Nature and culture intertwine seamlessly on this journey through the Red Sea and Jordan. Begin your adventure in Egypt, spending six full days exploring one of the world’s top destinations for underwater enthusiasts, the Red Sea. Then set off into the desert landscapes of Jordan. Tour the “Lost City” of Petra, witness the undulating sands of Wadi Rum, and float in the therapeutic waters of the legendary Dead Sea.
Three moments you’ll never forget
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Day 1
Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to the Fairmont Nile City Hotel. This evening, gather with fellow travelers and your Expedition Leaders Rich and Kristin for welcome drinks and dinner.
Day 2
Marsa Alam / Embark the Emperor Elite
After breakfast, return to the airport to board our flight for Marsa Alam. Board the Emperor Elite in time for lunch and set sail.
Day 3 – 8
Red Sea Snorkeling
Over six full days, snorkel these incredible waters searching for large pelagics, like the manta ray and green turtles; fascinating macro species, like colorful nudibranchs and comical clownfish; and everything in between. You may experience the following locations.
SATAYA REEF Also known as Dolphin House, Sataya is a large half-moon shaped coral reef that forms a shallow, sheltered lagoon which serves as a haven for large pods of spinner dolphins.
ABU DABBAB This protected u-shaped bay is ringed by a fringing reef the on its northern and southern sides. In addition to the colorful coral reef, here you may find giant sea turtles and, with luck, the famous Red Sea dugong.
ABU GALAWA SORAYA Explore a fantastic coral garden with a healthy population of anemones and clownfish. Nearby is the wreck of a private sail boat where manta rays and glassfish can be found.
GOTA KEBIR. This massive reef is famous for its tunnels and south plateau, where jacks and barracudas can be seen along with the occasional manta ray.
GOTA SORAYA Possibly one of the most impressive drop offs in the Red Sea, this wall has numerous overhangs and cracks in the reef wall, which are populated by an abundance of corals, glassfish and sweepers.
Day 9
Disembark / Amman, Jordan
Disembark Emperor Elite in Marsa Alam after breakfast and board our flight to Cairo. Connect with our flight to Amman and check in to the Amman Marriott for dinner and overnight.
Day 10
Mount Nebo / Petra
Today, journey along the 5,000-year-old Kings Highway. Visit the most revered site in Jordan: Mount Nebo, the memorial of Moses and presumed site of the prophet's death and burial. Continue to Petra and check in to the Petra Marriott Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 11
Petra
Spend the day exploring the wonders for Petra. In a dramatic approach, enter the Siq, a narrow chasm between 600-foot-high rock walls, which opens into the ancient city. Attend a hands-on cooking class at Petra Kitchen and enjoy what you have prepared for dinner.
Day 12
Little Petra / Wadi Rum
After breakfast, depart overland for Siq Al-Barid, also known as 'Little Petra.' After lunch, hop in a Jeep for a ride through the majestic valley of Wadi Rum. Check in to the Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel, where dreamy, pod-like tents will be our home out in the barren landscape.
Day 13
Wadi Rum
This morning, take a hot-air balloon ride above a moonscape terrain of ancient riverbeds, wind-sculpted mountains, vast desert vistas and smooth, pastel-colored sands. Explore the desert further by camel back before sitting down for lunch. This afternoon is at your leisure.
DAY 14
Dead Sea
After breakfast, transfer to Dead Sea and check into the Dead Sea Marriott Resort and Spa. Enjoy ample time to take a dip in the legendary waters of the Dead Sea, relax with a cold drink by the pool, or book an indulgent spa treatment. Then enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 15
Amman / Depart
After breakfast, transfer to Amman to catch your independent homeward flight.
Optional pre-extension: siwa oasis
7 days
Perched on the edge of the Great Sand Sea in the western desert of Egypt and set against a backdrop of jagged sandstone hills, Siwa Oasis boasts over 200 free-flowing freshwater springs that support hundreds of thousands of olive trees, date palms and other fruit trees. The people who have lived in this isolated settlement over the centuries have developed a culture unique to Egypt and a distinct language called Siwi.
Departure
The trip starts in Cairo, Egypt and ends in Amman, Jordan
“There’s something magical about the contrasting interface between desert and the sea. This exciting expedition to Egypt and Jordan is extremely diverse in its offerings, full of history, landscapes, and the diverse marine life of the Red Sea.”
— rich pagen
“It is difficult to contain my excitement about this expedition! From one of the most spectacular snorkeling destinations in the world, across sweeping desert landscapes, through the valley of Wadi Rum amid rugged canyons & sandstone cliffs and to the lost city of Petra. WOW!”
— KRISTIN WORNSON
7 nights onboard Emperor Elite
The perfect home for underwater exploration
Having been voted the world’s best liveaboard in 2020, this 38-meter custom-designed boat is our comfortable home for six full days of exploration of the Red Sea.
12 cabins for 22 passengers | All cabins include independent air conditioning and ensuite facilities
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PRICING
Standard cabins
Per Person: $7,990
Single Supplement: $1,990
Premium cabins
Per Person: $8,290
Single Supplement: $2,140
Jr Suite
Per Person: $8,490
Executive Suite
Per Person: $8,990
Pre-Extension
Per Person: $5,990
Single Supplement: $1,490
What’s Included
Seven nights onboard the Emperor Elite
Seven nights hotel accommodation (13 nights with pre-extension)
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
All excursions, transportation and local guides
Park fees, taxes, gratuities and tips
Internal flights and airport transfers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
