Silversea Luxury Cruises A SHARM EL SHEIK

This half-day tour offers the opportunity to explore the mangrove and desert areas surrounding Sharm-el-Sheikh. In addition, catch a glimpse at Bedouin life and the natural beauty of the desert while cruising by jeep.

Depart from the port in an air-conditioned, Land Cruiser jeep (or similar), and head toward the mangrove forest of Nabak National Park. En route, pass Na'ama Bay and Shark Bay, home to numerous resort hotels, the Sharm Airport and the residential Nabak area.

Take a drive through the mangrove forest and discover the make-up of this unique ecosystem. Next, a brief visit to the small, but interesting Nabak Museum acquaints you with exhibits pertaining to the area.

Continue with the drive to Wadi Kharayza, a mountain area with good photo opportunities. Then, proceed to Wadi Mandar and stop at a Bedouin camp. Local hospitality dictates that a cup of tea is offered to visitors. Step into the tent of a Bedouin family and enjoy tea and typical bread prepared over a wood fire. Optionally, you may wish to climb on the back of one of the camels for a memorable photo. A small token ($1.00 USD at time if printing) is to be paid directly to the camel's owner.

The return drive to Sharm-el-Sheikh is through the desert and the coastal area.

Catch a glimpse of the Red Sea's colourful marine life without getting wet. A transfer bus brings you to the Na'am Bay resort area, where the glass bottom boat waits for you to board.

During this cruise, enjoy viewing a variety of tropical fish that make their habitat between the coral. The boat has two decks; the lower one features a transparent bottom for easy viewing, while the upper deck provides good opportunities for taking photographs. Refreshments are served during the cruise.

At the conclusion of your one and a half hour cruise, the transfer coach awaits to drive you back to the port.

Relax and unwind on one of Sharm El Sheihk's biggest and most beautiful beaches during this scenic, half-day excursion to your deluxe local resort.

Depart the pier for the short transfer to the delux local resort on Naema Bay, the center of town and most popular location in Sharm El Sheikh. Upon arrival, you can sunbathe on the beach, swim in the inviting waters and stroll the beach. Several departure times enable you to return to the ship for lunch, or spend your time at the resort. Optional food, beverages and rental of water sports equipment are available at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the brief transfer back to the pier.

Explore the highlights of Sharm El Sheik city which lies near the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Straits of Tiran meet the Gulf of Aqaba

Depart the pier for the short drive to Um El Sid Hill Lighthouse. Enjoy a brief photo stop which offers fantastic panoramic views of Sharm El Sheikh bay, the mountains and Resorts.

Neama Bay & Free Time

Your next stop is Neama bay which is considered the main hub for tourists in the city and famous for its restaurants, resorts and shops. Enjoy some free time for exploration and shopping.

El Mustafa Mosque & Heavenly Cathedral

Your next visit includes one of the most important religious sites in the City known as El Mustafa mosque which is famous for its unique style inside and out. With a stunning marble façade, impressive dome and towering minarets the stunning architecture is sure to please.

Next, visit the Heavenly Cathedral; Sharm's newest and biggest church with its impressive frescos and religious murals of Biblical scenes such as the Creation and the Exodus.

Old City Market & El Sahaba Mosque

Your final stop is the culturally rich old market city where you will enjoy some free time and a chance to visit El Sahaba mosque which is a new must-see site and has quickly become a landmark of the city.

Discover the exotic marine world the Red Sea is famous for on this half-day, underwater adventure.

Departing the pier, a short bus transfer takes you to a resort area, where the motorboat awaits to cruise north of Na'ama Bay to an area known for its great snorkeling opportunities. From the boat, enter the crystalline waters to swim and snorkel among the colored fish and coral.

A qualified instructor accompanies you, providing information and assistance, and directs the boat to the best spots for snorkelling and observing the beautiful marine life. You may wish to wear a shirt while snorkelling, to offer both sun protection and warmth, as the Red Sea can be cool. Bring a shirt to change into afterwards. Bottled water and soft drinks are provided during the cruise.

Upon your return to Na'ama Bay, board the transfer vehicle and return to the ship.

Explore Sharm-el-Sheikh at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sharm-el-Sheikh at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sharm-el-Sheikh at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sharm-el-Sheikh at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Following an early departure, your excursion begins with a 135-mile (216-kilometre) journey inland through rugged desert toward the foothills of Mount Sinai, site of St. Catherine's Monastery. This Greek Orthodox holy place is the oldest Christian monastery in the world, with ties going back to the prophet Moses and the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.

St. Catherine's Monastery

The monastic order was founded in the 4th century AD by the Byzantine empress Helena, who had a small chapel built next to what is believed to be the Burning Bush from which God spoke to Moses. The chapel is dedicated to St. Catherine, the legendary martyr of Alexandria. According to legend, her body was transported by angels to an area just south of Mount Sinai, where it was found some 300 years later by monks from the monastery. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian ordered the building of a fortress, including a basilica and a monastery to serve as a refuge for the monks of St. Catherine's.

Today, the monastery is still in use and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks. Despite its remote location, the monastery attracts a great number of visitors and pilgrims. Its attractive scenic location is in itself a highlight. Until a road was built, the only way to enter the monastery was by being hauled up the steep walls in a basket. The guided tour of the monastic complex includes viewing what is believed to be Moses' Burning Bush and visits to the chapel to admire a collection of icons and jeweled crosses, as well as to the Library Museum which contains an impressive collection of precious icons and manuscripts.

Leaving the monastery, re-join the coach and commence the return journey to Sharm-el-Sheikh.