From Egypt to Saudi Arabia: 11 days Cairo to Jeddah

Welcome to Egypt and Ain Sokhna, where you’ll step aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht ready to set sail on an unforgettable cruise of the Red Sea. Ain Sokhna is a picturesque coastal town popular for its soft yellow sand beaches, clear blue waters and stunning views of the Red Sea.  

Please book your flight to arrive into Cairo prior to 03:00 PM.

Docked: 22:00 

Relish your nautical adventure of a lifetime with some relaxing downtime at sea. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your stylish yacht — slide into the infinity-style pool where the azure water appears to blur with the horizon, ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in panoramic views, or simply relax in the Observation Lounge.  

A picturesque coastal city located in the southern tip of Jordan overlooking the Red Sea, Aqaba is a history buffs’ delight for its rich history that dates back thousands of years, with archaeological sites such as the Aqaba Fort and the Ayla ruins showcasing its ancient past. 

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Guided Tour of Petra with Lunch Included (extra expense)
Discover the legendary “Lost City” of Petra, one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hidden deep within the Jordanian desert and carved into vibrant rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra has captivated travellers for centuries and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Aqaba through dramatic desert landscapes to the ancient Nabataean city. Upon arrival, begin a guided walk through the famous Siq, a narrow winding gorge flanked by towering rock walls that leads dramatically to Petra’s most iconic monument, the breathtaking Treasury. Continue exploring the remarkable site, passing the Roman-style Theatre, the impressive Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, and Qasr al-Bint, while your guide brings the fascinating history of this once-thriving trading centre to life. After the guided visit, enjoy free time to make your way back through Petra at your own pace, taking in the spectacular scenery and perhaps browsing for souvenirs. A buffet lunch is then served at the Mövenpick Resort before returning to Aqaba.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 10 hours

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A Tour Through History and Contemporary Charm (extra expense)
Discover the perfect blend of Aqaba’s rich history and modern coastal elegance on this engaging city tour along Jordan’s Red Sea coast. Accompanied by your professional English-speaking driver, begin your journey in Aqaba’s Old City with visits to the historic Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Castle and the Aqaba Museum, where fascinating exhibits showcase the region’s cultural and Islamic heritage. Continue to the impressive Flag Plaza, home to one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, offering panoramic views across the Red Sea and neighboring countries. The tour then takes you to the contemporary waterfront community of Ayla, where tranquil lagoons, stylish promenades, and scenic marina views create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing stroll and leisure time by the sea. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 6 hours 

Docked: 07:00 - Overnight 

Aqaba also serves as a gateway to the ancient city of Petra and Wadi Rum desert.

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Wadi Rum Desert Adventure with Lunch (extra expense)
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Wadi Rum, one of Jordan’s most spectacular desert landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by wind and time over millions of years. Journey through vast valleys of towering sandstone mountains and dramatic rock formations glowing in shades of red, gold, and orange. Upon arrival at the Visitor Centre, board a 4x4 jeep for an unforgettable exploration of this legendary desert, once home to ancient nomads and famously featured in films such as Lawrence of Arabia. Along the way, stop for incredible photo opportunities and experience the remarkable silence of the desert. Enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality with tea and oriental sweets before savoring an authentic lunch at a desert camp surrounded by unforgettable scenery.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 6 hours 

Docked: Overnight - 21:00 

Sharm El-Sheikh is a popular resort town located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It attracts visitors from around the world for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs, making it a perfect destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

In addition to its beaches and underwater attractions, Sharm el-Sheikh also offers several cultural and historical sites, including the historic Old Market and the desert landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula.

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Snorkelling Trip at Ras Mohamed National Park (extra expense) 
Discover the natural beauty of Ras Mohamed National Park, one of the Sinai Peninsula’s most spectacular protected marine reserves. Located at the southern tip of Sharm El Sheikh, this pristine sanctuary is celebrated for its vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and extraordinary marine life. After a scenic drive and brief photo stop, explore the park’s unique mangrove forest before enjoying a guided snorkelling experience accompanied by professional instructors. Snorkelling equipment is provided, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this underwater paradise. Guests may also choose to visit the famous Shark Observatory for breathtaking panoramic views across the Gulf of Aqaba.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

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Saint Catherine’s Monastery (extra expense) 
Journey deep into the Sinai Desert to discover the legendary Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel through dramatic desert landscapes to the foot of Mount Moses, where this sacred site has stood for more than 1,600 years. Explore the monastery’s remarkable treasures, including Emperor Justinian’s sixth-century church, the Chapel of the Burning Bush, the famed Icon Gallery, and St. Catherine’s Shrine. After your visit, continue to the coastal town of Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba, where you will enjoy lunch at a local resort before returning to the ship. This memorable excursion combines history, spirituality, culture, and breathtaking scenery in one extraordinary day.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes

Docked: 09:00 – 20:00 

 Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, Hurghada offers a wide range of water sports and recreational activities. Its rich history and distinctive culture make this Egyptian beach resort town a remarkable destination along the Red Sea.

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The Bedouin Experience (extra expense)
Leave the modern resort city of Hurghada behind and venture deep into Egypt’s dramatic Eastern Desert aboard a 4x4 vehicle. Travelling across sandy plains framed by rugged mountains, enjoy spectacular desert scenery and panoramic photo opportunities along the way. Arriving at a traditional Bedouin settlement, experience the warm hospitality of the desert people as you relax inside a shaded Bedouin tent. Enjoy herbal tea and oriental pastries while learning about local customs and daily life, including traditional bread-making techniques still practised today. Your visit continues with a folkloric Bedouin presentation featuring music, storytelling, and cultural traditions before returning by 4x4 to Hurghada with lasting memories of this authentic desert encounter.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 3 hours

Docked: 08:00 – 18:00

Safaga is a charming coastal town located on the Red Sea in Egypt. You’ll find it relatively small and quiet, with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for those looking to relax and unwind. In addition to its natural beauty, Safaga is also renowned for its therapeutic hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties for various ailments.

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Luxor Experience with Lunch Included 
Journey deep into the heart of ancient Egypt on an unforgettable full-day excursion from Safaga to Luxor, once the magnificent capital of the Pharaohs. Travelling through dramatic desert landscapes and rugged mountain scenery, your guide will introduce you to the rich history and legends of Upper Egypt along the way. Upon arrival in Luxor, cross to the West Bank to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, where generations of pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs hidden beneath the desert hills. Visit three remarkable royal tombs and admire the vivid colours and intricate hieroglyphics that have survived for thousands of years. Continue with a photo stop at the towering Colossi of Memnon, the last remains of the grand mortuary temple of Amenophis III. After enjoying lunch at a leading hotel in Luxor, continue to the immense Karnak Temple Complex, one of the greatest religious sites ever built. Walk among colossal columns in the vast Hypostyle Hall, discover sacred avenues lined with sphinxes, and admire the scale and splendour of this extraordinary ancient sanctuary. En route, enjoy views of Luxor Temple from the coach before beginning the return journey to Safaga.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 13 hours

Docked: 06:00 – 22:00 

As you cruise to your next exciting destination, you’ll have another opportunity to relish more relaxing downtime at sea. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your stylish yacht — slide into the infinity-style pool where the azure water appears to blur with the horizon or ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in panoramic views, or simply relax in the Observation Lounge. 

Yanbu is famous as the capital of diving of Saudi Arabia because of its clear, warm waters teaming with diverse aquatic species. Back on land, step back in time and discover the traditional buildings of Yanbu. Some of these 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. 

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Madinah Sightseeing by Bus (extra expense)
Experience the spiritual and cultural heart of Saudi Arabia on this immersive full-day journey to Madinah, Islam’s second holiest city. Travel by coach through striking desert landscapes before meeting your local guide for an exploration of the city’s most revered landmarks. Enjoy panoramic views of Uhud Mountain, a site deeply connected to early Islamic history, before savoring a traditional Saudi lunch. Continue to the exterior of the magnificent Prophet’s Mosque and nearby Algamamah Mosque, where you will gain insight into the city’s profound religious significance. Your visit also includes the Exhibition of the Prophet’s Mosque Architecture, showcasing the artistry and evolution of this iconic sanctuary. Before returning to Yanbu, pause for a panoramic photo stop at Qubaa Mosque, recognized as the first mosque built in Islam. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 11 hours 

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Cultural Yanbu Experience with Music & Camels (extra expense)
Discover the rich traditions and timeless charm of Yanbu on this immersive cultural journey through Saudi Arabia’s historic heartland. Begin with a scenic drive to Yanbu Al Nakhl, an ancient settlement surrounded by desert landscapes and steeped in history. Explore an abandoned village where traditional stone houses and a nearby natural spring offer a glimpse into life from centuries past. Experience authentic Saudi hospitality as you enjoy fresh dates and aromatic Arabic coffee accompanied by live traditional music and cultural displays. Camels, an enduring symbol of Bedouin heritage, add to the atmosphere and provide memorable photo opportunities. The tour continues with a guided walk through Historic Yanbu, where coral-stone buildings, narrow alleyways, and traditional architecture reflect the spirit of old coastal Arabia. Free time at Souk Al Lail allows guests to browse local shops, capture photographs, or simply enjoy the vibrant surroundings before returning to the port. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 

Docked: 05:00 – 20:00 

Jeddah is a major port city considered the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for Muslim pilgrims. The city's historical area, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional homes made from coral stone sourced from the Red Sea.  

Docked: 14:00 - Overnight 

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes here, where 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 Jeddah 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.