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September 22, 2023

Swan Hellenic is all set to embark on a memorable 12-day journey to explore the Red Sea and the marvelous landscapes that surround it, promising a truly unique cruise experience.

On October 3, 2023, the SH Diana will depart from the port of Limassol on the island of Cyprus, make a stop in the Egyptian Mediterranean city of Port Said, before spending the day cruising through the Suez Canal en route to the Red Sea. During this marvelous voyage, guests will be enchanted by the beauty of the dives, the intriguing ports of Sharm El-Sheikh, Aqaba, and Safaga, and inland excursions to ancient places like Cairo, Luxor, and Petra. The cruise will conclude in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Let’s delve into the wonderful stops of this journey in detail.

LIMASSOL

It is the second-largest city on the island of Cyprus, decidedly cosmopolitan, with new and modern buildings on the waterfront blending seamlessly with the contrast provided by the old city. Here, you can truly explore everything: from the castle to the beautiful beaches, all the way to the waterfront brimming with local restaurants and cafes for a day of fun or total relaxation.

PORT SAID

Port Said hosts many splendid buildings, including the Military Museum, a popular destination for tourists. The port is also the perfect starting point to explore Cairo, where you’ll find the Egyptian Museum, housing around 120,000 artifacts dating back to the time of the pharaohs, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.

SUEZ CANAL

On the fourth day of the cruise, you’ll sail along the Suez Canal, covering 101 miles. It is the artificial waterway connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Guests will experience one of the most thrilling maritime experiences globally, as it feels like gliding through the heart of the desert at sea level.

SHARM EL SHEIKH

A highly famous and touristic destination, beloved for exploring its crystal-clear waters and the breathtaking coral reef, a true spectacle of nature. Another notable feature is the excursion to Mount Sinai, a visit to the Monastery of Saint Catherine, and the Chapel of the Burning Bush.

AQABA

The only port city in Jordan. From here, you can visit the city of Petra, where you’ll find architecturally stunning treasures, partly built and partly carved. Aqaba is also renowned for diving among the coral reef of Yamanieh in the Aqaba Marine Park.

SAFAGA

Very famous for both diving and water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing. Inland, you can go camel riding or take a jeep safari. The city is also well-positioned to reach the fascinating Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak in Luxor. This vast temple complex contains the world’s largest religious buildings.

YANBU

Famous for its pristine beaches and extraordinary diving sites. The Corniche waterfront is renowned for its tree-lined avenues and breathtaking views of the Red Sea, while the historic center hosts numerous traditional buildings, including mosques, souks, and hammams. Inland, you can venture into the ancient city of Medina, home to the Mosque housing the tomb of Muhammad. In Yanbu, you can also admire the wonderful Ras Al Baradi beach.

JEDDAH

This city is a blend of old and new, from the floating mosque Al Rahma to a 30-kilometer-long waterfront lined with restaurants, cafes, and sculptures. Al Balad, Jeddah’s old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 7th century. In this unique city, you can also find the Jeddah Tower, which, once completed, will be the world’s first one-kilometer-tall building.

This itinerary is truly a plunge into centuries of history, ancient monuments, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes, gifted by both the Red Sea and the inland. An explosive mix for those who desire to travel aboard a ship like SH Diana with top-notch service, visiting places that culturally have so much to offer. The perfect cruise for those who love tranquility, relaxation, but also the desire to learn, explore, and discover.

Discover all the details about Swan Hellenic and don’t miss the updates, news, and reviews of Swan Hellenic on Cruising Journal.

Valentina Rigamonti

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