Begin your exploration of the Red Sea with a 5-day pre-cruise land touring itinerary, starting in Amman. Visit Jerash, the Pompeii of the east, and the archaeological museum of Ajloun, set within the town’s castle ruins. Witness the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ and the Crusader castle of Shobak on your way to the Wadi Rum desert and take in the sites of Aqaba by car, before boarding your luxurious Emerald Azzurra superyacht to begin your cruising part of the itinerary. Your truly luxurious Red Sea cruise stops in Hurghada, known for its scuba diving and café culture, Ain Sokhna, for a felucca...read more Nile cruise, and Alexandria, nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean. Explore Ashdod’s many religious monuments and, as your journey nears its close, discover Haifa beautifully located on the foothills of Mount Carmel.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Amman, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel.
Enjoy an immersive drive through the city, with time to visit the spice market. Visit the city of Jerash, known as the Pompeii of the east, with its Roman and Byzantine ruins. And, journey to the town of Ajloun to explore the Archaeological Museum within its ruined castle. Included Excursion A guided tour of Amman, Jerash and Ajloun (B/L)
Travel to the ancient town of Madaba and marvel at its illustrious 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem, before driving to Mount Nebo for inspiring views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and the spires of Jerusalem. Visit the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, before continuing onwards to the Dead Sea. Included Excursion A guided tour of Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Bethany Beyond Jordan (B/L)
Journey to Shobak and explore its Crusader castle. Then, drive to the Wadi Rum desert for a 4x4 Jeep tour of the colourful sand dunes. Venture through the magnificent canyons, witnessing ancient inscriptions and majestic mountains, all before a truly spectacular Bedouin dinner. Included Excursion A guided tour of Shobak; Jeep ride in the desert (B/L/D)
Take in the sights of Aqaba during a wonderful tour by coach, then transfer to the port where you’ll embark your Emerald Azzurra superyacht. Situated on Jordan’s southern coast, the idyllic city of Aqaba is rich in history and marine biodiversity. Blessed with vibrant coral reefs and a mesmerising array of sunken vessels, it is widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the Red Sea. Included Excursion A guided tour of Aqaba (B/L/D)
Small fishing village for many decades, it has grown into a major Red Sea destination with Dahar as its oldest part. DiscoverMORE Bedouin Experience (extra expense, must be pre-booked)For guests starting their journey with our Jordan land tour, this option is already included on Day 4. (B/L/D)
Situated on the western shore of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez on the shore of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Suez, Ain Sokhna is the nearest beach resort to the Egyptian capital Cairo. (B/L/D)
Ain Sokhna means “Hot Spring” in Arabic and the area gets its name from the bubbling springs in the close by Ataka Mountain. It is our jumping point to visit the Great Pyramids. EmeraldPLUS The Great Pyramids of Giza and Felucca cruise on the Nile (B/L/D)
It is a sea-level waterway running across the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt to connect the Mediterranean and the Red seas. It offers the shortest nautical route between Europe and the lands lying around the Indian and western Pacific oceans. (B/L/D)
Founded by Alexander the Great, the city of Alexandria has a wealth of history and legend. Egypt’s second largest city was the country’s ancient capital for over 1,000 years and provided an important trading route between the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Included Excursion Panoramic Alexandria city tour with visit to Montazah Gardens (B/L/D)
Immerse yourself in the culture of the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’. Dating back to the 15th century, Qaitbay Citadel is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is said to contain remnants of Alexandria’s original 3rd century BC lighthouse. DiscoverMORE Guided tour of El Alamein (extra expense) (B/L/D)
The coastal city of Ashdod plays a major role in the teachings of the Bible. Its where the Philistines were said to have captured the Ark of the Covenant, and today it still marks the starting point for pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Included Excursion A walking tour of Jaffa and highlights of Tel Aviv (B/L/D)
Over the centuries, it has been home to plentiful cultures but the modern city sprang to life in the mid-1950s following the founding of modern Israel. DiscoverMORE The best of Jerusalem and Bethlehem (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Masada Fortress and the Dead Sea (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Culinary workshop at Jerusalem’s Machne Yehuda Market (extra expense) (B/L/D)
Described as ‘Israel’s San Francisco’, Haifa is home to breathtaking scenery and fascinating culture. Set on the foothills of Mount Carmel, the country’s third-largest city features the Baha’i Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage for those of Baha’i faith. Included Excursion Haifa city tour (B/L/D)
Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the Cypriot city of Limassol, where you’ll disembark Emerald Azzurra and be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. DiscoverMORE City tour of Limassol (extra expense, must be pre-booked)**This DiscoverMORE is only available in conjunction with pre or post cruise accommodation. For guests not staying at our preferred hotel, own arrangements will need to be made to reach the meeting point of the DiscoverMORE. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)
Amazing Azzurra 4Xavier and Michelle , VIC, Australia, May 2023
Eleven days of pure bliss, our expectations were surpassed on this voyage from Athens to Athens. We could not fault any aspect of our time aboard or any of the activities we enjoyed. Special mentions go to Karen (activities), Paul (chef & his crew) and Ozay in the spa.
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Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.