Egypt Cruise from Cairo to Jeddah — 11 Days

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is a city of contrasts, where the Nile, medieval lanes and modern boulevards shape daily life. At Giza, the pyramids and Sphinx stand just beyond the urban sprawl. In the historic centre, the Citadel, mosques and Khan el-Khalili reveal centuries of trade and faith. Allow time for traffic, and choose one or two landmarks rather than rushing between them. A guided visit can bring Egypt’s ancient history into sharper focus.

Sokhna, Egypt

Set on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez, Sokhna Port is Egypt’s Red Sea gateway to Cairo. The capital lies about 120 kilometres away. A day trip can take you to the pyramids of Giza and Cairo’s historic quarters, but expect a substantial drive. Nearer the port, Ain Sokhna pairs desert mountains with Red Sea beaches. The port also sits close to the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

• Land Tour (Land Tour)

At Sea (At Sea)

Aqaba, Jordan

Jordan’s only seaport, Aqaba opens onto the Red Sea and its coral reefs. It also sits within reach of Petra’s carved façades and Wadi Rum’s sandstone valleys. Snorkel or dive among vivid marine life, then return to explore the Ottoman-era fort and waterfront souks. A compact centre makes it easy to combine a waterfront stroll with the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, beside the fort.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

At Sinai’s southern tip, Sharm el-Sheikh sets the Red Sea against a spare landscape of mountains and desert. Its clear waters and coral gardens draw divers and snorkelers, with Ras Mohammed National Park among the region’s marine reserves. Naama Bay has cafés and shops; the Old Market offers spices, produce, and a glimpse of everyday local trade. Beyond the resorts, a drive into the Sinai interior reveals rugged peaks and broad desert horizons.

Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada’s Red Sea is the main event, with clear water, coral reefs and excellent diving. Desert excursions trade the coastline for Bedouin camps and the broad terrain of Egypt’s Eastern Desert. Back in town, explore El Dahar’s markets or stroll the Hurghada Marina, where cafés and restaurants overlook the harbor. Bring swimwear: much of the city’s appeal begins beneath the surface.

Safaga, Egypt

Safaga is a working Red Sea port, with little to detain you at the quayside. Its value is access to Luxor, roughly 220 kilometres inland. At Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut’s temple, ancient Thebes becomes tangible. Prefer the coast? Safaga’s clear waters invite diving and snorkelling, while steady winds attract water-sports enthusiasts. Choose your day before leaving the ship; long road journeys make improvisation costly.

At Sea (At Sea)

Yanbu Al-Bahr

Yanbu brings the Red Sea within reach of Saudi Arabia’s historic heartland. Once a port on the route to Medina, the coastal city pairs maritime heritage with a modern waterfront. Explore Yanbu Al-Balad, where coral-stone houses and narrow lanes recall its trading past. Then take a boat to clear, reef-lined waters prized for snorkeling and diving, or follow the coast at sunset.

Jeddah

Jeddah meets the Red Sea with the confidence of a city built on trade. Beyond its modern waterfront, Al-Balad preserves coral-stone merchants’ houses and narrow lanes shaped by centuries of commerce. Look for carved wooden balconies, lively souks and the old city’s UNESCO-listed architecture. This is a Red Sea port with a past still visible at street level.