustling bazaars invite you to stroll through stalls overflowing with local handicrafts and spices. You can also explore historic mosques and striking desert landscapes stretching into the Sinai interior.

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.

Arrive in Aqaba, a picturesque coastal city on the Gulf of Aqaba at the southern tip of Jordan. This historic port is a treasure trove of archaeological sites such as Aqaba Fort and the Ayla ruins, showcasing thousands of years of trade and settlement.  Aqaba serves as a gateway to Petra and Wadi Rum, offering unforgettable excursions into Jordan’s ancient desert heartlands.

Known for its soft yellow-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and tranquil Red Sea views, Ain Sokhna offers a peaceful end to your voyage. Disembark and be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or extend your holiday with a stay along Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Please book your flight to depart out of Cairo after 04:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.