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The Red Land - Kingdoms and Pharaohs Itinerary
Day 1 - Hurghada - Embarkation
Begin your journey at the beach resort town of Hurghada. Lying along the Red Sea, it boasts long stretches of sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters that make it one of Egypt's most popular tourist destinations. After taking a private transfer to the ship, you’ll be welcomed aboard where you can enjoy our signature cocktail at check-in and meet your fellow passengers, prior to the customary introduction and safety session. Get settled in your cabin and feel free to explore the facilities on the Elysium, as we sail toward Sharm El Seikh overnighting at sea.
Day 2 - Sharm El Sheik
We'll reach Sharm El Sheik early this morning. This resort town with a name that translates to the "City of Peace" is another fabulous resort town with idyllic sandy beaches that edge strikingly clear turquoise waters home to vibrant coral reefs. There are multiple optional excursions available here, including a dive at Ras Mohamed National Park, renowned for offering some of the best diving in the Red Sea, with vertical overhangs of at least 328 feet deep. A jeep safari is possible too, as is a history and culture tour through the city that includes the chance to shop at the Old Market.
Day 3 - Aqaba
Arriving at Aqaba in Jordan this morning, here you can spend the day relaxing on the pristine beaches, soaking up the sun while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere for quiet contemplation. Optional excursions that can take you to Petra and Wadi Rum are available. The remarkable city of Petra, carved out of sandstone cliffs during the 1st century BC, is less than a two-hour drive away. Lost to time until 1812, it was occupied over 9,000 years ago and includes hundreds of tombs, houses, temples, altars, obelisks, and a theater. Wadi Rum is famous for its association with T.E. Lawrence, the original "Lawrence of Arabia."
Day 4 - Aqaba - At Sea
As our departure is in the early afternoon, you might enjoy the morning taking advantage of the beaches and swimming in the enticing blue waters. If you're interested in the history of the region, visit the 16th- century Mamluk Castle and then head to the nearby Aqaba Archaeological Museum, which provides the best introduction to Aqaba's intriguing past. It displays an impressive collection of Bronze Age artifacts that date back to 4000 BC, including the medieval Fatimid coins. Once everyone is back onboard, we'll depart for Duba, overnighting at sea. This is a perfect time to enjoy the ship's jacuzzi and perhaps a sunset wellness session.
Day 5 - Duba
We'll arrive at Duba in the early afternoon. Known as the "Pearl of the Red Sea," this picturesque Saudi Arabian port city is renowned for its delicious coastal cuisine and its stunning harbor, protected by hills on three sides. There are optional tours to consider too. If you want to get to know Duba more in-depth, join a city tour. It's a great way to get local insight into the city and visit landmarks like King Abdulaziz Fort, with its mud-brick walls and well-preserved remnants. Or visit Al Wajh, known for its stunning mosques. It also houses a historic fortress/castle that's been fully restored and now serves as a museum chronicling the city's history. Neom is the other possibility - the futuristic planned smart city will be made up of multiple cities covering 10,200 square miles. While it's not expected to be completed until 2030, visitors can get a fascinating glimpse of the massive project in process.
Day 6 - Duba - At Sea
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Duba as the ship will depart this afternoon for Hurghada. This is a good time to enjoy the beautiful beaches or get out and do some exploring. The Duba Fish Market is a great place to experience an authentic Arabian fish market with a lively vibe and views of the Dub Gulf. If you haven't visited the fort, you might want to do that as it's the No. 1 attraction in the city. After everyone has returned to the ship we'll start cruising to Hurghada, providing a perfect time to soak up the sun while surrounded by the magnificent scenery.
Day 7 - Hurghada
Returning to Hurghada this afternoon, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. As one of the best towns in Egypt for soaking up the sun on a sandy beach or taking part in water sports. If you've always wanted to learn to dive, this is a great place to do it with multiple dive schools here. Or just take advantage of the crystal-clear water for some memorable snorkeling. Those who want to pick up last-minute souvenirs or gifts will find plenty of shops too. Or enjoy the facilities on the ship. It's all up to you, as we'll overnight here with disembarkation tomorrow.
Day 8 - Hurghada - Disembarkation
After a week of exploring the beautiful Red Sea, your cruise will soon come to an end. Enjoy one last breakfast onboard and then say your farewells to the captain, crew, and new friends made, with disembarkation between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Why not extend your holiday with a week in the fabulous resort of Hurghada, please ask us for more details.
Please note itineraries are subject to change dependent on weather conditions, difficulties at docking or unforeseen circumstances. This decision will be solely made by the captain based on the safety of the passengers, the crew and the ship.