Ancient Trade Routes Voyage

Athens has quite a reputation to live up to. Named for Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, the city is credited with being the cradle of European civilization and birthplace of democracy. Ruins and relics of its glory days are scattered throughout the modern city, popping up where you least expect them. Its crowning glory is the Acropolis, perched atop a hillside, and covered in carved and columned temples of varying degrees of antiquity. Not quite so old is the Plaka, an appealing neighborhood for a stroll down cobblestone streets, past old mansions and a plethora of outdoor tavernas ideal for watching the world go by, while munching tasty Greek snacks.

Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and its largest seaport. Known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean," it's found by many to have an atmosphere and culture that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. In ancient times, Alexandria was the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt; today, its a city synonymous with commerce and sophistication.

On the northern end of the Suez Canal, this vital port city of aged houses and grand balconies is a gateway to Cairo, Giza plateau and the unparalleled wonders of ancient civilization: the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Nile River, the "Hanging Church," Al-Azhar Mosque and the Citadel.

Ain Sokhna is a town in the Suez Governorate, lying on the western shore of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez. It is situated 55 kilometres south of Suez and approximately 120 kilometres east of Cairo.

While Safaga has its share of charms, including renowned healing properties of the mineral rich waters of the Red Sea, nearby Luxor is where the main attractions lie. Known as “the world’s greatest open air museum”, the monuments, temples, and tombs found in Luxor are amongst the most impressive in the world.

The warm, tranquil waters of the Red Sea are perfect for the growth of corals, and the masses of brilliantly colored fish that live amongst them, making Aqaba a prime attraction for snorkelers and divers. Inland is a vast desert of stark beauty that entranced Lawrence of Arabia when he headquartered in its empty canyons during WWI.

Eilat is a desert resort on the shores of the Red Sea, where temperate gulf waters nourish an astonishing variety of fish and corals, and a surprising number of ways to observe them. The snorkeling and diving are outstanding, but for those who prefer to remain dry there are glass bottom boats, a submarine, and the Underwater Observatory. A group of free-wheeling dolphins hangs out on an offshore reef; observe their antics, or jump in and join them.

An important trading port between East and West since the first century, Muscat's influence once extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. While much of the city’s construction is new, it all displays traditional Arabic stylistic elements, creating a handsome and cohesive whole that incorporates a rich history. Two seemingly invincible mountainside forts from the 1500s flank the palace of the sultan, though today they are both museums. A major highlight is the Muttrah Souq, Muscat's oldest market. Colorful and bustling, it is a fascinating place to browse, as well as to bargain for exotic spices, traditional handicrafts, or gold and frankincense.

Dubai can already be mistaken for a movie set featuring a futuristic metropolis, and there are big plans still in the works. In the middle of the desert where almost nothing existed 20 years ago, there are so many building projects that foreign construction crews vastly outnumber citizens. Everything is the biggest, tallest, and the first of its kind, including manmade islands shaped like palm trees and the world’s first underwater hotel. It’s a striking collection of styles, including modern interpretations of Islamic architecture. If the planet’s largest shopping mall doesn’t appeal, traditional souks do still exist, including a gold souk housing over 200 retail shops.