Discover the Ancient Treasures of the Mediterranean & Red Sea

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 presents a charming coastal town in a naturally beautiful setting, popular for its soft, yellow sand beaches, clear blue waters and stunning Red Sea views.  Please book your flight to arrive into Cairo prior to 02:00 PM.

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

On the tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula lies 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. Dive into the fascinating aquatic world beneath the Red Sea’s crystal-clear surface, stroll through the historic Old Market and bustling bazaars, or explore ancient mosques and the desert landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula.  

Safaga is an enchanting Egyptian city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, water sports, and layers of intriguing history. This former fishing village is a relaxed spot and perfect for unwinding, known for its laid-back atmosphere, black sand dunes, and therapeutic hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties for various ailments.  

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, ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in panoramic views, or simply relax in the Observation Lounge. 

Today, you’ll cross the historic Suez Canal before reaching Israel and Ashdod. This incredible man-made waterway, built by Ferdinand de Lesseps and completed in 1869, carves through 162 kilometres of desert, linking the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and facilitating global trade and maritime transport.  

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. 

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, youll find the Shrine of the Bab, a majestic golden-domed structure surrounded by the Bahai Gardens, known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa. 

On the southeast shores of Cyprus, the port city of Larnaca  was built over the ancient ruins of the city of Kition. This is a lovely destination where past and present blend into a delightful mosaic of sun and culture and charming for its diversity, special atmosphere and warm hospitality of the local people.

After breakfast, head out to explore this coastal city in Cyprus, known for its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. In the afternoon, we’ll welcome you back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey.

The ancient seaport of Paphos is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite and the entire city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the city’s key landmarks is the Paphos Archaeological Park, home to a remarkable collection of Greco-Roman ruins. Here, you can explore the ancient Odeon amphitheatre and Tombs of the Kings, as well as admire the stunning mosaic floors of four Roman villas. 

The cityscape of Antalya is a mesmerizing blend of azure skies, dense verdant forests, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. This captivating Turkish city is also home to a storied history, boasting several ancient ruins and historical sites scattered throughout the area. The Old Town, known as Kaleici, is a charming district worth exploring for its Ottoman-era buildings, narrow winding streets, and bustling traditional markets. 

On the lovely Greek island of Rhodes, the Medieval City, or Old Town, is a must-see attraction, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encircled within four-kilometre length of walls, the city’s medieval buildings, the Street of the Knights, and the Palace of the Grand Master give you a sense that you’re back in the Middle Ages. Known as the ‘Island of Knights’, charming Rhodes is also famed for its delicious local dishes — be sure to try the melekouni (a traditional sweet) and pitaroudia (chickpea fritters). 

Agios Nikolaos is a cosmopolitan coastal town located on the picturesque Greek island of Crete, popular for its beautiful natural scenery, including a lake interwoven with legends, lovely sandy beaches, and stunning mountain views. This Cretan town, however, is also known for its magnificent archaeological ruins, such as the ancient city of Lato, which dates to the 4th century BC. 

Known for its spectacular views, whitewashed hillside architecture and legendary sunsets, Santorini is a hugely popular destination. This gorgeous Greek Island is also famous for its iconic, blue-domed churches, transparent azure waters, and charming villages dramatically perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Santorini’s picturesque main town, Fira, precariously rests on the edge of a caldera cliff, presenting jaw-dropping vistas of the Aegean Sea. Oia, another of Santorini’s traditional villages, is particularly renowned for its quaint narrow streets and panoramic caldera views.     

This world-famous Greek island is popular for its lively party lifestyle, gleaming whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs and bustling waterfront area brimming with restaurants, cafés, and fashionable boutiques. You can also explore the historic Windmills of Mykonos and Little Venice with its stunning seafront homes and from Mykonos itself, visit the sacred island of Delos, whose archaeological ruins are today, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. 

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Athens, the dynamic capital of Greece, 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 Athens 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.