15 Nights Cruise From Dubai To Istanbul 2015

As one of the Middle East's oldest cities - dating back to the 2nd century AD, it's hard to believe that Muscat has been open to tourists for only a few decades. But seeing is believing! From the beautifully manicured parks and long, unspoiled stretches of beach to the stone moat that still surrounds the area, it is clear that Oman's monarchy has worked hard to protect the rich history and small, safe neighborhood feel of its capital city.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

Salalah, Oman offers an incredible history that no other city on the Arabian Sea can boast. Marco Polo stopped here in the 13th century as it was, and still is, one of the leading producers of frankincense in the Middle East. Salalah incorporates modernity with its ancient past in the most harmonious way, resulting in a truly mesmerizing city where ancient ruins and towering skyscrapers blend in as one.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

At it's opening in 1869, the Suez Canal was the first salt-water passage between the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Without it, a cargo ship sailing from Italy to Singapore would have to go around the southern tip of Africa, doubling the travel time and distance. The canal is 103 miles long and about 8% of the world's sea trade goes through it. Bordered by long lines of golden sand, the voyage down is both majestic and peaceful. The width of the canal is just over 300 yards across, which is just enough space for your ship to get you from one exciting destination to the next!

 

Sacred to three of the world's major religions, Jerusalem is one of the world's oldest cities, with a history dating back to 4000 BC. Gaze at the Western Wall, which is all that's left of the fabled Second Temple, or watch the sunlight bounce off the golden-roofed Dome of the Rock or the shimmering silver al-Aqsa Mosque.

 

This spectacular city rises dramatically from the Mediterranean on terraced hillsides, which culminate with Mount Carmel. From that viewpoint all the world seems to lie at your feet. On a clear day you can see north all the way to the Lebanese border, as well as the snowcapped Mount Hermon to the east.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

Here on the island of Santorini, you'll find a classic Greek seascape-whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. Ride a donkey up the trail to the city of Thira or take a cable car. The views from Thira, set atop a ledge overlooking the sea, are stirring. Most ships allow just enough time here to wander the streets, admire the churches and browse the shops and cafes.

 

Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf. Other points of interest include an archaeological museum, Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy an ouzo accompanied by seafood mezedes.

 

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.

 

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.