After boarding your luxurious Emerald Azzurra superyacht in Limassol, you’ll begin your exploration of the Red Sea in Haifa, often referred to as Israel’s San Francisco, before cruising onwards to Ashdod, renowned for its many religious monuments. Discover why Alexandria is the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, embark on a Nile cruise in Ain Sokhna and visit the ancient pyramids at Giza, and witness Hurghada’s stunning coral reefs. In Aqaba, the cruising part of your itinerary concludes and your 5-day land touring extension begins with a driving tour of the city. Visit the truly spectacular Wadi Rum...read more desert, enjoy a driving tour of Amman and stop off in the nearby city of Jerash. Then, drive to Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan and the remarkable Dead Sea.
Itinerary
Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the Cypriot city of Limassol, where you’ll embark Emerald Azzurra. DiscoverMORE City tour of Limassol (extra expense, must be pre-booked)* (D)
Described as ‘Israel’s San Francisco’, Haifa is home to breath-taking scenery and fascinating culture. Set on the foothills of Mount Carmel, the country’s third-largest city features the Bah’ai Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage for those of Bah’ai faith. Included Excursion Haifa city tour (B/L/D)
Ashdod is awash with religious monuments such as Giv’at Yonah, the highest point in the city and believed to be the burial site of the prophet Jonah. DiscoverMORE The best of Jerusalem and Bethlehem (extra expense, must be pre-booked) DiscoverMORE Masada Fortress and the Dead Sea (extra expense, must be pre-booked) DiscoverMORE Culinary workshop at Jerusalem’s Machne Yehuda Market (extra expense, must be pre-booked) (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)
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. Included Excursion Panoramic Alexandria city tour with visit to Montazah Gardens (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. (B/L/D)
Continuing the Transit through the Suez Canal before arriving at Ain Sokhna. (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)
Sit back and relax with a day at sea. (B/L/D)
Stretching for over 40km along Egypt’s Red Sea coast and renowned for its stunning coral reefs and scuba diving, Hurghada is a lively beach resort town, enjoying a wealth of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. DiscoverMORE Bedouin Experience (extra expense)For guests concluding their journey with our Jordan land tour, this option is already included on Day 11 (B/L/D)
Your luxurious yacht cruise comes to an end in Aqaba, where you’ll bid farewell to the crew and your fellow passengers before disembarking Emerald Azzurra. Enjoy a wonderful driving tour of Aqaba, before journeying to the majestic Wadi Rum desert. Explore the colourful sand dunes and canyons by 4x4 Jeep, then indulge in a stunning Bedouin dinner. Included Excursion A guided tour of Aqaba, Jeep ride in the desert (B/L/D)
On your way to Amman, you’ll stop in the small town of Shobak, where you’ll visit its Crusader castle. Continue your journey onwards to Amman, where you’ll embark on an immersive tour of the city, with time to stop at its spice market. A guided tour of Shobak and Amman (B/L)
Travel to Jerash, often referred to as the Pompeii of the east, and marvel at its magnificent Roman and Byzantine ruins. Stop off at the town of Ajloun and visit Ajloun Archaeological Museum within the grounds of its ruined castle. Included Excursion A guided tour of Jerash and Ajloun (B/L)
In the ancient town of Madaba, you’ll have the opportunity to witness its famous 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Drive onwards to Mount Nebo for breathtaking panoramas of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, and visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ, before continuing towards the Dead Sea. Included Excursion A guided tour of Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Bethany Beyond Jordan (B/L)
Today, you’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight home. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the tour 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.
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
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.