Incredible Red Sea Diving & Tour of Ancient Egypt

Trip Highlights

Diving St. John’s Reef, Luxor & Karnak Temples, Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Felucca ride in Aswan, Philae temple, Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Mohamed Ali Mosque

More Details

One of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, the Red Sea has long been known as a superb dive destination. Recreational diving was pioneered here by the legendary Jacques Cousteau in the 1950’s, and to this day divers are attracted to the many fascinating sites.  Whether it’s the Tiran Reefs, Ras Mohamed National Park or the “SS Thistlegorm” in the north, the Brothers Islands in the central Red Sea or Daedalus, Elphinstone and St Johns Reef in the south, the Red Sea has something for everyone.

Explore the must-see Egyptian Museum and Cairo’s colorful markets, ride a camel at the nearby pyramids; take a side trip to Luxor and be amazed by the Valley of Kings; cruise the legendary Nile to Aswan, explore the fascinating Temple complex of Abu Simbel, camp with Bedouins under the stars on the Sinai… the possibilities for a unique adventure are absolutely endless.

Sightseeing in Cairo

Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the massive Egyptian Museum is a fantastic place to learn more about the country.

Visit the splendid Mohamed Ali Mosque, the largest such structure built during the first half of the 19th century, and see for yourself how much more impressive it is close up. Next visit the Citadel, a beautiful contribution to the skyline of Cairo. Indeed, its great dome and towering minarets give the Citadel a romantic, medieval quality, almost certainly the first feature that catches one’s eyes at the fortress.

Nile cruise

In Aswan, board a local boat, known as a felucca, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on the largest of the Nile islands in this area, Elephantine Island. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.

During the Nile cruise, enjoy a visit to the Kom Ombo temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago. In addition, enjoy a visit to the Edfu Temple by horse, which is located in the middle of a bustling village. It is the most completely preserved temple in Egypt.

Wonders of Luxor

In Luxor, visit the massive 59ft (18m) high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Descend down the narrow corridors and explore the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the center of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs. Continuing the tour, you will also visit the Luxor temple, an architectural splendor located near the Nile and right in the center of downtown Luxor. It’s spectacularly lit in the evenings. Learn about the ancient art of embalming at world’s only Mummification Museum and the small, but beautifully presented, Luxor Museum.

The Birthplace of Scuba Diving

Finish your exceptional journey with a 7 night trip on the Emperor Elite liveaboard, which will take you to experience some of the best diving the Red Sea has to offer. You’ll can choose which liveaboard itinerary you wish to participate in, but be warned, you will be spoiled for choice.

Fury Shoals dive sites will spoil even a seasoned diver with the assortment of marine life and underwater topography. Astounding walls and white tip reef sharks, Oceanic white tips and silky sharks are common sights to see. Constant currents flow all year long attracting visitors such as; hammerheads, grey reef sharks as well as Manta Rays, turtles and dolphins.

St Johns is a vast collection of small reefs offering some of the most remote and rewarding diving in the Red Sea. This incredibly beautiful reef lies a short distance north of the Sudanese border. The reef covers a huge area and many dives would be needed to explore the numerous coral heads and islands. Soft corals teaming with shoals of snappers, butterfly fish and barracudas can often be seen.

The Brothers Islands are the pinnacles of two undersea mountains rising from the depths of the abyss. Part of the Marine Park Islands National Park, these islands offer stunning wall diving, with the walls being covered in soft corals and forests of gorgonians, creating a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colors.

Be sure your itinerary includes a visit the most famous wreck of the Red Sea, the SS Thistlegorm! An awe-inspiring World War II British vessel with a cargo full of weapons, Bedford trucks and BSA motorbikes, which were all destined for the British troops in North Africa.

What is Included

• Domestic airfare Cairo-Hurghada one way
• Domestic airfare Luxor-Cairo one way
• 7 nights’ accommodation aboard Emperor Elite liveaboard with all meals and snacks
• Up to 5 dives per day in the Red Sea
• 3 nights/4 day Nile cruise on M/S Royal Ruby or similar on full board basis, sailing from Aswan to Luxor
• Luxor, Aswan and Cairo sightseeing
• English speaking Egyptologist guide
• 2 nights Cairo accommodation at Movenpick Pyramids with breakfast
• 2 nights Cairo accommodation at Concorde El Salam with breakfast
• All required transfers

What Else You Need to Know

An alternate liveaboard option with Emperor Divers is the Emperor Superior, departing Fridays from Hurghada or Port Ghalib.

Not included:

• International airfare
• Entry Visa
• Arrival and departure taxes
• Dive and travel insurance
• Rental equipment
• Nitrox fills
• Increases in entrance fees, gasoline fares, taxes or anything that will be implemented by government later on
• Gratuities and personal purchases

Rates are subject to change without notice. Please inquire about assistance with airfare. A liability waiver form will be required to sign, either prior to departure, or on location. A valid dive certification card issued by an internationally recognized scuba diving association needs to be presented on location.

Non Divers

Liveaboard portion not recommended