Join the Crystal Esprit for this lovely 12-day cruise. Situated at the top of its namesake gulf, Aqaba brings a refreshing release from the rose-colored desert to the north. As you sail on, visit Eilat that is a booming resort town – greened by palm trees and dotted with pools. On the Red Sea coast, there is a small city of Safaga that does not only offer beautiful beaches and glorious weather but also serves as the gateway to the fascinating Luxor. Moving forward, see the strategic trading site of the city of Suez. Transit through the Suez Canal, check on the “beautiful coast” Haifa and see the historic gems of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Having your last stop at the palm-lined promenade filled with seafood eateries and spots for coffee or cocktails in Larnaca is a perfect way to cap off your cruise.
Highlights
Explore the wonders of the Wadi Rum at Petra
Visit the biblical theme park called Kings City
Discover underground mausoleums of pharaons such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II
View the exceptional Suez Canal as you continue your trip
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Situated at the top of its namesake gulf, Aqaba brings a refreshing release from the rose-colored desert to the north. Its sandy beaches and coral reefs are the most pristine on the Red Sea, and Jordanians hope to preserve them through careful planning. Beyond the modernity of Aqaba itself, the UNESCO treasure of Petra – an ancient rock-carved Nabataean city once lost to the Western world – and the wonders of the Wadi Rum await discovery.
A favorite destination for Israeli families seeking a waterside escape, Eilat is a booming resort town – greened by palm trees and dotted with pools, it has an average of 360 sunny days a year and warm water temperatures. You’ll find some of the world’s best diving here, for experts and novices alike. Eilat is also renowned for birdwatching, camel riding, and visits to the biblical theme park called Kings City or Timna Valley Park, home to the world’s oldest copper mines.
On the Red Sea coast, this small city offers beautiful beaches and glorious weather, even snorkeling and diving among the offshore reefs. More intriguingly, it serves as the gateway to Luxor on the west bank of the Nile River, where the Valley of the Kings reveals the elaborate tombs and underground mausoleums of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II.
Dating back to the Sixth Dynasty of ancient Egypt (2345-2181 BC), when it was used to protect eastern Egypt from invasions, the city of Suez has long been a strategic trading site. Located at the head of the Gulf of Suez, and at the southern entrance of the Suez Canal since its opening in 1869, modern Suez remains a naval and trade center, linked to Cairo some 80 miles west, where the Grand Egyptian Museum is slated to open in 2020. A call here serves as a gateway to the Pyramids of Giza, too.
Separating the continents of Africa and Asia, while connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of a bygone era. Completed in 1869 and requiring no locks, the 120 miles of this sea-level passage offer travelers a kaleidoscope of contrasting vistas. As you glide through quiet waters, marvel at the lush greenery of the Nile Delta to the west and the sculpted desert landscape of the Sinai Peninsula to the east.
Hebrew for “beautiful coast,” Haifa has been a mecca for the faithful of all kinds for millennia. Its slopes of Mount Carmel, UNESCO-listed Acre, and glittering coastline are all impressive, and it is also an ideal starting point for explorations of Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee; Zippori, “City of Mosaics”; and the lively cosmopolitan delights of Tel Aviv.
A tidy planned community built on golden dunes, Ashdod is southern Israel's only Mediterranean harbor. Yet this new city has fabulously ancient roots: Ashdod is mentioned in the Old Testament, and archaeologists have found ruins almost 4,000 years old. This is the doorway to the historic treasures of Jerusalem, and the worldly pleasures of Tel Aviv.
The pulse of Larnaca is found around the palm-lined promenade, filled with seafood eateries and spots for coffee or cocktails. Its 6,000 years of offers much for history buffs, like the medieval fort and the Church of the biblical Saint Lazarus. The Zenobia shipwreck is among the many popular diving sites here, while the world’s last divided capital, Nicosia is a fascinating land journey.
Day 12: Larnaca, Cyprus
1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at the port in Larnaca, Cyprus.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Solo Supplement: A select number of cabins are available for single use. The single supplement varies by cabin type, please contact us for details. Child Discount: Children age 11 or under receive 50% off when sharing a cabin with two full paying guests. Children, regardless of age pay full rate in a double occupancy cabin.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
11 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Complimentary Wi-Fi Access
All-suite, butler-serviced accommodations
All gratuities, shipboard and shoreside
The Pantry: 24-hour self-service venue offering specialty coffees, teas, wines and nonalcoholic beverages
Complimentary airport transfers between the airport and the river ship on days of embarkation and disembarkation
Complimentary marina and water sports equipment including a wide variety of aquatic toys (water skis, wakeboards, kayaks, jet skis, snorkeling equipment) based on destination's local rules and regulations and the discretion of the Captain due to weather and sea conditions
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Crystal Esprit's submersible equipment
Massage, spa services or hair styling for which separate charges may be imposed.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.