Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1                 Aqaba (Petra), Jordan

Improbably carved into the rusty-red rock of the Jordanian desert, the ancient city of Petra has been mesmerising visitors since being rediscovered by Westerners in 1812. Siq Canyon provides a suitably grandiose welcome, cutting a deep track through layers of fiery sandstone, and building up the suspense, before you first set eyes on the Lost City’s majesty. An early start is best to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving you chance to beat the crowds and avoid the brunt of the heat. The Treasury is perhaps Petra’s best-known structure, having featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the mystical hiding place of the Holy Grail. Imprinted deep into the sheer sandstone, it’s a dramatic, spectacular achievement of human endeavour. Look closely, and you’ll see the indentations of bullet holes scarring the urn that sits atop it – fired by Bedouins fuelled by rumours of ancient treasure within. Petra developed as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, and the sophistication of the Rose Kingdom’s rock-hewn buildings is matched only by the elaborate and advanced water collection and transportation system that quenched its thirst and provided the means to thrive, despite its remote location and the intense burn of the sun. Look out for the delicate water channels that lace the city as you explore. High above the city - up a daunting 800-step climb - stands the Monastery. It’s lesser known, but larger and - whisper it quietly - perhaps even more impressive than the Treasury. The High Place of Sacrifice is an even tougher hike - with only occasional electric-blue lizards scattering from your footsteps as you rise - but the views of the remarkable city, embossed into the mighty sandstone cliffs below, will last a lifetime.

Day 2    At Sea

Day 3    Yanbu, Ras Al Abyadh, Saudi Arabia

Palms everywhere, relaxing shores, Saudi sun… Welcome to Yanbu Ras Al Abyadh. A city that lives between the Red Sea, history and peaks. Yanbu holds indeed a rich history which dates back to at least 2,000 years. The so-called ‘Pearl of the Red Sea’ used to be on the spice and incense route, which linked Yemen to Egypt. More recently, during WWI, Yanbu was a supply and operational base for Arab and British forces fighting the Ottoman Empire. That is during this period that Lawrence of Arabia lived in Yanbu, at the beginning of the Great Arab Revolt. You can visit the house he occupied between 1915 and 1916, which just has been restored. The city has now an international reputation for its oil refineries, making Yanbu the third major port of the country. Little by little, Yanbu attracts more and more visitors for other reasons than its rich soils. Its calm and stunning shores are the ideal place to have a peaceful walk. There, you can admire the majestic palms that made the reputation of the city. Stroll then through the lively streets of the historic centre, the beating heart of Yanbu. Let yourself be carried away by the oriental atmosphere of the Souq, an animated night market, and its spices and colours. If you discover Yanbu in March, it’s the perfect occasion to admire the spectacular Yanbu Flower Festival, which holds the world record of largest flower carpet. With its crystal-clear waters and untouched coral reefs, the Red Sea is full of perfect scuba diving spots. The Iona shipwreck, near Yanbu, is notably known for its beautiful coral reefs. For the most adventurous, one hour drive gets you to Yanbu Al Nakhal, ‘the valley of palm trees’, where you can admire the spring which gave its name to Yanbu.

Day 4 & 5    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The principal gateway to Mecca, Jeddah’s spiritual roots are very deep. Eve, the mother of mankind, is said to be buried in the city centre (although sceptics claim there is no actual proof), while archeological excavations in the old city suggest evidence of pre-Islam (700 BC) activity. Regrettably only scant vestiges of historical Jeddah remain, a reason why UNESCO deemed the city a World Heritage Site in 2014. An interesting by product of Jeddah’s location as major port on the Red Sea and proximity to Mecca (around 100 kms) is that Muslims from all over the world flock to the city. This has given Jeddah a very cosmopolitan feel, unlike other parts of Saudi Arabia. The 19th century Red Sea architecture is unique in its kind. Beach side, the city offers much. Jeddha’s dive sites are among the best in the world while the laid-back approach is appealing to westerners. However, while the city might well be more open than other ports in the Kingdom, it is still Saudi Arabia and when in doubt, visitors – especially women – should err on the side of modesty when it comes to beach wear. Traditionally, the city is rich. The souk in the heart of the old town is, of course, a must see during your visit, offering everything from amazing architecture to bargains galore. The area is also home to the oldest mosque in Jeddah, built in the 17th century (but renovated in 2012). Local delicacies range from fabulously fresh seafood to the ubiquitous kebab, so foodies will have much to tease their palettes with.

Day 6                 At Sea

Day 7 & 8           Safaga (Luxor), Egypt

Unravel the mysteries, and marvel at the artistry and scale, of some of Ancient Egypt's most important and impressive monuments, which rise from the fertile plains and palm groves of the River Nile. Safaga’s port sits on the Red Sea's dazzling coastline, where gorgeous beaches and super waters for diving and snorkelling await. Unwind here, amid the colourful fish life, or lie back to soak in ever-reliable sunshine. Most will choose to head inland to the banks of one of the world’s longest and most storied rivers - where the immense treasures of Ancient Egypt loom in the desert's haze. Modern Luxor rests beside the Nile, and is set amid an unparalleled archaeological site of swirling legend and ancient beauty. This vast, open-air museum sprawls out below the burning sun, and you'll discover preserved ancient tombs, momentous statues like the Colossi of Memnon, and vast columned temples with rows of statues, such as the Temple of Karnak. Soak in the surroundings on boats, which meander up and down the river, or head out to tick off as many of the remarkable ruins as you can. Cultural treasures like the World Heritage Site listed Valley of the Kings – carved into the copper rock of the desert – provided elaborate resting places for Ancient Egypt's revered Pharaohs. Built between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, no fewer than 63 temples have been discovered here so far. Head into incredibly preserved tombs, decorated with majestic and mystical symbols and colourful artworks. See famous sites like the cursed tomb of King Tutankhamun, and the imposing rise of Queen Hatshepsut's temple, amid the countless highlights and wonders. Day 9    Ain Sukhna, Egypt Unravel the mysteries, and marvel at the artistry and scale, of some of Ancient Egypt's most important and impressive monuments, which rise from the fertile plains and palm groves of the River Nile. Safaga’s port sits on the Red Sea's dazzling coastline, where gorgeous beaches and super waters for diving and snorkelling await. Unwind here, amid the colourful fish life, or lie back to soak in ever-reliable sunshine. Most will choose to head inland to the banks of one of the world’s longest and most storied rivers - where the immense treasures of Ancient Egypt loom in the desert's haze. Modern Luxor rests beside the Nile, and is set amid an unparalleled archaeological site of swirling legend and ancient beauty. This vast, open-air museum sprawls out below the burning sun, and you'll discover preserved ancient tombs, momentous statues like the Colossi of Memnon, and vast columned temples with rows of statues, such as the Temple of Karnak. Soak in the surroundings on boats, which meander up and down the river, or head out to tick off as many of the remarkable ruins as you can. Cultural treasures like the World Heritage Site listed Valley of the Kings – carved into the copper rock of the desert – provided elaborate resting places for Ancient Egypt's revered Pharaohs. Built between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, no fewer than 63 temples have been discovered here so far. Head into incredibly preserved tombs, decorated with majestic and mystical symbols and colourful artworks. See famous sites like the cursed tomb of King Tutankhamun, and the imposing rise of Queen Hatshepsut's temple, amid the countless highlights and wonders.

Day 10    Sharm el Sheik, Egypt

With glorious, sun-bathed beaches, balmy seas, and the tempting shade of palm trees, Sharm El Sheik is Egypt’s laid-back leisure hotspot. This holiday city has blossomed from small fishing village roots to a global tourism centre, and it boasts exceptional dive sites, rich heritage and adrenaline-raising desert scenery among its many assets. The gorgeous waters of the Red Sea invite you to bathe, swim and dive in amongst incredible marine life, painted with every colour of the spectrum. The Red Sea is famous for the world of life that thrives below its glittering surface, and you can snorkel among the swirling fish, or lounge at leisure on the soft sands of Egypt’s sun-drenched shores. Head out to find the treasured diving and snorkelling spots - swimming amid corals gently swaying in underwater currents. Angelfish, clownfish and gliding rays all inhabit the reefs here, along with a confetti of tiny red and yellow fish. Ras Mohammed National Park, which waits on a peninsular nearby, is renowned for having some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Back on land, explore lively Na’ama Bay, where humming restaurants, cafes and shisha bars are filled with holidaymakers. The bay’s golden beach is the original heart of Sharm El Sheikh’s tourism resort, and you can camp out here in a prime spot or settle into the luxury of a resort’s private sands. Encounter the massive El Mustafa Mosque with its marvellous domes and minaret rocketing up into the blue sky, impelling worshippers to pray. Wade into the market, to enjoy the challenge of securing a bargain - haggling is an essential part of the local culture here. Or, get your thrills by roaring across rolling biblical desert scenery, whipping up a wave of fine sand in your wake, as you storm the landscape in a 4X4.

Day 11    Aqaba (Petra), Jordan