Ancient Wonders - Aqaba to Athens via the Suez Canal: 13 days Aqaba to Athens (Piraeus)

Welcome to Jordan and the picturesque city of Aqaba. Located on the southern tip of Jordan overlooking the Red Sea.

Please book your flight to arrive into Aqaba prior to 07:00 PM.

Aqaba is popular for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs and rich history dating back thousands of years, evident in several archaeological sites. Aqaba also serves as a gateway to the ancient city of Petra and Wadi Rum, a UNESCO-protected desert wilderness.

Located on the southern shores of the Sinai Peninsula where the desert meets the sea, this Egyptian resort city attracts visitors from around the world for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs – an idyllic destination particularly for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Sharm El-Sheikh is also home to several cultural and historical sites, including the Old Market that is steeped in tradition and the stunning desert landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula.

Positioned on the western shores of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez, Ain Sokhna presents a charming seaside town. As it is only located two hours from the historic Egyptian capital, Cairo, Ain Sokhna is a base for visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the stupendous, ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.’

Today, you’ll navigate through the historic Suez Canal before reaching Israel and your next port of call, Ashdod. Constructed by Ferdinand de Lesseps and completed in 1869, this incredible man-made waterway carves through 162 kilometres (100-miles) of desert, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and facilitating global trade and maritime transport.

Your next stop is Haifa, a bustling port city and cultural hub that offers stunning seaside views and a vibrant urban life. A notable landmark is Mount Carmel, a coastal mountain range that creates an impressive city backdrop. Perched atop Mount Carmel, you'll find the Shrine of the Bab, a majestic golden-domed structure surrounded by the Baha'i Gardens, known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa.

Delight in a second day in Haifa, giving you the chance to further uncover the charms of Israel’s third-largest city; whether strolling through lush gardens, savouring delicious local flavours, or setting out to explore the wonders of northern Israel.

Welcome to the beautiful island of Cyprus and Limassol, a city known for its rich culture and welcoming with a fascinating blend of Greek, Turkish, and British influences. Just south of Limassol, the Akrotiri Salt Lake and Wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers, especially in winter when flocks of flamingos congregate here.

Today, discover the resort city of Antalya. With its mesmerising landscapes of dense forests, mountains and sun-soaked beaches lapped by the azure Mediterranean Sea, Antalya makes a perfect paradise for nature lovers. History buffs will also be fascinated by this Turkish city’s rich history, which reveals itself in its well-preserved Old Town, Kaleiçi. Here, Roman-era harbour walls, Hellenistic gates, and Ottoman-era houses pay homage to the city's storied past.

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 (two-mile) length of walls, the city’s medieval buildings, the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master give you a sense of being transported back to the Middle Ages. Known as the ‘Island of Knights,’ delightful Rhodes is also famed for its delicious local dishes — be sure to try  melekouni (a traditional sweet) and pitaroudia (chickpea fritters).

Stretching from Turkey’s southwest coast into the Aegean Sea, the stunning twin bays of Bodrum are home to one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World,’ the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, built between 350 and 353 B.C. for the ruler, Mausolus. While Bodrum boasts a rich history, the city itself is a modern playground for Turkish and foreign visitors alike, presenting two contrasting sides in the east and west.

A stunning Greek island embedded in the azure Aegean Sea, Mykonos is world-famous for its captivating blend of traditional Greek culture and cosmopolitan flair. Take a stroll through the winding narrow streets of atmospheric Mykonos Town, where you can admire the trademark whitewashed dwellings adorned with distinctive blue doors and visit the historic windmills, another iconic sight on this popular island.

Your grand adventure and luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the dynamic Greek capital, Athens, the birthplace of democracy and Western civilisation.  Farewell your crew and fellow travellers, taking with you a lifetime of memories. You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or continuation of your journey.

Please book your flight to depart out of Athens after 01:00 PM.

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.